Page 739 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

touch.

• The pain may cause the horse to become very distressed.
VetBooks.ir Additional symptoms may include:

• sweating
• trembling

• fast breathing

• a raised temperature

• loss of appetite.

When to call the vet

The vet should be called as soon as the condition is suspected.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made on the clinical signs. Ultrasonography may be used to check for any
damage to the ligaments and tendons and a swab taken for bacterial culture and sensitivity.

Treatment

Prompt, vigorous treatment is required as any delay can result in permanent thickening of the
leg. Treatment is likely to include:

• broad spectrum antibiotics to control the infection

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, e.g. phenylbutazone, to reduce the soft tissue
swelling and relieve the pain

• gentle exercise in hand or at grass to improve the circulation and reduce the swelling

• if the horse is not too sore, bandaging is used to prevent further swelling and stop the
bedding sticking to the weeping areas

• a low protein diet, e.g. poor grass or hay

• physiotherapy may be helpful in some cases.

Prognosis

The prognosis is variable. Some horses have recurrent episodes and the swelling may take a
long time to resolve. In many of these cases the legs remain thickened as a result of fibrous
tissue forming in the tissues under the skin (Figure 16.7).