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Discussion on Confusion on ankle swelling and how to proceed
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New Member:
vickija
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 17, 2008 - 9:42 am:
Hello All:
I read all of your posts daily and love them but it seems I only participate when one of my girls has a problem. My 12 year old mare somehow gashed up her hind leg over the front of the fetlock region. It did not look like a puncture wound and I flushed, applied antibiotic ointment and wrapped for 3 days. It seemed to be healing quite well and so I decided to leave the bandage off. It has continued to heal and is now covered over with scabbing but I have noticed a swelling directly below the cut.It is very localized and looks like a small golf ball. I have read everything I can find on this website regarding swellings, type and treatment but I am confused as to how to proceed as the swelling does not appear to be painful and does pit when pressure is applied. It seems to swell after she runs around but it is very localized to the wound area and there is no heat or pain? Here is what I have diagnosed so far:
No pain assosiated with swelling.
Pits when pressure is applied and you can see slight oozing from wound.
Because of that it doesn't seem inflammatory but is associated with trauma. Otherwise she seems fine however I am wondering if it is just the beginning of what might be an infection?
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thank you all
Vicki Jackson
Steamboat Springs, CO
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 17, 2008 - 2:34 pm:
Vicki we cannot make an assessment on your horses wound because we only know what you tell us. I would like to correct something you have said however and that this is an inflammatory swelling since trauma is the cause but whether infection is a problem or might become a problem is not known to us. Trapped infection is usually painful and draining infection is usually purulent.
DrO
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New Member:
vickija
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 17, 2008 - 2:57 pm:
Dr. O:
Thanks for the quick response. You seemed to hit the nail on the head regarding inflamatory swelling. In one of your articles (I dont remember which one now)I thought you mentioned that in some situations where there has been swelling around an injury it may not be painful yet but may be the possible indicator of infection. My horse however has a normal temperature and no heat or pain in the area. I don't know whether to treat or not treat. Any suggestions on how to proceed? How long should I let this go without seeking medical help?
Thanks for your indulgence.
Vicki Jackson
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 17, 2008 - 11:35 pm:
Swelling without pain is not suggestive of infection Victoria but there are exceptions to every rule. You should contact professional help anytime you are faced with a situation you evaluate as serious and do not understand.
DrP
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