Protein poisoning

[bonnyben]

This isn't about Ben (Thank God) but a new livery at the yard. He is a 9 year old and has been used ot getting out.

They aren't out at our yard yet I am sorry to say but they are generally coping except perhaps this new boy who has been used to being out, and although he gets on the walker every day both legs were swollen. Only one of them was quite swollen today and it looked very suspiciously like mud fever, I had a mare, wee Pebbles who was a martyr to it and thus although not an expert I am pretty sure when I see it. He has scabs on his cannon bone and some on his heel, his leg isn;t actually hot but there is "tightness".

The livery manager however has come up with a "protein poisoning" theory, because the haylage is rich, so she has taken him off haylage and put him on hay - how long will it be before the leg goes down - anyone got any idea?? I have left malaseb with his owner as I think it is mud fever and in any case shampooing his legs will not do any harm, will it? He apparently was let out into the school and had a run about but the swelling didn't go down. I would have thought a walk in hand on a hard surface might have been better..

I am beginning to worry though, she was talking about the horse being cut open and the poison drained - very upsetting for the owner. I have never heard of protein poisoning, I am asking those of you who have loads more experience than I have...should the girl be getting the vet out if there is such a thing?

[racaille]

I'm perplexed BB. I would have thought too much protein would present different problems rather than simply swollen legs. My initial thoughts are twofold: that you know mud fever when you see it PLUS if he is used to being out and is now cooped up in a stable, his legs could be filling from inactivity.

[haffyfan]

After reading the first bit lymphangitis immediatly sprung to my mind. Although I don't really know much about it bar it cause swelling and you can find it in vet books (I'll look it up shortly in my technical one but warning i don't actually understand it usually it's a bit too technical )


I hate to say it but reagrding the yard owner...if the horses are still in with no signs of it changing - is it possible she is clutching at anything that avoids the obvious thats it's most likely being caused by the poor thing being stuck in??

Never heard of protein poisoning either btw but thats not saying much

[brigadier]

I have known horses where the legs swell up due to a number of things including a diet too rich in protein. Cobby type horses seem more susceptible. Essentially its a management thing so the horse should be put on a laxative type diet, get exercise to help circulation. Sometimes yellow crusty areas will appear (some cobs get this regardless of diet or exercise). If left to become a problem lymphangitis can occur which can be serious and very very painful for the horse.(its logical as the lymph system is the drainage system) Stable bandages will also help. Treating as mud fever wont hrm as at least the skin will be clean and less prone to infection setting in. However ensure cracked heels dont occur as the crusty stuff can occur here and become a real problem. Any horse with swollen legs should have its diet/exercise checked.

[bonnyben]

Thank you everyone, very helpful. I will check him today and let you know how he is.

Yes I know what you are talking about Brig, we have two cobs on the yard who have the problem you describe, currently being hibiscrubbed and lotioned up, the horse in question is an Irish TB and I could feel the mf scabs on his legs.

Not lymphangitis, not nearly swollen enough for that but yes I agree turnout (or even proper exercise) would be such a help. I asked about it again yesterday, the field opposite is like a lake, (we have had inches of rain here over the last week ), so have been told they aren't going out for the time being.

Trying to be patient....this is in no way ideal for Ben either. But you have to stick with yard policy don't you? And luckily I can ride most days and give him a little grass when we are out hacking!!

[brigadier]

Theres a real dilemma when the land is wet and at least you have a walker. One year (before walkers were invented!!!) we had to hand walk the horses around a small internal yard because it was simply to wet/icy to turn out or ride. Each horse had to have 45 mins minimum and there were nine between two of us, it lasted six days or thereabouts! One of the horses was a biter and funnily enough I always drew the short straw!

[bonnyben]

Thanks brig, puts the whole thing in perspective!! Sounds torture, leading horses round and round, what a long day for you and the threat of being bitten too...

The walker is a huge boon but it isn't the same as liberty for them...roll on some decent dry days.

The horse was much better yesterday , his leg had gone down and although there was still some swelling it was certainly lots better. And he isn't lame on it. The owner malaseb-ed his legs again and said she was aware of a huge improvment, was going to put stable bandages on again last night and see where we are today.

No reference to protein poisoning I am happy to report.

[brigadier]

Thats good news, Ive never heard of cuts been made to draw off the 'poison'. Would hope it never got that bad!