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  Discussion on Mild/early flexor tendonitis with no lameness??
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New Member:
Wolfydoc

Posted on Saturday, Nov 22, 2003 - 12:14 am:

Hi there! This is my first post so bear with me if I do something wrong!

We have 2 TWHs: one 6, Billy, and one 4 yrs. old, Elvis. We purchased them just this past summer. They both were moderately active horses (trail riding, training in arena) prior to our acquiring them. The 4 yr old was in training for the prior 90 days or so (arena and trail).

We had them pastured at a boarding facility the first 2 months after purchase, where they ran and played like normal horses (Billy was so active he wore his shoes down so fast the farrier was amazed). Initially after purchase we rode them on trail rides every 2 to 3 days or so, with the rides varying in length from 1 hour to once-weekly 3 hour rides, on terrain that was very variable, but almost always including mild to moderately steep hills as well as flats. We rarely let them canter or gallop, and would let them do their running walk whenever they seemed inclined, which was not frequent. It didn't seem like we were over-exercising them at all.

Then for various reasons we had to put them in stalls with small adjoining paddocks. We then went to daily trail rides, at a walk still (with occasional gallops or running walks up short hills) for only an hour a day, sometimes only 45 minutes. The rest of the time they are resting in their stall/paddocks. They do not pace in their stalls.

The 6 yr old, Billy, after being stalled for 10 days or so, suddenly developed a nonpainful diffuse swelling of only one lower hind leg that diminished significantly within 30 minutes of exercise. No lameness whatsoever. Immediately took him to vet regardless - vet felt it was stocking up even though unilateral. Nothing abnormal on lameness exam. No wounds or sores. The swelling has dramatically diminished, although it reappears by the morning most days to a small degree. Then goes away with exercise.

Then, Elvis, the 4 yr old, developed same swelling, about 10 days after Billy's appeared, in both hind legs but worse on the right. Some mornings it is only present on the right. No lameness; disappears but not completely with exercise. When we return to the ranch each morning, the swelling has returned, but overall each day it seems to be improving; however, it was somewhat worse on Thursday morning and we didn't ride him on Wednesday.

I did read everything on this site regarding stocking up and all the possible etiologies and differential diagnoses for limb swelling. A vet (not the one who examined Billy) told me that some people feel lower limb swelling could be an indication of "early" tendonitis. Yikes! I am now freaked out!! The treatment for tendonitis would be virtually the opposite of that for stocking up. FINALLY, my question: Is it possible to have such a mild tendonitis that there is no lameness, pain or heat on palpation? (Bandaging is not an option due to the potentially wet muddy conditions in their paddock areas)
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, Nov 22, 2003 - 7:28 pm:

Assuming the swelling is cool, nonpainful to palapation, and there is no lameness, you pretty much have to assume stocking up.
DrO
Member:
Wolfydoc

Posted on Saturday, Nov 22, 2003 - 8:54 pm:

Thanks DrO. One more question: Does it sound like our past and present exercise regimen is intense enough to cause an overuse type tendonitis?
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Nov 23, 2003 - 7:49 pm:

No. If this does turn out to be your problem I suspect a one time incident not a work related failure.
DrO
Member:
Wolfydoc

Posted on Sunday, Nov 23, 2003 - 10:58 pm:

DrO, thanks so much for your rapid replies. "The boys" are both improving every day with very little to no swelling this morning.

Let me just say your site is absolutely awesome - I have learned SO much so far, and you - as well as other members - have answered so many questions I had. Thanks so much.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Nov 24, 2003 - 7:25 pm:

Thanks Cynthia,
DrO
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