HI I own a frisian mare, 11 y old, 3rd level dressage. For…

Thanks again for the additional information,

It's definitely a little odd. It could be a couple of things;

1. Wrap induced edema

2. Low grade bucked shins (dorsal metatarsal disease)

As I am sure you probably know, sometimes horses will respond to wraps by stocking up after they are removed. Now, the initial reason for the fill or edema in the hind legs could be attributable to a allergy or sensitivity to a new bedding, feed, sand in the arena, medication, or systemic allergen. Once the wraps are applied they relieve the edema but once they are removed, the extracellular fluid compartments between the cells which were compressed by the wrap refill and the edema , frustratingly, returns. This type of condition usually does not make them lame and you can rarely find any ill effects of the condition in their gait or under saddle. Leaving the legs unwrapped and getting the horse moving daily will usually resolve the problem within a week. The confounding problem is what set off the swelling in the first place. Look for things that changed recently in her environment - supplements, bedding, feed etc... One of these may be responsible for the reaction. Some horses stock up in front and others behind. Gelding stock up first in the sheath usually then front or back legs. It makes sense that the sweats and wraps bring the swelling down but then it rebounds. Try and find the source and eliminate it. This will be difficult and sometime the horse acclimates to it and you never know what it was that caused the problem. You can also try some topical anti-inflammatories such as Surpass over the area to calm the swelling. Your vet may be able to recommend a systemic steroid injection to calm the inflammation and edema building up.

Bucked shins behind would be the other possibility. This is usually a young horse disease as they are being heavily trained up to run (TB's mainly). I have seen it in other horses such as warmbloods used for the English disciplines. These swelling are usually very painful to palpate and the horse is most painful right after a work out. The swellings will dissipate if wrapped and sweated. You horse may only have a mild case as the condition is less severe in non-race training horses. Radiographs of the cannon bones would give the diagnosis. Treatment would require some rest and step up training thereafter. Definitely speak to your vet about this if you want to pursue this diagnosis. I am doubtful this is the cause but without examining the horse, I cannot say for certain. I would recommend having a vet out to assess the horse and determine the best way forward. As she seems to have no outwards signs of lameness and otherwise is performing normally, I would hedge toward the first option but cannot say for certain. Hope this helps. Best of luck with you horse.

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