Injured horse?

Question

my 2 year old mare fell 2 days ago after stepping on the lead rope and it spooked her. The rope got wrapper around her back two legs and we cut the rope but she had rope burns and cuts. Today I noticed her back leg is swollen at the bottom. I cannot get a vet to come out today. Any advice on what I can do? Is there something at the feed store I can give her for the swelling to go down? I have her in her stall(which she hates) but it is still swollen. thanks

Answer 1

put some purple spray on it for now, and call your vet to make an appointment, she needs to be seen.

Answer 2

If in doubt cold hose.

It does no harm.

Answer 3

Cold hosing at least twice a day.

I would also get her out of the stall.  The horse moving around will help reduce swelling many times.  Walk her around for about 15 or 20 minutes.  If the swelling goes down...leave her out to move around on her own.

Keep Corona or the like on any cuts or burns.  This will help scar tissue not to form...this will also keep flys off.

Tell vet what you have been doing...and the results.

Answer 4

"Cold hose" her.  Use a garden hose with gentle pressure for about 10-15 minutes if she will stand it.  Then, I would use ichthamol (drawing salve) and a light wrap.  It helps soften the tissue and seems to stay on better than some of the other ointments.  If you have a good relationship with your veterinarian, you could check with them about getting some bute dispensed (anti-inflammatory) for you to give until they can see her tomorrow.  If the swelling goes down after you give it attention, you might be able to hang in there and just monitor her closely, but it never hurts to have them checked out.

Answer 5

hose the legs down and soak them with a sponge in cold water and epsom salts, for as long as possible, and as often as possible until the vet arrives.

Answer 6

Cold hosing, 2-3 times daily is really your best bet.

Answer 7

It is probably just swollen because of the rope burns and cuts. Let her out to move around. It is better for her circulation.   cont....

She's just stocked up, so let her move around and hose it off a few times a day to draw out any heat. It should go down in a few days. If not, call the vet.

Also, if she seems sore, you could give her a tab of bute just to make her feel better.

Answer 8

Cold hose the leg and turn her out...if you notice any limping, check her joints...it's possible she strained a ligament or something when she panicked...most likely it's just from the rope burn and exercise and cold will reduce the swelling. by keeping her in, she may get upset and kick, which could do more damage.  

I would not bandage the leg...not a good idea if it's a burn, and could mask the swelling you need to observe for.

Answer 9

Cold hose it for about 10mins at least once a day to help reduce the swelling. If you can do it twice even better. If any visible cuts use aloe vera to soothe it. Keep her indoors to avoid her getting kicked on it and also to speed up recovery. Put some boredom breakers in such as carrots or swede on a bailing twine dangling from ceiling if you can, treat ball to play with. If you can put her in stable so she can see other horses so sh doesnt get too stressed out in her box. Get in contact with your vet and get an appointment asap to check on it.

Answer 10

If she isn't sore on it. Cold hose it a few times a day and wrap the legs with a standing bandage. You want to keep the swelling down as much as possible. Stall rest is ok, but you need to make sure the horse can get out and walk around to keep the blood move in the legs. If the horse is lame on it call the vet and get him to check it out. There may be more that just surface damage. I wouldn't worry about the rope burns too much. Just keep them clean and dressed, and they should heal up just fine.

Answer 11

Run cold water on her back legs that will help with the swelling if they are really bad you could put a medicated salve on. Most feed stores will carry it.  Just be sure to keep it clean. I wouldn't put a wrap on it unless you cant keep it somewhat clean.  Most rope burns wont require a vet but if you feel that the injuries are extreme then I would try to get one to see her.