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  Discussion on New bulge in abdomen
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Posted on Monday, Nov 5, 2001 - 9:08 am:

Our trainer's 9 y/o TWH developed a bulge in his abdomen overnight. It starts about 8" behind the point of the elbow, it is along the midline and a bit to the right, about 9" in length and 5" wide, and feels firm (like muscle). It is not overly warm or tender. It can't be pushed back in, and there are no bowel sounds near the surface. It doesn't seem to bother the horse at all, he "walked" as usual when he was ridden. The horse has no fever, is eating, drinking, defecating normally.

The vet was out and wasn't sure what it was. The trainer thinks it's an infection of some kind, but I would think the horse would be sicker if that were the case. To me it feels like muscle herniating thru the abdominal wall, although I'm not sure why this would happen. He was castrated several weeks ago, and has apparently had no problems from this. Any thoughts?

Posted on Monday, Nov 5, 2001 - 10:05 am:

Hello DrD,
This is most likely pitting edema and is probably related to the castration, there is an excess of serum production that is not draining out the incison, and gravity is pulling it down to the dependent areas of the belly. Run this by the vet and though it is not proof of unresolvable infection, I would keep a close eye on how this horse moves and his temperature.
For more on this see:
1) Equine Diseases: Skin Diseases: Diagnosing and Assessing Swellings in Horses
2) Care for Horses: Disease Prevention and Health Care: Castration in Horses
DrO
PS, Diane I did not see you were a Dr until after I had posted, you will find the article on diagnosing swellings pretty basic, Doc, but the commonly observed complications of castration might be helpful.
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