“Canon Bone Injury”…
My 20 month old gelding has recently developed rear fetlock swelling. He did get an injury on his right hind cannon bone which was about 3 weeks ago. This has remained swollen. However, now both fetlock areas appear to be swollen and the right has more heat. No additional injury, no pain, no lamenss. He is 1/2 Quarterhorse and 1/2 Holsteiner and therefore heavy bone- stocking horse. I have applied ice and given Bute without results. I do not see much change in gait. Any suggestions? I own both dam and sire, neither have OCD or other genetic issues.
Dr. Jack Sales’ Answer:
Hi Angie,
If the cannon bone injury has still not gotten any better, I would suspect that the swelling from this injury has fallen down into the fetlock, which is not uncommon. Oftentimes swelling in the upper leg will move down to the lower leg and it moves out of the leg entirely. It would probably be worthwhile to have the cannon bone injury checked out by a Vet to make sure it is not something more serious that you initially thought. I hope this helps and good luck.
