What's causing my horse's lame leg, swollen fetlock, and hot hoof?

She may be having an allergic reaction, which causes the edema, or swelling you're seeing in the legs. If she's not lame, you can give her time, with walking and cold water hosing. If the swelling persists, she probably needs steroids instead of bute and I recommend a visit to your vet for a full exam and bloodwork as well.

There are many things that could cause a sore fetlock - a joint infection, a bruise, a pulled muscle or strained tendon, or even a fracture of one of the bones in this area. If she isn't finishing her food, this likely means that she's quite painful. If she were acting normal otherwise, I would suggest stall rest for the next few days to see if the lameness improves; however, since she's painful enough that it's affecting her appetite, I would really recommend having an equine vet come out to see her today if at all possible. He/she can take x-rays if needed to help determine the problem and get her started on appropriate treatment.

I would still be very suspicious of a hoof abscess. I would recommend having her checked out by a vet to see what is going on. Some abscesses can be tricky to diagnose and they may not even react with hoof testers, but a good equine vet should be able to tell what is going on after a lameness exam.

You have some great observation skills about your horse!! It sounds like you are describing a joint that is filled with excessive fluid. Joints have 'pouches' that bulge on the sides of the joints when they are filled with fluid - and when you press on one side, the fluid moves to the other side. Structures on the hind leg that have obvious pouches like that are the fetlock joint and, in the same region, the tendon sheath. Up higher on the leg - another tendon sheath as well as the hock joint can have obvious pouches. The swelling itself may not be cause for alarm, unless it is brand new and/or is also accompanied by lameness (limping). If there is lameness, you should have Ellie evaluated by your veterinarian to determine if the swelling is associated with the lameness and what treatment should be done. If there is not lameness associated with that leg, mention the swelling to your veterinarian the next time they are out for an appointment or you talk with them next. Good luck with Ellie and thank you for using Pet Coach.

This could be a sign of laminitis, a hoof abscess, inflammation or arthritis of the joints, tendinitis, etc. You will need to make an appointment with your equine vet for an exam. The least your vet will give or prescribe is pain medicine and anti-inflammatory medicine, If there is an abscess or infection your horse will also need antibiotics.

Poor Sadie! I would call your equine vet to come and see her. There are many things that can cause lameness in the cannon bone and pastern of a horse including strains and sprains of the ligaments, fractures of the bone, or arthritis among others. The vet can do a lameness exam including flexion tests, nerve blocks, and possibly field x-rays. Once the cause of the lameness is found, the vet can discuss treatment options with you.

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Without seeing what you are referring to it makes it hard to give advice but based on your description I would say he likely has cellulitis and probably needs antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the swelling and completely clear his condition. It sounds like you did a great job with wound care but you really should have your vet out at this stage to prescribe some medications. Hope this answers your question. Best wishes.