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 Top of Hip, One Side or Both
Summary
Changes to the appearance of the top of the horse's hip can indicate one of several common injuries. The loin (lumbo-sacral area) is critical to performance and comfort as it represents the horse's "transmission", the linkage between the motor (hind limb) and body.
Injury to this area can be visible and associated with chronic lameness. A prominent, hard bump on one or both sides of the highest point of the hip is known as a "hunter bump" and is the consequence of (a usually old) strain of the sacro-iliac joint. Old, cold and hard hunter bumps are usually no more than a blemish and do not cause pain. Generalized painful swelling in the area may indicate a more recent injury. A variety of other injuries can occur here, including hematomas.
Injury to this area can be visible and associated with chronic lameness. A prominent, hard bump on one or both sides of the highest point of the hip is known as a "hunter bump" and is the consequence of (a usually old) strain of the sacro-iliac joint. Old, cold and hard hunter bumps are usually no more than a blemish and do not cause pain. Generalized painful swelling in the area may indicate a more recent injury. A variety of other injuries can occur here, including hematomas.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours- If you notice any lameness or have any other concern.
- If the area seems painful to the touch.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- If you do not notice lameness or pain, only a swelling.
your role
What To Do
Assess the horse at the walk and trot, especially watching the arc of flight of hind limbs, and symmetry of hind limb movement. Press the area, looking for a pain response. Always compare the normal and abnormal sides for reference.If you have questions about whether swelling here is significant or not, contact your vet with your findings and concerns.
What Not To Do
NEVER purchase a horse with a swelling here without a veterinary pre-purchase exam!
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet assesses the area and performs a lameness exam to determine whether the abnormality could be causing lameness.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- When did you first notice the swelling?
- Do you see obvious lameness or a head bob?
- Is the area painful to pressure with your hands?
- Have you noticed that the horse is stiff or sore?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
- Is the horse performing to your expectation under saddle?
- Was a purchase exam performed before buying the horse?
- Describe the type of exercise and riding that you do with your horse.
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
