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Discussion on Swelling in tendon above knee
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New Member:
cku1
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Posted on Monday, Apr 19, 2010 - 11:03 pm:
My horse has developed a strange swelling about 4 inches long and 2 wide that starts just above the knee and ends in the middle of the knee. He is not lame at all.
This is the third time in 6 months this has developed. Previously, my vet injected the swelling with cortisone and the swelling went down. The first time almost right away. The second time after a week. This time I did not have him inject it and it has been swollen for 2 weeks. I put surpass on it twice a day and DMSO once. I also had him on Previcox for the first week.
I'm just not sure if this is even something I should worry about. It doesn't seemm to change much if I work him or not, and it doesn't seem hot and he is definately not lame. Is this something I should get another opinion on or ultrasound? I am loathe to lay up a horse that is sound.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 20, 2010 - 1:03 pm:
Welcome Charlene,
What has your veterinarian diagnosed? This could be a extensor tendon or tendon sheath that is swelling and the rapid response to cortisone suggests the sheath. Officially this would be labeled a extensor tenosynovitis.
One of the important questions that needs to answered before we can prognosticate is why? Do you associated the swelling with exercise or does your horse knock on his stall door with the fronts of his leg?
DrO
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New Member:
cku1
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 20, 2010 - 1:52 pm:
My vet thought it was an extentor tendon or sheath but didn't know which. My horse lives in a 2 acre pasture with hills. It's dry all year except winter (I'm in California). The first time it swelled, it was dry. The second time, he was in a stall at a local barn. And now it is wet and slippery. So, I have NO idea why. He is a TB so tends to get excited and spin and run, but he's been that way his whole life (he's 13). I use him for dressage. I lunged him today and he is still very sound. Should I ride him? What are the implications is the swelling persists? My vet thought that once these things swell they are like streched out balloons and it tends to happen again.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 22, 2010 - 5:24 am:
Whether to ride or not depends on your goals. Extensor tendon and tendon sheath injuries do not tend to be serious problems and it may be you can ride while this sorts itself out. However if your goal is to try to permanently resolve this swelling, anti inflammatory treatment, pressure bandaging, and rest may be required. If exercise worsens the problem you may have to go this route in any case.
DrO
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