Swelling/heat when exercised

Question
Hi,

I have a 26 year old thoroughbred who went lame a few weeks ago.  I was riding him and I noticed he felt lame in his near hind.  The next day, his fetlock/tendon on his near hind had swollen up and he could hardly put any weight on it.  I hosed the leg down and left him in over night.  The next day, the swelling had gone down a bit and he was putting weight on it and walking but still lame.  I hosed his leg again and left him in overnight.  The third day the swelling was barely noticeable but there was still mild heat in the fetlock/tendon but he didn't seem lame.  He then escaped his box and cantered around for five minutes.  Of course, the next day the same problem reoccurred - swelling, heat, couldn't put any weight on it.  A few days later, it was barely noticeable and he is walking soundly again.  He has now been in his small paddock for a couple of weeks and is walking soundly but the fetlock still feels warm and there are a few small fluidy lumps around his tendon.  My vet is coming over to see him Saturday pm but I wondered if you could shed any light on what the problem is because it's been bugging me for weeks.  I have checked his foot and there doesn't seem to be any bruising/soreness, etc.

Thank you.

Helen

Answer
Helen:
I really cant tell you a diagnosis without seeing this. It is odd that he gets sound and then gets so lame again. He could have injured that tendon somehow and it would take a good examination and probably an ultrasound exam to tell if that is the problem. It does sound possible. Obviously the joint should be evaluated too so there may be a need to xray the fetlock and the associated bones too. If there is fluidly bumps around the tendon, it could be that there is effusion in the tendon sheath, making a tendon injury more likely. However, depending on where those are, they could also be joint effusions from inflammation in the fetlock joint. Id just need to really see where they are to tell. It sound more like tendon sheath effusion to me though. An ultrasound exam is probably in your horse's future. keep him quiet until you can get this evaluated so he doesnt tear around on something that is incompletely healed and damage it further. My best to you and your horse. let me know if I can help further.