Deep Puncture on the hock

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Shannon
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Deep Puncture on the hock

Postby Shannon » Sat Oct 16, 2010 5:55 pm

I walked into the stall today and found my 4 yo gelding with a huge swollen hock. Upon further investigation, i realized it is a deep puncture wound. My concern is the underlying joint capsule...would I see evidence if it had been punctured or damaged?
He is sound, but it is hugley swollen, no discharge, and very little seepage(sp?) from the initial injury (of which I absolutley cannot figure out where or how he did it).
I have treated it intensly, he's on trimethoprim sulfa antibiotics, going to see if it improves by monday or I will call the vet.
A woman needs 2 animals in her life-the horse of her dreams, and a jackass to pay for it!

LB
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Postby LB » Sat Oct 16, 2010 7:03 pm

Don't wait until Monday. Call the vet now.

Laurierace
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Postby Laurierace » Sat Oct 16, 2010 7:32 pm

Yep, I agree. By Monday he will be fine because the puncture isn't in the joint or he will be dead or need to be euthanized. Vet NOW.

Shannon
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Postby Shannon » Sun Oct 17, 2010 6:08 pm

I had the vet take a look today, she said I would see profuse watery discharge on the bandages if the joint capsule had been punctured. Diagnosis is to continue as I am with bandaging and antibiotics, and watch him closely for another couple days. If by tuesday he is not lame or showing any worsening, then we are likely out of the woods. If he isn't improving or is worsening, then they will tap the joint and see what it tells.

Say a prayer for my little beast.
A woman needs 2 animals in her life-the horse of her dreams, and a jackass to pay for it!

Laurierace
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Postby Laurierace » Mon Oct 18, 2010 5:54 am

Good job. I hope he heals well for you.

LB
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Postby LB » Mon Oct 18, 2010 6:53 am

Best of luck! I hope he heals just right.

Shannon
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Postby Shannon » Tue Oct 19, 2010 7:39 pm

Had the vet out again today, and made the call to tap the joint and check for infection. Results are clean! Another 5 days on TMS, Bute and stall rest (not that it's restful, he's climbing the walls) and he should be right as rain! SO glad.
A woman needs 2 animals in her life-the horse of her dreams, and a jackass to pay for it!

LB
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Postby LB » Tue Oct 19, 2010 8:12 pm

That's great news. I'm glad it all turned out well. :)

onalimb
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Postby onalimb » Wed Oct 20, 2010 9:33 am

Good news...
onalimb

Shannon
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Postby Shannon » Wed Oct 20, 2010 8:09 pm

Thanks all. I am very much relieved.
A woman needs 2 animals in her life-the horse of her dreams, and a jackass to pay for it!