I went to ride my horse this morning, and both of her front legs were swollen, but she's still sound. The right front was larger than the left, and the swelling is concentrated on the outside of the cannon, between the knee and fetlock. Neither the knee nor the fetlock is swollen. I'm pretty sure she ate hoary alyssum. I gave her bute and sprayed her legs down with cold water. Is there anything else I should do?

Updated On August 11th, 2017

Pet's info: Farm Animal | Horse | Female | 12 years and 3 months old | 1100 lbs

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Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Veterinarian

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She may be having an allergic reaction, which causes the edema, or swelling you're seeing in the legs. If she's not lame, you can give her time, with walking and cold water hosing. If the swelling persists, she probably needs steroids instead of bute and I recommend a visit to your vet for a full exam and bloodwork as well.

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