What causes hygroma in horses?

What causes hygroma in horses?

A hygroma is an adventitious or acquired bursa on the dorsum of the carpus caused by trauma from falling, getting up and down, or hitting a fence or by chronically pawing and hitting the dorsum of the carpus. 3-5 Nonpainful, fluctuant, uniform soft tissue swelling occurs on the dorsal aspect of the carpus.

What is a hygroma in horses?

A carpal hygroma is a subcutaneous swelling over the cranial/dorsal aspect of the carpus. Typically, a history of trauma to the carpus is noted. The swelling is typically aseptic, but risk of infection can develop after drainage or injection.

How do you treat a swollen knee on a horse?

For direct trauma to the soft tissues in the tendon sheath, veterinarians usually administer anti-inflammatory medications such as Bute or banamine, ice the injury, bandage or sweat the leg, and give the horse time off. That often takes care of soft tissue swelling, with full recovery taking a couple of weeks.

What is a carpal hygroma?

Carpal hygroma is a localized swelling of tissues, including the precarpal bursa, dorsal to the carpal joint. It results from intermittent mild trauma to the precarpal area caused by lack of bedding or a poorly designed manger.

How do you treat hygroma?

The first step in treating a hygroma is to prevent further trauma by providing bedding with adequate padding. Egg-shell foam or memory foam beds may provide the best padding. In areas where the dog enjoys relaxing, the floor can be covered with interlocking foam tiles like the ones found in fitness clubs and day cares.

How long do Hygromas last?

If the dog begins to lie on softer more pliant materials, the hygroma is likely to simply resolve over 2-3 weeks as the inflammatory tissue is able to scar down. It is best not to tap off the fluid as any time the hygroma is pierced, infection can be introduced, potentially creating a “complicated” hygroma.

Should I wrap my horses swollen knee?

Since the horse’s knee has more freedom to move than any other joint in the lower leg, it’s also the toughest to bandage. Bandaging may be needed for wounds, after surgeries, to hold ice packs in place, and for pressure to control swelling from inflammation.

Should I wrap my horses swollen leg?

You need to wrap your horse’s legs to protect and cover an injured area; provide warmth to stiff/old tendons, ligaments, or fetlocks; control acute-injury swelling and movement; and to protect his legs while trailering hauling. Improperly applied wraps can do a lot of damage.

Will hygroma go away on its own?

Over time, usually about 3-4 weeks, an uninfected small or medium-sized hygroma may resolve on its own with proper padding and protection. Your veterinarian may also elect to drain the hygroma with a needle and may recommend photobiomodulation therapy with a therapy laser to speed healing.

What are the symptoms of hygroma?

The main symptom of a cystic hygroma is the presence of a soft, spongy lump. This lump most commonly appears on the neck. However, a cystic hygroma can also form in the armpits and groin area. Cystic hygromas range in size from smaller than a quarter to as large as a baseball.

Will Hygromas go away?

Changing the dog’s bedding generally solves the problem though sometimes special pads or bandages for the elbows must be constructed or purchased. If the dog begins to lie on softer more pliant materials, the hygroma is likely to simply resolve over 2-3 weeks as the inflammatory tissue is able to scar down.

Can I give my horse ibuprofen?

Wait just a minute. Although non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) do have their share of side effects, when used properly, they can help your horse just as much as that ibuprofen tablet helps you. And in many cases, they can help protect him against serious illness or injury.

How to treat Carpal hygroma in horses?

Carpal Hygroma in Horses. Communication between joint and hygroma is confirmed or excluded through fluid injection into the carpal joints. Hygromas can be treated in the early stage with drainage, steroid injections, and bandaging. When infection is present, surgical resection of the infected tissue is recommended.

How do vets treat hygromas in dogs?

Falling into the category of “unsightly, but not unsound,” hygromas are most successfully treated in their early stages. The vet may try to drain some of the fluid, use a compression bandage, or infuse the swelling with corticosteroids to reduce its size.

What are hygromas and how are they treated?

Hygromas can be treated in the early stage with drainage, steroid injections, and bandaging. When infection is present, surgical resection of the infected tissue is recommended.

Is your horse’s hygroma unsound?

Hygromas: Unsound, or Just Unsightly? A hygroma is an accumulation of fluid which follows trauma such as a kick or an impact from falling, and don’t usually cause lameness in horses. As you’re grooming your mare, you notice she has a large, soft swelling on the front of her left knee.

author

Back to Top