A swollen fetlock on a horse can be an indication of an underlying health issue. It is important to understand why a horse’s fetlock is swollen and how to properly treat it. This article will discuss the causes of a swollen fetlock and how to treat it.
Causes of Swollen Fetlocks
A swollen fetlock on a horse can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, infection, and arthritis. An injury to a horse’s fetlock can cause swelling, which can be caused by a traumatic event such as a kick from another horse or a fall. Infection can also cause swelling of the fetlock, and this can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Arthritis can also cause swelling of the fetlock, and this is caused by inflammation of the joints.
Treating Swollen Fetlocks
It is important to treat a swollen fetlock as soon as possible to prevent further damage. The first step is to identify the cause of the swelling. If the cause is an injury, the horse should be given rest and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the swelling. If the cause is an infection, antibiotics should be administered to treat the infection. If the cause is arthritis, then the horse should be given medication to reduce inflammation and improve joint mobility.
In addition to these treatments, the horse’s leg should be kept clean and dry to prevent further irritation. If the swelling does not improve, a veterinarian should be consulted to determine the best course of action.
Swollen fetlocks can be a sign of an underlying health issue. It is important to identify the cause of the swelling and to treat it appropriately. The horse should be given rest and medications to reduce inflammation. If the swelling does not improve, a veterinarian should be consulted to determine the best course of action.