What Causes A Horse’S Legs To Stock Up?

Answer: Stocking up is a very common problem caused primarily by stabling. In the wild, the average horse is on the move 20 hours a day, grazing, walking to water, fighting (or play fighting) and–when necessary–fleeing from predators.

How do you treat stocked up legs in horses?

Treating stocking up is easy—you simply need to get your horse moving. Ride him, walk him by hand or turn him out with a pasture mate. With activity, swelling will usually diminish within the hour.

Can too much protein cause horses legs to swell?

Causes of Swollen Leg in Horses
Causes can include: Stall confinement after exercise. Not enough exercise. Excessive protein in diet.

Can an allergic reaction cause a horse to stock up?

Allergens from feed, bedding or the environment (dust, mold, pollen) can lead to systemic inflammation that causes fluid to leak from the bloodstream into the body tissues. Gravity then facilitates the transfer of the fluids down to your horse’s legs and results in stocking up.

How do I reduce swelling in my horses legs?

Hosing your horse’s legs with cold water for up to 20 minutes will help to reduce any heat and inflammation while also offering a gentle massaging effect. Ice boots can also help to reduce heat and swelling — follow the manufacturer’s instructions for correct usage times.

How do you tell if a horse has a blockage?

Pain is the most common sign of intestinal obstruction in horses. The horse may pace, stretch, kick at its abdomen, and, upon occasion, roll or vocalize. Otherwise, the signs are the same as for colic.

What are the signs of rhabdomyolysis in horses?

Excessive sweating, quick, shallow breathing, rapid heart rate, and muscle tremors are also noticed. In extreme cases, horses may be reluctant or refuse to move and may produce discolored urine due to the release of myoglobin from damaged muscle tissue.

Why is my horses leg swollen but not lame?

The legs are not uncommonly warm, and the horse may move somewhat stiffly but is not truly lame. Caused by inactivity and reduced lymph flow, this “stocking up” is usually not serious and will dissipate as the horse is exercised.

What does a protein bump look like on a horse?

These persistent lumps, also known as “protein bumps,” are usually non-painful firm “bumpy” swellings. They can be found singly or in multiples, varying in size from small to moderate, and are commonly found along the neck, withers, and back of the horse.

Can grass make horses legs swell?

In your instance, however, the filling occurs when your horse is standing in or is at grass during certain times of the year. In these situations, the condition is called ‘humour’ or ‘stocking up’, and vets use the term ‘oedema’ to describe this.

How do I know if my horse is foundering?

Signs and Symptoms of Founder

• Sudden onset of lameness.
• Resistance to walking or moving.
• Feeling a pulse and heat in the foot.
• Shifting weight back and forth between legs.
• Reluctance to bend the leg.
• Standing with the legs camped out in front of the body or with all four legs under the body.
• Laying down more frequently.

How do you tell if a horse has worms?

Common signs of parasite or worm infection include:

1. Weight loss.
2. Colic.
3. Diarrhea or constipation.
4. Rough hair coat.
5. Poor growth in foals.
6. Respiratory problems. (nasal discharge, cough)

What typically causes impaction in horses?

Impaction colic is caused by obstructions in the bowel, typically in areas where the large intestine changes in direction or diameter. These obstructions may be caused by dry, firm masses of feed, or foreign material such as dirt or sand.

What are the first signs of EPM in horses?

Owners frequently notice obscure lameness, stumbling and incoordination. If the brain stem is involved, usually a head tilt is present. Clinical signs may include: Ataxia (incoordination) and weakness: Generally centered in the rear limbs, symptoms worsen when the head is elevated, or the horse moves up or down slopes.

Can rhabdomyolysis be cured at home?

Most cases of rhabdo are treated at home simply by increasing fluid intake. If muscle enzyme levels are high, or if there are signs of kidney problems, IV fluids may be needed. In some cases, we have to admit patients to the hospital and even to the ICU for close monitoring and further treatment.

Can rhabdomyolysis resolve on its own?

First, what happens if rhabdomyolysis is left untreated? It may go away on its own — in fact, many people are unaware that they have it and don’t seek care. However, there’s a much greater risk of developing complications if you don’t get treated.

What is the best anti-inflammatory for horses?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most commonly used drug for pain management in horses. Examples include bute (e.g. Equipalazone), flunixin (e.g. Equinixin or Finadyne) and meloxicam (e.g. Metacam). These medications relieve pain and help in the reduction of inflammation and fever.

Does laminitis cause swollen legs?

Horses may exhibit increased digital pulses, increased hoof temperatures, swelling in the limbs, constant weight shifting, subtle or obvious lameness, a stance indicating discomfort, unwillingness to move, and reluctance to rise.

Can a horse stock up in one leg?

Horses can rapidly develop swelling or “filling” in one or more legs.

What helps horse inflammation?

Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) is a potent anti-inflammatory agent used in the treatment of horses. Medical grade DMSO acts as a solvent that absorbs readily into the skin and can act as a carrier for other anti-inflammatory agents while having its own anti-inflammatory properties.

Do horses legs swell with mud fever?

The legs, more commonly hindlimbs, affected with mud fever can become swollen and the skin can look inflamed (reddened), this can make the horse very uncomfortable and sensitive over the affected areas. Scabs may appear on the legs, which may ooze serum or bleed when removed. Hair loss can also occur.