Very Common
Less Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Swelling on Outside of Carpus (Knee)
Summary
A bubble of swelling of the upper lateral carpus is usually swelling of the carpal canal, which is the structure through which the all-important flexor tendons run as they traverse the carpus.
This swelling may be seen in an otherwise sound horse, but could also be indicative of disease or injury. Of course, direct traumatic injury can cause generalized swelling (that is not as well-defined) in this area.
This swelling may be seen in an otherwise sound horse, but could also be indicative of disease or injury. Of course, direct traumatic injury can cause generalized swelling (that is not as well-defined) in this area.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours- If you notice lameness in addition to this sign.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- Even if the horse does not appear to be lame to you.
your role
What To Do
Assess your horse carefully for lameness, noting that this swelling may be a possible cause. Feel the area. Do you notice heat here or pain to pressure? Flex the carpus to assess range of motion. Determine if the horse's range of motion in the affected limb is the same as in the opposite limb, and whether flexion causes a pain response. Share your findings and concerns with your vet.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
Very Common
Less Common
your vet's role
Your vet will assess the area and may perform a lameness exam to determine whether lameness accompanies this observation. Ultrasound and radiography are the most common imaging modalities used to assess this area.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- How old is the horse?
- When did you first notice this problem?
- Do you notice any lameness?
- What type of riding is the horse used for?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Very Common
Less Common
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
Very Common
