Re: My horse with swollen lower leg...

[JPascu@aol.com]

I've had unilateral stocking in my horses. When I see this I first look for
some injury, cut or puncture. If there is heat then it's a vet call. Since
your horse has had stitches on this leg as well as a lack of turnout, I would
assume it's from lack of weighting the leg. In humans stocking is caused by a
lack of circulation and is called "pitting edema". The fluid is lymph fluid. 
I don't think that icing is really needed, cold water hosing can help.
I suggest a simple massage techinique: Take the cannon bone between your two
hands,lightly and slowly rub the tissue between your two hands, going up the
leg, like you would rub a stick to start a fire. (I know we don't do that much
now, but with Y2K, who knows?) When you get to the top stop and return to the
lower cannon. 
You need to go slowly to engage the lymph fluid, it's more viscous then blood
and moves slower. I would continue this for 5-10 mins. The depth of pressure
is just enough to engage the fluid, you'll be able to feel it because you'll
"pit" it. Remember that the tissue is distended because the fluid is taking up
space therefore, all of the cells are under more pressure and your added
pressure can easily insult them.
After the massage I would hand walk and then repeat the massage.
I would also consult with my DVM on this one especially if there is heat. I
also wonder why the farrier didn't notice it.
I hope this helps.

jim pascucci
Advanced Certified Rolfer
www.equisearch.com