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Discussion on Yearling Knee Fluid/Swelling
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New Member:
Gallop58
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 8, 2004 - 12:40 pm:
My 16 month TB yearling has started to show a bit of fluid/swelling just above the lowest knee joint (FR). It is an area slightly larger than a quarter, no significant heat as measured with IR thermometer. She's paws alot and is pretty freewheeling, so I suspect some "over use" has brought this on (there is a small amount of swelling in the LF). Local non-vet advisor said to paint on some DMSO with cortico, to reduce swelling, but I'd like to understand what I am treating before I start curing it. I have the local vet coming out, but he doesn't have all the fancy diagnostic equipment (US,Xray), (will ship her out or get another vet in if need be) but I am interested in what systematic steps I should take to have a proper diagnosis done and then treated. I am particularly interested in making sure I take care of this properly right now so that I don't setup any long term issues. Should I go for the ultrasound and xrays ASAP, or can some of the usual suspects be diagnosed with a competent hands on exam.
Comments on how to proceed or other areas to look at appreciated.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 9, 2004 - 8:13 am:
Welcome Karsten,
the first step in establishing the significance is to determine what exactly what the swelling is. In this area there are lots of possibilities with tendons, sheaths, and joint capsule all lying under the skin here. Often a physical exam with careful palpation can determine what it is without further diagnotics so let's see what the vet says and then we can take it from there but small acute swellings on the front of the carpus are not often of great significance.
DrO
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