Edema on mini's belly

[NoahG]

Hey everyone,
I come bearing yet more not great news on Winston. About a week ago I noticed what felt like a small lump under Winston's belly, and the vet was out yesterday and when I mentioned it to him he briefly checked it and said it could be Pigeon Fever. I checked it again today and it's gotten larger and it's perfectly symmetrical to his belly. It also leaves a mark if I press it with my finger. I know in humans edema can be signs of poor circulation including heart failure. Horses I'm not so sure on. Calling the vet out tomorrow.

I've included a picture but it's hard to see if you don't know what you're looking for.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[chandab]

It's good that you have the vet coming, just to be safe and know.
Often, edema is just caused by lack of movement, which is why we see more of it in the winter, when they aren't moving around as much; but there can be other reasons, so always good to get it checked out.

 

[NoahG]

It's good that you have the vet coming, just to be safe and know.
Often, edema is just caused by lack of movement, which is why we see more of it in the winter, when they aren't moving around as much; but there can be other reasons, so always good to get it checked out.

I admittedly have been busy with work and haven't walked them as much as I should. I'll try for more exercise, especially with Winston. He hasn't reacted to the thyroid medicine the same way Aggie has. She's full of energy, Winston less so. No fever, and his eyes are bright and he has good poop and appetite.

 

[LostandFound]

I can't tell anything from the picture, but hopefully the vet can give you some advice over the phone since he's already seen it. I've seen edema all the way up into the belly on a horse with swollen legs, or just on the belly in a pregnant mare. I don't think we have pigeon fever here...if we do I've never seen it or heard of someone with it. I hope it turns out to be something minor.

 

[Standards Equine]

@NoahG is his sheath swollen? Contacting your vet is always a good idea when you're unsure - or even when you are sure but need a sounding board. Like @chandab said, it's often seen at this time of year with lack of motion. Ventral edema can be indicative of free fluid in the abdomen (ascites) which would potentially lead to something major going on. However, I've also seen it spontaneously resolve without any reason why it was there in the first place.
Bottom line, horses are fun, hey? haha

 

[BSharpRanch]

Does he have edema anyplace else, like legs or his sheath.

I had a horse with AF that didn't get diagnosed till 7 years after it started, at which point was to late as it turned into HF and he had to be put down.

Back then the thought was that horses didn't have heart issues. My mom had it pegged from the beginning and unfortunately none of the vets listened to her.

Here's what his symptoms were, although like any illness, they can vary between animals:
•Lack of stamina
•swollen sheath
•stocked up legs
•"fainting" spells
•loss of energy
•ventral edema
•loss of appetite

If AF is caught early enough, they can use drugs to convert the heart rhythm back to normal.

The only way that they could tell he had AF was with an ECG.

I'm sure there are other ways now to diagnose the condition.

 

[NoahG]

Does he have edema anyplace else, like legs or his sheath.

I had a horse with AF that didn't get diagnosed till 7 years after it started, at which point was to late as it turned into HF and he had to be put down.

Back then the thought was that horses didn't have heart issues. My mom had it pegged from the beginning and unfortunately none of the vets listened to her.

Here's what his symptoms were, although like any illness, they can vary between animals:
•Lack of stamina
•swollen sheath
•stocked up legs
•"fainting" spells
•loss of energy
•ventral edema
•loss of appetite

If AF is caught early enough, they can use drugs to convert the heart rhythm back to normal.

The only way that they could tell he had AF was with an ECG.

I'm sure there are other ways now to diagnose the condition.

Vet was not able to catch Winston since I wasn't there and said he was "fine." I obviously want something more in depth done. Just the edema on his belly last I checked. I'll see how he is this morning.

 

[Standards Equine]

Maybe the running around has cured it?? I can hope for you. Sometimes that lymphatic system just needs to get working.

 

[NoahG]

As of this morning Winston has swelling on his sheath. Time to have the vet check him for a 3rd time. I guess I need to be here when the vet comes so Winston doesn't freak out.

 

[LostandFound]

Sorry to hear that, it doesn't seem like a good sign. Things must be very different on that ocean. I would never be able to find a vet who would see my horse without me there. We are expected to have our horses caught, fairly clean, and more or less easy to handle. If not the vet or farrier is likely to walk off the job and never come back. Still hoping it's nothing major.

 

[NoahG]

Sorry to hear that, it doesn't seem like a good sign. Things must be very different on that ocean. I would never be able to find a vet who would see my horse without me there. We are expected to have our horses caught, fairly clean, and more or less easy to handle. If not the vet or farrier is likely to walk off the job and never come back. Still hoping it's nothing major.

That's what I'm worried about. Winston has never been difficult with any vet. However, this morning Aggie looked absolutely traumatized and wouldn't let me near her. I'm afraid my vet misunderstood and tried catching her instead. She especially needs me there for the vet. Time to blow another chunk of money.

 

[LostandFound]

Well, spending your money is what horses are best at. Poor Aggie, that's probably what happened.

 

[NoahG]

So Winston just got loose and it took forever to catch him. I have never seen him move so fast. I had him cornered but he actually bucked and pretended to kick at me. At least he has immense energy.

 

[NoahG]

By the end of the day the edema disappeared. Between his rampage around the property and him and Aggie getting to play with the neighbors pony that swelling was completely gone!

 

[MaryFlora]

Horses keep us guessing that’s for sure! Glad to read Winston is feeling and looking better.

Like LostandFound, I was stunned to read the vet came without you present. The vet and farrier here also require someone present and horse haltered or at least stalled.

Hoping you have no need to call a vet for a long time!

 

[HersheyMint]

Glad to read Winston is better.

 

[LostandFound]

So maybe he was being a stinker for the vet! I wouldn't assume that just because the swelling went down with exercise his issue is resolved though. But I'm hoping for you that he just needs a little more movement.

 

[NoahG]

So maybe he was being a stinker for the vet! I wouldn't assume that just because the swelling went down with exercise his issue is resolved though. But I'm hoping for you that he just needs a little more movement.

I'm cautiously optimistic. I'm going to watch him a couple of days and see what changes and if the swelling comes back. Vet lives literally a quarter mile from where the minis are so he's pretty flexible with field visits.