2018 Miniature Horse World Magazine SUMMER Volume 34, Number 4 | Page 18

Swollen or Filled Legs By Kentucky Equine Research H orses can rapidly develop swelling or “filling” in one or more legs. Is it serious? What causes it? A common reason for filling is inactivity in a horse that is accustomed to moving around. An example might be a horse that is usually turned out in the pasture but has been kept in a stall Try Quiessence ® Drug Free Pelleted Product Magnesium / Chromium Formula overnight, maybe at a show or in preparation for an early ride the next day. The owner notices that the horse’s rear legs are puffy and swollen as he’s led out of the stall. 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. It’s more common in older horses and can affect all four legs, though stocking up is often seen only in the hind legs. If your horse has leg swelling accompanied by lameness, warmth in the leg or hoof, or an elevated body temperature, it’s time to call the veterinarian. This is more than simple stocking up. Cresty-necked, overweight, founder-prone horses and ponies have shown weight loss and improved soundness with magne- sium added to daily rations. Pelleted, palatable, drug free Quiessence® is also effective for relaxing hot, tense or nervous horses, and sore, tight muscles or back. Swelling in a single leg is likely to signal a serious condition. Horses can “blow up” a leg in response to a scratch, cut, or puncture wound that may be so insignificant that it’s hard to find. The leg may be warm in addition to being swollen. This swelling isn’t likely to go down until the wound is cared for and any infection is treated. Call For A Free Sample: 540-337-5450 A horse that has significant swelling in all four legs may have some type of systemic illness. This could be a sign of heart trouble, liver or kidney disease, or a bacterial or viral infection. It’s definitely a situation that calls for a veterinary examination.  Visit our website at: NUTRITION THAT WORKS www.FoxdenEquine.com FOR SALE APPALOOSA/GOLD MELODY BOY BLOODLINES Colts: ~2015 Leopard Appaloosa – by LEM Ruler’s Hawkeye x leopard mare – AMHA/AMHR ~2016 Black Semi Leopard – by LEM Ruler’s Hawkeye x appaloosa Wittmaaks Mickey Mouse granddaughter ~2016 Bay Silver Dapple Blanket – by AF Winterhawk – fewspot by LEM Rulers Hawkeye x Wittmaaks Mickey Mouse daughter who is out of an appaloosa mare Photos by Liz Cruber McMillian LUV EM MINIS RULERS HAWKEYE Wittmaak’s Mickey Mouse Grandson – 31” — Double Registered Fillies: ~2013 Black Frosted – will probably spot with maturity, has mottling – x buckskin Gold Melody Boy bred Top Ten Producer ~2014 Bay with mottling – full sister to above mare Complete Sales List Upon Request – Prices Start At $750 ALAMEDA FARM was the final home for WITTMAAK’S MICKEY MOUSE and JOHNSTON’S GOLD BAR – GOLD MELODY BOY sons. We retained many fine sons and daughters. Other bloodlines include the Kahoka Palominos, Van Lo Overos, Winks and Gold Melody Boy appaloosas. Judith Kurth, BSN, RN PO Box 155023 | Lufkin, TX 75915 | 936/875-3759 | [email protected] 16 Miniature Horse World SUMMER 2018