“off feed for two days, now bilateral swelling of hind ankles “…

I have a 20 year old mare ridden lightly 1 week ago. Since then, off feed for two days, now bilateral swelling of hind ankles almost up to hocks. Slight tenderness, no lameness. What could causes this?

Dr. Kimberly Gryl’s Answer:

Patty:

If your mare is not used to being ridden at all, and she is completely out of shape, then even a light ride may have been more stress than she was physically prepared for. “Light riding” can have different definitions, according to different people. At any rate, she may have been stressed or sore from the ride, which may have put her off her feed. The swelling of the hind legs is most likely stocking up, which is edema build-up. Generally this occurs when horses used to activity are cooped up. This usually resolves when activity resumes. For your mare, activity may just be full time turn out, ie., pasture. Good luck.

 

“My yearling’s legs have been filling up, whether she’s in or turned out and recently, her pasterns have been a little filled too.”…

My yearling’s legs have been filling up, whether she’s in or turned out and recently, her pasterns have been a little filled too. I was wondering whether it’s a growth related issue?? She’s fed on yearling cubes and is turned out for approx 10 hrs a day and stabled over night with ad-lib hay. She’s approx 14.2 hands now and is supposed to make 16.1. She is 16 months old.

 

Dr. Jack Sales’ Answer:

Hi Sarah,

Leg swelling in the yearling is not very common unless there is some problem. It could be associated with insect (fly, mosquito, nats) bites and you would see it mostly in pasture, but you will usually see other parts of the body involved also. It sounds as if your yearlings diet is proper, but their may be a possibility of something in the hay that is causing a problem. An allergy could be a possibility. Without a detailed exam and maybe some blood work by a Vet it would be hard to pinpoint the exact cause.