Horse Neck Injuries?

Question

Hi,

So, the other day I wen't down to see my horse at the stable I keep her at, after I took her rugs off I noticed that on her neck there was a lump and a indent that looked like she had been kicked or run into a fence.

I asked the owners of my stables (who have much more experience than me) and they said that it looked like she had just been kicked and it was just swollen around where the hoof made contact, or that the muscle in her neck may have even been torn.

I have waited for a few days and the swelling has completely gone down although the strange indent is still there. She has been perfect to ride with no soreness at all, although I do not want to ask her to "round up" for fear of injuring her neck further.

I have been advised to maybe call out the vet (which will be very expensive!) or another person has told me to just let it heal in its own time.

Any advise?? it would be greatly apreciated :)

Answer 1

If your horse isn't showing any discomfort or change in behaviour then a vet probably isn't necessary.  Keep an eye on her and the area and if things change for the worse then call your vet.

What she probably needs are some theraputic products.  Click the link below and look for 'muscle massage oil' in the oils section and 'muscle sooth gel' in the gels section.

Answer 2

personally, i think i would call the vet after experience, or at least ask a proper expert, not one of your stable mates, but a different one who hasnt meet the horse. My filly got kicked and she later had to be put down. However, we had got the vet to her, but later than we should of cause he was focusing on another of our horses.

Good luck

Answer 3

just let it heal horses get into little fits al the time he/she will be fine if she dosnt show any symptomes of pain but if she does dont push her.

Answer 4

If your mare is not showing any signs of discomfort or distress I would call the vet and describe the situation.  While discussing the mare's injury, I would let him know that if he did not feel a visit was necessary, I was willing to 'wait and see' and get in touch with him immediately if the mare's condition deteriorated.  

A blunt trauma (like being struck by a hoof) can cause the muscle and surrounding tissue to atrophy.

Most importantly, make sure that your mare is getting along with her turnout buddies and is not being bullied.  Horses occassionally get a bit rough to get their points across, but a submissive horse can also be bullied and seriously injurred or overly stressed.

Good luck!