“how can we prevent swelling and when she does swell, what can we do to help bring it down?”…

 

I am in training with a mare for jumper. In the summer her knee swelled up a lot. The owner put her on stall rest for a week and bandaged her. It didn’t do much for her but eventually the swelling started coming down. Back on our training schedule, keeping it light, no jumping, it almost went completely away, with a bit of scar tissue left over, but no swelling. So we started our jumping training again. Recently it started swelling again, A lot, same as the first time. We have been doing lots of gymnastics. Oh, when the original injury happened there was a puncture wound near the knee and may have been the original cause. My question, given this history, is how can we prevent swelling and when she does swell, what can we do to help bring it down??? She isn’t lame and does not appear to be in any pain. I massage her legs after riding and she doesn’t seem to mind her knee being massaged. Also, stall rest really doesn’t do much that I can see. Thank you for your time.

Dr. Jack Sales’ Answer:

Hi Cheryl,

If the knee injury is continuing to swell, I would be concerned even though there is no evidence of lameness. I really think that you should have a Vet look at it and possibly an x-ray would be in order. If it is fluid build up of one of the tendon sheaths or of the joint itself, something can be done to bring it down to normal. I hope this helps and good luck.

 

“How do I treat fluid on the knee in a 10-year-old gelding? “…

 

I don’t know how long it’s been like that, he isn’t noticeably lame, but shows a little stiffness after flexion test. Thanks.

Dr. Jack Sales’ Answer:

Hi Michelle,

Excess joint fluid in the knee usually indicated a problem within the joint itself. X-rays should be done to determine the exact cause and then the appropriate treatment could be undertaken. I hope this helps and good luck. Dr, Sales