Very 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 over Ribcage (in Adult)
Summary
In a normal horse, there is skin and a layer of fat of variable thickness (depending on body condition) overlying the rear part of the rib cage. The front part is covered by the heavy muscles of the trunk. The inter-costal muscles lie between the individual ribs over the whole rib cage.
Swelling over an area on the ribcage usually indicates trauma. If it is severe and combined with respiratory distress or depression, a rib fracture is possible. As with any other location, other causes for swelling are always possible.
Swelling over an area on the ribcage usually indicates trauma. If it is severe and combined with respiratory distress or depression, a rib fracture is possible. As with any other location, other causes for swelling are always possible.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours- If the horse has no appetite and is obviously depressed.
- If there is severe swelling and your horse is making respiratory noise or seems to be having difficulty breathing.
- If the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) in the resting horse indicate fever (Temp >101F/38.3C) or heart rate greater than 48 BPM.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours- If the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) suggest the horse is otherwise normal.
- If the swelling is mild or moderate, and not increasing rapidly.
your role
What To Do
Assess the horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE), paying particular attention to attitude, heart rate, respiratory rate and rectal temperature. Gently press the swollen area and note whether there is a pain response. Contact your vet with your findings and concerns.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Using physical exam, assessment of the area, ultrasound and possibly radiography, your vet can determine whether or not there are fractured ribs or internal injury, and what treatments are necessary.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- How severe is the swelling?
- How is your horse's attitude and appetite?
- Does the horse seem to be breathing rapidly or abnormally?
- Is the area painful to the horse when you press on it?
- 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.
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
