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Hello, On Monday of this week I noticed my horses left hind was a little swollen. I live in Oregon and it is muddy so I didn't see the gash just under her ergot and a small gash just above the ergot. It was covered with hair. When I came out on Wednesday she was swollen a little bit more so stared digging around and found the sores. It looks like she got into some blackberry bushes or a wire. It is worse underneath the ergot area. I started cold hosing and washing it with Clorhexadine and applied a topical antibiotic. She is in a paddock with very little mud during the day so she can move around but was still swollen today. I do exercise her on the lung line and it goes down some. She hasn't been lame on it at all and acts like nothings is wrong but I can stick a finger nail into the one underneath the ergot. What else should I be doing?
Optional Information: Type of Animal: Paint Gender: Mare Age: 10 Name of Horse: Dancer Already Tried: Washing with clorhexadine and topical antibiotic.
Hi there. Thanks for the question
Hindlimbs especially are prone to developing cellulitis (inflammation of the soft tissue) even with small injuries. You are doing good things by keeping the area clean and such but more may been needed
If the wound is through the skin, it may be of significant benefit to bandage it
A standing wrap from the coronet band to just below the hock will also keep some of the swelling down.
I would also recommend systemic (oral or injectable antibiotics) as well as daily bute OR banamine for the next 4 days. You should see significant improvement with this
If she did get something caught around her leg, then there can be more soft tissue damage then is visible with the wounds...it is good she is not lame thought.
Im going to save this information and exit the chat since it seems you are not entering it.
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If the above was helpful, please remember to press the accept button. ThanksDr. Melissa
Experience: experience in racetrack medicine and general practice; owned and ridden horses throughout life.
Thanks for your help. If she did this probably last Sunday would it do any good to put her on antibiotics at this late of date? I do have her on bute so that is covered.
Thanks in advance for your reply.
Yes doing the antibiotics could still be helpful.. also you may want to keep her somewhat confined...the more she moves, the more the area on her pastern moves and splits open any tissue that is trying to heal it....the bandage and confinement for a week or so might greatly help.Best wishes