Swollen stifle?

[rbrown]

Today I noticed that Skip's left stifle appears swollen. I'm not sure how recent this is, as I haven't been to the barn since Tuesday (but on Tuesday I know it was normal, as I clipped that area and would have noticed if something was unusual). She's not lame from what I can tell, the area wasn't hot to the touch, and she didn't react at all when I put pressure on and around the swelling. It's not hard or firm. The vet is out Monday for spring shots, and I will have her look at it, but wanted to see if anyone here has any thoughts... what this could be, or what might have caused it... or what I can do about it! My first thought was a locking stifle issue since so many minis seem to have that problem, but to the best of my knowledge, Skip has never had a locked stifle. Perhaps it's a kick injury?? Any insight would be much appreciated!!

Here is the right stifle, which looks normal...



And the left:

 

[Marsha Cassada]

I have no ideas, but having recently dealt with a stifle injury I hope that is NOT what you having going on here. Hopefully the vet has been out and given you some answers. Good luck.

 

[Riverrose28]

It looks like a kick injury, try hosing down with cool water to reduce swelling. Good Luck!

 

[rbrown]

Thank you both. I hope it's not a serious injury... I am really hoping it's not, since it really does just seem to be some swelling, and nothing else. Fingers crossed it is just a bruise. I'll try hosing it and see what happens. Vet is out tomorrow, so hopefully she'll be able to tell if it's anything to be worried about.

 

[drmatthewtaylor]

Injuries of the inside of the joint (which are the bad ones) rarely show swelling to the outside discernible to the layman.

Likely a trauma to the outside of the leg, ie; kicked or ran out a door and smacked it.

As long as lameness is not evident, then not likely a problem.

Dr Taylor

 

[rbrown]

Thanks, Dr. Taylor- I am feeling much better now! Will let you all know what the vet says bright and early tomorrow morning.

 

[rbrown]

I had to leave the barn early this morning, as the vet was late and I was late for work, so I didn't get to hear the vet's advice or ask her questions... But the vet did have a look, and confirmed that it isn't anything serious. She prescribed more stifle-strengthening exercises like poles (as a preventative for future stifle issues, I'm presuming). Whew! I keep Skip relatively in shape, do a lot of hill work, and occasionally do poles, so I'll be dragging the poles out more often

On a related note, does anyone know if jumping is good or bad for stifles?

 

[rbrown]

Update to add.... I found the culprit- a tick!! Actually, my neighbor found it. I was telling her about Skip's stifle when I went over to use her lovely outdoor arena, and she was able to find a teeny tiny bump that I'm 99% sure is from a tick. My barn owner and I both felt around for a tick or bite bump, but didn't find anything. Now, of course, I'm worried about lyme and ehrlichia, since many horses in the area have come down with tick-borne illnesses, so I will be keeping a close eye on her. (And if anyone has foolproof tick repelling strategies, would love to hear them! The ticks are just awful here, even when I use tick-repelling flyspray)