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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 460
 
| So my gelding got kicked in the knee by another horse last week. He has never taken a lame step, never been off or anything. BUT, his knee is very swollen...and it's a different kind of swelling than I've seen before. Very "watery" almost ripples when you poke it. Not sensitive on it though. So I had the vet out yesterday, and after X rays, he said he thinks it may be a carpel hygroma. I asked what we could do for it, and he said there wasn't anything to do. He said the fluid won't ever go away, but it will not effect his soundness or riding ability. Well, I've been doing some asking around, and seems like most people that I know of, their vet drained it and prob taken care of. What is your experience? Should I have a diff vet out? The vet I used was a new one I tried, not too impressed. Thank you!!
Edited by Katielovestbs 2017-05-17 5:04 PM
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 My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
 
Location: Arkansas | I would most definitely say second opinion. . . . |
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Regular
Posts: 53
| A carpal hygroma is a swelling or capsule in or near the knee filled with fluid caused by some kind of repeated trauma such as hitting knees on a fence or other hard objects. This is sometimes referred to as water on the knee because of the fluid and the fact that it is on the knee. While this swelling is usually painless, it can become large enough to cause lameness or pain. It is also possible for a carpal hygroma to become infected, so it should be treated whenever possible. There are several conditions that can be mistaken for carpal hygroma so it is best to get your horse seen by an equine veterinarian as soon as possible.
Read more at: https://www.vetary.com/horse/condition/carpal-hygroma |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 460
| UPDATE: So my gelding's knee was finally starting to go down, and the fluid was becoming harder, not so watery. I didn't go out to see him for one evening, because we had plans...I went out and saw him the next day, Sunday...his knee is HUGE! Way more swollen than it even was originally!? I have no idea what is going on...I have never seen this much swelling before without a chip, or some kind of fracture...but he x-rayed clean? The other weird part...he is still COMPLETELY sound on it? I can poke it, massage it, he runs around squealing, bucking, nothing. Not even tender to trot in little circles both ways. So I'm having the big guns come out tomorrow morning. The best lameness vets in my area will be here to see him tomorrow...so confused! I am really anxious to see what they have to say. Also, kind of nerve racking. It's just so weird! It's just this massive bubble of fluid on the front of his knee? Wish us luck!   |
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My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | Sending good thoughts and let us know what you find out. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 460
| So...this vet somewhat agreed with the first vet. She did an ultrasound of the knee, and said she would classify it as a "carpal hygroma", but that just broadly means swelling of the knee. So his tendon is a little inflamed, and the tendon sheath is extremely swollen. So she gave him a cortizone injection in to his knee joint, and drained the excess fluid out. So I guess the fluid may or may not return, but either way not to be shocked. It will not have any effect on him long term. Even if the swelling does come back, he is perfectly sound to compete on still. She said to put him on a two week stall rest, no walks or anything. Keep him very wrapped up so he can barely bend his knee, and to be in no rush to get back on him. She said for sure he will need the summer off, and he will need to come back very very slowly. So I'm thinking he won't be barrel racing again until next spring...but she will be back in two weeks to check up on him. Here are some pictures I took of his knee before she drained it, so you know why I was freaking out haha. I just broke down and cried...my good mare just died on me without warning a couple of months ago. So I bought myself a coming 2 year old filly to play with, I won't be starting her until spring. Now my good gelding is out for the year...So now I have nobody to ride until spring...the depression has already struck. But at least he will be ok in the long run! And I can do lots of playing and ground work with my filly.
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 A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | Awww bless yours and your boys hearts, this just sucks but at least it can be fixed, glad that you got a second opinion  |
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My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | So glad that time is what's needed and nothing worse than that. Maybe this year is your "hey, get ready I'm coming next year" year.  |
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Nut Case Expert
Posts: 9305
Location: Tulsa, Ok | Cortisone mixed with DMSO applied topically can be a fairly effective treatment. This was prescribed by a track vet for a gelding I used to own. |
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| Katielovestbs - 2017-05-17 5:02 PM
So...this vet somewhat agreed with the first vet. She did an ultrasound of the knee, and said she would classify it as a "carpal hygroma", but that just broadly means swelling of the knee. So his tendon is a little inflamed, and the tendon sheath is extremely swollen. So she gave him a cortizone injection in to his knee joint, and drained the excess fluid out. So I guess the fluid may or may not return, but either way not to be shocked. It will not have any effect on him long term. Even if the swelling does come back, he is perfectly sound to compete on still. She said to put him on a two week stall rest, no walks or anything. Keep him very wrapped up so he can barely bend his knee, and to be in no rush to get back on him. She said for sure he will need the summer off, and he will need to come back very very slowly. So I'm thinking he won't be barrel racing again until next spring...but she will be back in two weeks to check up on him. Here are some pictures I took of his knee before she drained it, so you know why I was freaking out haha. I just broke down and cried...my good mare just died on me without warning a couple of months ago. So I bought myself a coming 2 year old filly to play with, I won't be starting her until spring. Now my good gelding is out for the year...So now I have nobody to ride until spring...the depression has already struck. But at least he will be ok in the long run! And I can do lots of playing and ground work with my filly.
Tell your vet(s) to stop messing around and start treating it
aggressively like it is an infected tendon or nerve sheath ...
If they keep sitting around doing nothing ..
your horse can be wasted for life!!
There is nothing worse than a damaged nerve/tendon sheath ...
or getting infected by a close by injury....
it has to be caught early on .. period!!
Good luck ...
Edited by BARRELHORSE USA 2017-05-18 10:38 PM
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 460
| Thank you guys so much for your advice and support! So...he has only been on stall rest now for two days...he was prescribed 2 ace pills per day...and already that is just NOT cutting it. I'm worried he is going to tear down and the stall and/or hurt himself! What are your guys' tricks for keeping one calm on stall rest? |
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