Swollen fetlock

[s1obhan]

I have a six year old mare, three weeks ago her a fetlock on her hind leg became swollen took advise from head yard girl who said not much to worry about carry on riding her and turning her out. I week later it was still swollen so had a vet look at it, who recommended box rest with bute and also a poltice each day. A week later vet reinspected it and although it had gone down a bit it hadn't gone completely but vet said she had probably sprained it and it was ok to ride her but build it up slowly. We have been walking her with a little trot but the swelling it still there and last night it felt warm to touch. I'm worried that it is something more serious because surely if it is a sprain wouldn't it of gone down by now. She doesn't rest her leg or seem lame on it what do you think I should do?

[anneindor]

some horses so suffer "filled legs" when stabled. does it go down after being turned out? if the vet has assured you its ok to begin building up on excersise and the horse isnt lame all i can advise you is to maybe try cold hosing it to see if that reduces the swelling, it could be any number of things to be honest and if you are still unsure about riding/exercising i would again contact your vet and ask for further advice.

[galadriel]

Sounds very similar to when my mare sprained her fetlock. She had a large swollen area--actually from below the fetlock up the cannon almost to the hock. She wasn't the slightest bit lame on it, didn't care a bit. It was horrible looking, though.

I made sure to exercise her regularly but lightly, and over time the swelling eventually completely vanished. During the time it was still swollen, I never asked more of her than a trot, and that only for a few strides at a time.