Horse caught over stall door

Question
I have had horses all my life and never have I witnessed this and care to never see again. My 7 year old AQHA mare was in the stall for a couple of hours after coming home from a show. My significant other decided he was going to start the evening barn chores and that she would like her top stall door opening  while he was working. She reared, got her front end over the door and hung on her belly, far back towards her flanks, which is what I saw. She didn't panic, just hung there for about 30 seconds or so until the hinges broke free. She has some small lacerations, not requiring stitches and now she has swelling on the center of her stomach, very sore everywhere. She will allow me to toucht the swollen area and seems not too troubled, her flank area is more tender and she doesn't like me to even put meds on the scrapes. Is this swelling normal? The vet did indicate that there would be swelling and to give her bute for the next few days. I was concerned because of the area and I have never dealt with this type of injury before. Any insight or first hand knowledge of this type of injury would be great and maybe let me rest easier at night.

Thanks.

Answer
Hi Christine;

How awful for you, but unfortunately this is a rather typical occurence with horses.  If not a stall door, then a paddock gate or fencing...many times the horses trying to jump over, not making it and getting hung up.

You can expect the swelling and pain to be most severe on day 3 post-injury.  Then the swelling should start to decrease, rather quickly for a few days, then level off and slowly disipate over several more days or even weeks (depending on the extend of soft tissue damage).

It would be great if you could turn her out by herself (if she doesn't fret...or with a herdmate that won't boss her around) and let her self-exercise.  This will help control the swelling and encourage healing.

Once she appears to be healed I would suggest you have a chiropractor come and check her over.  Her hips/back/loin/etc.. may be out.

If the swelling and pain continue to increase on day 4/5 post-injury, call your vet out asap...you have a more serious problem.  Otherwise, it's just a matter of giving her time to heal.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Sincerely,

Lana Reinhardt
www.eq-paradise.com