“My 9-year-old TB mare has, a swollen ring around her left pastern”…

This is the second time it has happened. I’ve given her butte and it goes away after a couple of days. When it presented itself there was only slight heat at the back and a bit sensitive to her with pressure on it accompanied by slight lameness on a left rein. She has been on light to moderate work for the past three years and about 6 months ago I brought on her fitness level up and now we are going to jumping classes. The injury came on this week after a class.

Also, I wonder if there is a connection with another funny thing she has done over the year, however, not so much now. Sometimes when cantering or trotting, she sort of trips up with her hind legs. We have perhaps stupidly attributed this to laziness — although well fed and well bred she’s very laid back. And, until now, as she hasn’t been required to do too much she really did not have much muscle in her behind.

Dr. Jack Sales’ Answer:

Hi Alex,

From your description of the swelling in the pastern area, I would suggest that you get the area x-rayed to determine what is causing this ring of swelling. It will answer most of your questions on the best way to proceed.