Gia - session 376 - poulticing a swollen leg

 Gia came in with a swelling on her lower, outside, right hind leg just above the fetlock.  She was not visibly off, although, when the vet came out, she said she did detect a slight lameness.  There was pitting edema, which is usually indicative of an infection called cellulitis, however, the other symptoms that typically go along with cellulitis - pain, discomfort, heat, increased temperature - were not there.  The vet and I were both stumped as to whether it is actually cellulitis or just a soft tissue injury.  So, we are treating it for both.  Antibiotics and bute for the cellulitis, and icing, poulticing and rest for the soft tissue injury.  

When I took off her bandage today, the swelling was almost completely gone, so we are definitely heading in the right direction.

I will post a video, when I post this blog, describing how to apply a poultice.

Enjoy!

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