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  Discussion on Colt swelling on jaw
Author Message
Member:
theresab

Posted on Sunday, Jun 27, 2010 - 12:39 am:

First off I'm not sure if this is in the right spot. I wasn't sure if I should post it under his symptoms or training/behavior. Sorry if it's in the wrong spot.

My 6 week old colt presented with swelling along his cheek tonight. It wasn't there at this mornings feeding but was fairly pronounced at this evenings. He looks like a pocket gopher on his left side only. From the article I need to palpitate it but he doesn't want it to be touched. However after my attempts at practice worming he's not a big fan of anything going on around his head or mouth. I can't be certain that he's in pain, or if it's just avoidance. He ate his grain for the most part tonight, until I noticed the swelling and started messing with him. When I went back out he was eating alfalfa and nursing. No temp, feisty as usual.

I just bought a round pen to confine he and the mare in (bought it today) and will set it up tomorrow. I don't have a barn yet so it will have to do for a confined area.

All that said, how can I minimize the trauma from confining him, holding him down and palpitating the mass? I can rub my hands over 90% of him except his muzzle and seemingly cheeks tonight. He seemed to be so scarred from the worming episode I don't want him to be terrified of me. I can leave he and the mare in the round pen for awhile, neither will be happy about it I'm sure but I can see it will be a necessary evil.

I've been trying to go slow with him but this medical emergency necessititates immediate action. Any advice for handling him while doing the check of swelling, mouth and teeth? Or follow up actions with him prior to letting them back out into the pasture?
I apologize if this is in the wrong spot and I missed it in my search. I don't want any negative association with humans for him.

I'm sure after typing all this, the swelling will be gone in the morning. If this is what it takes for symptoms to go away though, I'll take it.

Thank you in advance!
T
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Jun 27, 2010 - 9:06 am:

Hello Theresa,
I would use the principles outlined in HorseAdvice.com » Training & Conditioning Horses » Behavior and Training » Modifying a Horses Behavior: Conditioned Responses. It specifically addresses the problem you are dealing with.
DrO
Member:
juliem

Posted on Sunday, Jun 27, 2010 - 9:23 am:

I've had babies present with a longitudinal swelling along the side of their jaw and after the appropriate panic on my part, found it was wadded up hay stuffing in there! Hope it's that simple for you!
Member:
theresab

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 30, 2010 - 1:49 pm:

After some patience and time, it seems he had a small abscess that has popped and drained with a hole smaller than a pencil eraser that is healing nicely. I'm not surprised, he's shedding out his baby coat and scratching on everything. He particularly likes to rub his face and jaw on the wood hay feeders so I think it was a splinter.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 30, 2010 - 4:42 pm:

Certainly a common problem Theresa, how is handling the colt coming along? If he will allow flushing with diluted betadine and applying an antibacterial ointment like Neosporin may help speed healing assuming there is no embedded foreign bodies and the infection not aggressive.
DrO
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