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  Discussion on Ankle Swelling Caused by Bandaging??
Author Message
New Member:
Qh2244

Posted on Monday, Jun 14, 2004 - 6:46 pm:

I showed my horse on Saturday and wrapped his front legs that night with thick no-bow bandages out of habit since he had been worked hard. The next morning when I took off the wraps I noticed swelling toward the back on both sides of his ankle in both legs. The swelling is roughly the size of a fifty cent piece on both sides of the ankle and both legs, the inside of his ankles being a bit more severe. When I felt the swelling it was not just fluid filled---I could feel fibers. This is definitely not a case of stocking up!! He did not seem to be in any pain and there was no extra heat that I could detect. I turned him out and lunged him for a minute just to see if he was lame. If he is lame at all, it is hardly detectable. The swelling did not go down during turnout. The swelling was about the same today, the day after I took the bandages off. We have all heard about "cording" or "binding" a horse's legs with bandages, but I can't seem to find any hard information on it, what it means for the horse, and if there is anything I can do about it. Do you think this is what happened to my horse? I feel so guilty!! Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Member:
Dres

Posted on Monday, Jun 14, 2004 - 7:03 pm:

just a question.. have you seen wind puffs..?? after the stress of a show , that might have happened..

Ann
Member:
Qh2244

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 15, 2004 - 10:23 pm:

I have heard of them, but did not know exactly what they were. I looked them up on this site and found out a few things but haven't had time to research more yet...
The swelling seems to have gone down a little bit.
Thanks so much for the hint....I don't think I would have looked into it otherwise. For some reason I associated them with the hind legs. Thanks!!
If any one else has advice or info regarding my first post I would love to hear it.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 16, 2004 - 10:13 am:

I see no reason to believe this is a problem caused by your bandages. Considering the hard work the day before the swelling, it is most likely acute inflammation but before we can say much about it we would need to know in particular which structures are swollen. Ann's assesment of an acute windpuff (distended volar pouches of the fetlock joint) seems right but your description is not specific enough to be sure. You should have your someone you trust confirm this before beginning specific treatment. For more on assessing the swelling see, Equine Diseases » Skin Diseases » Diagnosing and Assessing Swellings in Horses. For more on treatment see, Equine Diseases » First Aid » Pressure Wraps, Poultices, Cold and Heat Therapy for Swelling in Horse Legs.
DrO
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