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  Discussion on Swollen ankle and lameness??
Author Message
New Member:
Hcg33

Posted on Sunday, Feb 9, 2003 - 9:40 pm:

What would be your first guess if you were presented with a 4 yr geld that came up one day with a very swollen stocked up left hind ankle with heat and severe lameness first thing out of his stall- had been ridden and sound the day prior?
This is what I found, swelling is in the ankle and pastern, and extends slighly up the middle of the leg, but not very high, has heat and is dead lame, rests that leg and prefers not to stand or walk on it. Other 3 legs were slightly stocked up, and this horse has no history of any stocking up, but was reportedly heard kicking in the stall a few times- ( but not commonly or repetitively?)
Please let me know what any of you think??
Thanks-
Member:
Oakfarm

Posted on Sunday, Feb 9, 2003 - 10:01 pm:

I would be thinking abscess in foot .Mainly because the last umpteen times I had a horse absolutely sound one day and then 3-legged lame the next (with no major incident happening the day before), the problem turned out to be an abscess.

good luck,

Lita
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Feb 10, 2003 - 6:16 am:

My first guess would be that there are too many possiblilities and a good exam is indicated. As Lita suggests a foot abscess is a common cause of lameness and swelling up the leg so I would start with careful exam of the foot.
DrO
Member:
Ldodson

Posted on Thursday, Feb 20, 2003 - 3:17 pm:

My problem is very similar, yesterday my mare was sound, today her right rear fetlock and pastern are swollen. She would be between a grade 4 and 5 in lameness. Now, I have to tell you she is due to foal April 2, 2003. She has a tendency to be late so I really don't expect the foal before the 10th. This will be her 4th foal.

In the past she has developed abscesses on her hind feet with each pregnancy. Go figure. That's why I was interested in the abcess diagnosis. My vet recomended 2 bute this am, 1 this pm, 2 in the am and 1 tomorrow night. Cold water hose 2 times today and then call him tomorrow.
My question is this, if it is an abcess, will the bute mask the pain to the point where I'll end up haveing to call on saturday or will it get worse so the bute won't help the pain. Any input will be appreciated. Lind Davis
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, Feb 21, 2003 - 8:54 am:

Probably not LInda. Pain from infection responds poorly to NSAIDs, but then again Saturday is just a day away.
DrO
Member:
Ldodson

Posted on Friday, Feb 21, 2003 - 5:49 pm:

Thanks Dr. O. She seems better today, less swelling, more movement. She might have just kicked at the mare next to her and whacked her leg good.
I don't have a problem with calling the vet out any time I think I might need him but if he comes on a Friday it's a $75.00 bill. On Saturday, $300. I live out in the boonies. So, if I think I need him, I hope I think I need him today,LOL, Linda D.
New Member:
Lucasp

Posted on Saturday, Dec 20, 2003 - 1:20 am:

i have a 7 year old retird thoroughbred(retired in early october) who reportedly sore ankles from the track who turned up lame after a 100 mile trailer ride to my home. his left front ankle is very swollen in spite of cold and heat treatments, he has been on bute several times and has also been injected with banamine. he will not bear any weight on it and actually spends a great deal of time laying down. my vet has suggested that we may have to denerve him. he is sound in his other front leg but i am really worried about him. the x-rays taken on the track before he left were negative for fracture. any ideas on what to do make him more comfortable? i hate to see him hurting. he hobbles when he walks. i do not feel any heat in the area, but he does flinch when i press on it. what could it be? would appreciate any help that you can give me. thanks,,,,,
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, Dec 20, 2003 - 8:28 am:

Carol, the aricle associated with this forum gives the diseases of the ankles along with how to diagnose them. Go to the top of the page and select Overview of Fetlock (Ankle) Lameness.
DrO
Member:
Lucasp

Posted on Sunday, Dec 21, 2003 - 1:38 am:

HI DR. O. THANKS FOR REPLYING TO MY POST. I NEED TO HAVE MY HORSE REEVALUATE BECAUSE HE IS JUST NOT GETTING ANY BETTER. HE LOST WEIGHT BUT IS SLOWLY PUTTING IT BACK ON WITH INCREASED GRAIN AND BETTER QUALITY HAY BUT HE STILL LOOKS THIN TO ME. MY VET WANTS ME TO BRING HIM IN FOR XRAYS BIT I TRULY DON'T THINK THAT HE COULD LOAD MUCH LESS TOLERATE THE TRAILER RIDE. ANY SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT I CAN DO TO GET HIM MORE COMFORTABLE? HIS ANKLE IS NOT GETTING ANY BETTER IN SPITE OF WHAT I AM DOING AND I AM AFRAID THAT IT IS AFFECTING HIS OVERALL HEALTH. I GIVE HIM DAILY GLUCOSAMINE, CHONDrOITIN, VITAMIN C, AND OTHER MINEERALS. HE ALSO HAS A SALT BLOCK AT HIS DISPOSAL. WHAT AM I DOING WRONG? I WANT HIM TO GET BETTER OR AT LEAST BE PAIN FREE. ANY SUGGESTIONS? THANKS FOR YOUR TIME,,,,,,,,,,,,,CAROL
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Dec 21, 2003 - 9:58 am:

Without knowing what is wrong Carol it is impossible to recommend specific treatment and prognosis. So your first step is a diagnosis. Until a diagnosis is made stall rest and daily phenylbutazone is logical if approved by your vet.
DrO
PS: Writing in all caps is considered SHOUTING and difficult to read. Some will not respond to such posts. Use proper capitalization and punctuation for more and better responses.
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