Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Horse's lower hind leg swollen, moves when pressed. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Farm Animal | Horse | Female | unspayed | 1000 lbs

I don't know what to do! I have a 20-yar-old mare named Ellie, she is an AQH and has swelling in her lower hind right leg. When you press on the swelling it moves to the other sides and it is very clear that it moved. The only thing is there is only swelling on the inside and outside of her hind leg not in the front or the back of her hind leg.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Julie Settlage, DVM, DACVS-LA, CVA

Veterinarian, Board-Certified Veterinary Surgeon (large animal), Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on August 24th, 2017

You have some great observation skills about your horse!! It sounds like you are describing a joint that is filled with excessive fluid. Joints have 'pouches' that bulge on the sides of the joints when they are filled with fluid - and when you press on one side, the fluid moves to the other side. Structures on the hind leg that have obvious pouches like that are the fetlock joint and, in the same region, the tendon sheath. Up higher on the leg - another tendon sheath as well as the hock joint can have obvious pouches. The swelling itself may not be cause for alarm, unless it is brand new and/or is also accompanied by lameness (limping). If there is lameness, you should have Ellie evaluated by your veterinarian to determine if the swelling is associated with the lameness and what treatment should be done. If there is not lameness associated with that leg, mention the swelling to your veterinarian the next time they are out for an appointment or you talk with them next. Good luck with Ellie and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my pet's swollen lump with green patches not getting better?
Is your pet's swollen, green-patched infection still bothering them after treatment? A certified veterinarian discusses proper diagnosis methods like biopsy and FNA.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my 5-week-old chick struggling to walk with splayed legs?
Is your 5-week silkie chick struggling to walk, with splayed legs & curled feet? A board-certified vet explains possible causes like Mareks and what to do next.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why does my cat shake during sleep? Is it dreaming or serious?
Is your 8-month-old cat shaking his front and back legs while sleeping? A certified vet suggests recording these muscle spasms to help diagnose if he's dreaming or needs care.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My yorkie jumped and is limping. Is favoring her leg a concern?
Your Yorkie is limping and favoring her leg after a jump. A Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach veterinarian offers expert advice on pain management, rest, and when to seek vet care.
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored