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  Discussion on Possible Bowed Tendon or Simple Strain??
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Member:
Terrilyn

Posted on Saturday, Jun 21, 2003 - 8:34 am:

Hello all
I have a very important question. I have a 12yr old standardbred that has no leg problems what so ever in the 2 1/2 years or heavy work. But yesterday when I went out to feed in the AM I noticed some heat in his front legs in the tendon area, his right was hottter than his left, so I hosed his legs down put some liniment and gave him some bute....in the meanwhile the night before I had ridden him and he came back with clean legs, no heat or swelling and the tendons were nicely defined...So this is baffling, its been 24 hours now and I have hosed and iced down his legs, today I was thinking that I would soak in epsons salts, hose and ice. Do you think that pressure wraps would help or just wrapping with polos. He was not lame with his legs like this nor was he acting ouchy when touched, but I know that there is something wrong but I dont know what? Please help!!
thanks!!
Cindy
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Jun 22, 2003 - 9:49 am:

I often go see horses with clients reporting such things but more often than not do not find anything wrong or find a simple explanation like a mild skin irritation. There are many reasons one leg may be warmer than the other but without a good examination, no one could begin to speculate on the significance and therefore proper treatment. In genral wrapping is for squeezing edema (swelling) out of the leg.

You should continue to monitor the legs and if it the leg persists in being significantly warmer than the opposite side, you can consider calling the vet, but without lameness this is may not be a big deal.
DrO
Member:
Terrilyn

Posted on Monday, Jun 23, 2003 - 12:09 am:

Thanks DrO,
There is no lameness or gait alteration, his legs can be touched and squeezed without any reaction. I have closely examined his legs, heals and hoofs for any point of entry, but have not found any or any skin iratitation. But now 72 hours later, the legs are clean with no swelling or heat, or lameness. I have decided to allow plenty of time off and then gradual work. In the meanwhile, UPTITE a poltice and linament seem to be helping. Only time will tell. My personal thinking is that he overstrained his tendons during the work the night before and that he took over night to show any signs. With all of the rain that the east coast has been getting, everywhere is slick and muddy. Thank you for your help and timely response! I really appreciate it, Cindy
Member:
Joann

Posted on Saturday, Apr 1, 2006 - 5:25 pm:

Help, my horse went over backwards and floundered around almost rolling down the hill. When she got upright she was shook up and wobbly but appeared okay. I was able to walk her back into the corral isolate her and watch her for any problems. She started kicking up with both or the left leg as if she was trying to undo whatever was ailing her. I walked her and she is able to do that. I took her and washed her hind legs with cold water, dried them and felt for pulse, heat, and puffiness. I came in her to get this off. Any help or suggestions, please. joann

p.s. I had to let her go and sustained rope burns on my own hand, icing them now. j
Member:
Joann

Posted on Sunday, Apr 2, 2006 - 5:53 pm:

Dr. O sorry to be a pest but I didn't get any one to help me on my posted message. She doesn't seem to be lame so I'm thinking she's sore from the landing. I've flexed all legs, hosed them down alot and poked and prodded for whatever may look odd. My vet came out to remove a sarcoid from the donkey and I had him give shots. My mare was not cooperative and the vet was not taking any guff. Got it done but bleeding etc from her. Next day I thought I'd worm them both and she flipped on me. She has never acted this bad. I have Banamine on hand but that's it. What steps should I take besides observation. They are both out and I intend to lay off her training for a couple of weeks. Ive read alot of posts this weekend and its overwhelming.
Member:
Ajudson1

Posted on Sunday, Apr 2, 2006 - 6:56 pm:

Joann,

I find your posts overwhelming. I am not sure what you are asking specifically. She isn't lame, you didn't say you found any heat, or see any signs of puffiness.

Whatever happened with the flipping over sounds like it scared her!! Then she had a vet give her shots, and then you "attack" her with a worming tube. I am not saying attack in a negative way, but rather from her point of view she's been tossed, poked, and had a tube stuck in her mouth!! Poor girl!!! Everyone is coming at her with something nasty.

If she's not acting lame, just leave her alone for a few days, or weeks til she has time to recover from these ordeals. Be calm and patient with her; groom her if she will accept that and let her BE.

Is she by any chance an Arab? I have an Arab mare who has acted like that after little "mishaps", and believe me you, trying to do more only makes it worse. She will actually start flattening her ears if you don't get the message that she's overwhelmed!

Every HA member is great about helping fellow members, especially DrO., but to me your post didn't sound very specific so maybe take a deep breath and re-post. We'll be glad to help!!

Take care,

Angie
Member:
Joann

Posted on Sunday, Apr 2, 2006 - 9:01 pm:

Thanks Angie, your right she is Arab and has trusted me to do the right thing and maybe it was a little much, but it hasn't been a problem in the past. I intend to leave her alone, grooming no problem, flexing, cleaning hooves, etc. no problem. Just a worried mom and hope there's no future problems and of course again I want to do what's right for her. Vet coming Friday to remove Sarcoid from donkey so I'll have him look her over - BUT I think she'll run the other way when she see's the red truck. Thank you for post.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Apr 2, 2006 - 9:41 pm:

We have been traveling this weekend joann so sorry for the slow post. Angie is right, other than the initial shock of it all I don't see a problem in your posts. What specifically are you seeing right now that has you worried?
DrO
Member:
Ajudson1

Posted on Monday, Apr 3, 2006 - 9:51 am:

Joann

Glad she seems to be o.k. And I am relieved you didn't find my post offensive in any way, I was worried I was coming across a little strong.

She may have some bruising at the worst is my guess if she fell. Nothing wrong with being a worried "mom", we all do that.
Member:
Joann

Posted on Monday, Apr 3, 2006 - 9:11 pm:

Hi, thanks to both Angie and Dr. O. Yes I knew you were on the road, understand. I haven't called my vet because he will be here Friday. She's walking stifley in the rear legs and I have to ask do horses show bruising - she's chestnut so there are some dark patchy areas on her hips and thighs. Initially she did this little kick out crow hop thing for a good 30 mins. and I walked her around to get the kinks out which she didn't mind. She stopped but then we witnessed her doing it last night again. Other then that, she just looks sore (I would be too) no temp, she's still interested in food, and if I push her to trot off, she doesn't really want to do that. I've learned a lesson not to overload any animal and will keep her rested for 2 weeks and then re evaluate. I find it hard to recognize which leg hurts the most. Thanks
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