Knee fluid!

[MiniFarmGirl]

My horse's front knee sometimes fills with fluid. The fluid will stay between a few hours and a few days. I don't know what would cause this or how to keep it from happening. She also has tight tendons in her front legs. Is there any way to loosen them up? We give her a joint supplement that helps a bit but not much. Her knee will sometimes pop really loud. What should I do?

 

[beckyburkheart]

i just saw and answered your post on rearing. it sounds like to me that you really need to stop working this girl until you get her to a vet and see what's wrong with her knee. she could be in a lot of pain and if that's the case, no training in the world is going to do anything except make her more defense and eventually aggressive.

 

[MiniFarmGirl]

Her knee was doing this before I started working her. She isn't in pain. She runs around a lot playfully. She rears just for fun too. Her knee doesn't bother her at all. I just don't want her knee to eventually get worse.

 

[beckyburkheart]

what is your equine and veterinarian background? i'm just asking so i know the perspective that you're asking the questions from and that may help you get better informed answers from the group.

i have an extensive library of lameness and horse health books. if you could be more specific about the condition, maybe i could figure out some keywords to try to look something up for you?

 

[MiniFarmGirl]

Well, my mom grew up with horses so she has had a lot of experience. She thinks that Karma doesn't need to go see a vet unless her knee gets worse. Karma's knee get's a little... I don't know... Squishy? Not squishy like inflamed but... It's hard to explain. It's always very little fluid. She actually seems more active when it's... Squishy.

 

[bluewater rangerbreds]

I've read both this and the thread on rearing. I"m gong to agree with Becky. Quit working the horse, get her to the vet and give her a rest. There is something going on with this filly and making her work with a "soft knee" is setting her up for failure.

 

[beckyburkheart]

Thanks. Blue. I was just trying to think this through. even if the knee doesn't act painful, the fact that there is squishyness indicates there is "something". maybe not a big deal, but maybe it is. An xray shouldn't be too expensive. I think I paid $35 or so for one the last time I was in. And then you'll have an idea what you're dealing with.

in combination with the rearing thread. You really need to know if she's dealing with pain or not, because if she is, she's going to get real dangerous if you keep working her and you could end up in the hospital or worse.

if she's not dealing with any kind or pain or issues, you need to be very firm, even harsh with her, to keep her moving forward instead of rearing. You also need to be doing lots of slow work with her. what i call "brain food", in-hand gymnastics and exercises to earn her trust and respect.

I agree with who said she's naturally an alpha mare and IMO they make the best horses, but you have to have a clear understanding of who's in charge and you don't have that with her.

 

[peteyfoozer]

Does the knee have any heat along with the swelling?
If not, I would put a sweat on it. If there is heat, I would give her some bute and ice it to help take down the inflammation.

 

[MiniFarmGirl]

Thanks you guys! You've been very helpful. Her knee doesn't have any heat. I need to find a new vet in my area because the one that I've been taking my cat and dogs to don't act like they really actually care about the animals. I really don't like vets that don't care about the animals. With Karma she needs someone that cares and is experienced. If you know of a good vet in the Hyrum, Utah area, please let me know. Thanks again!

 

[FlaRocky]

If your looking for a new vet.... Go to a few of the local feed stores and ask lots of questions. Ask some of the other horse owners in your area. I would not be working my baby until I found out what was wrong with her. I have never put a 2 year old under saddle for me that is too young. I will start to line drive my babys at around 18 months. Just fun bridle games to learn direction. I will hook them at two to a small tire to pull around the yard. No one on their backs until 3, I want my horses to be sound and rideable well into their 20's. I have 1 28 yo. that looks and acts 14 and 2 17 yo. that act like they are 8-10 years old.

Maye