Another frustrating injury!

I got a call from the barn manager on Friday while I was at work about a bump on Mazzy's thigh. I was told that the groom decided to lunge her to see if she was lame, which really isn't a decision the grooms would normally make (I find out later that he either he did not notice it before he decided to lunge her or she slipped while lunging and got the "bump" and is afraid to say that). It didn't sound terribly serious from what they told me on the phone, so I figured they would do what they thought best to treat her. I called a friend of mine who happened to be at the barn at that time and asked her to take a look and give me her opinion. She is very knowledgeable with loads of experience. I would trust her more than anyone with the care of my horses. The "bump" was really a nearly football sized swelling. She sent me a photo and videos over the phone (can't figure out how to post the videos)....Mazzy was put back in her stall without wraps, so my wonderful friend wrapped her legs to prevent the swelling from settling down in her legs and causing more problems. She also gave her 2 bute to help with the swelling and pain. I was so grateful she was looking after her, since I was stuck at work. I do not know exactly what happened because I have heard a couple of different versions of the order of events. I do know there was quite a bit of swelling on Friday and it dissipated by Saturday morning, and then more so by Sunday. There is still quite a bit of swelling, but it is not as centralized. She is sore at the walk, and isn't thrilled when you palpate the area. There is a knot in the middle of the swelling which is sensitive to her, and there are a few small scratches/scuffs over the area which may be related. I have been cold hosing, hand walking, using Surpass (topical anti-inflammatory cream), and giving her 2 bute a day for the past couple of days. I really wish I knew if she fell down lunging, got cast in her stall, or got bit by a spider. If it doesn't get better by tomorrow, I'm going to be calling the vet AGAIN for another visit to see Mazzy. All of these injuries are really getting me concerned about her safety.

Puncture Wound

Cast in the turnout

Skinned hair off both hips

Gashes on both sides of her face

Swollen back leg, probably from getting cast in her stall (now there are permanent lumps there)

The horses consumed most of the day on Saturday and Sunday, but I did go to a fun costume party Saturday night...

Sunday afternoon we went to Olvera street for the Day of the Dead celebration (All Souls' Day). It is a holiday celebrated in Mexico and by Latin Americans living in the US focusing on family and friends praying for and remembering friends and family members who have died. The celebration occurs on Oct 31, Nov 1st & 2nd in connection with the Catholic holiday of All Saints' Day which occurs on Nov 1st, and All Souls' Day which occurs on Nov 2nd. Olvera Street is the oldest part of downtown LA, which was converted to a colorful Mexican marketplace in 1930. People paint their faces to look like skeletons, there is music, dancers, lots of alters and shrines are set up for people who have passed, and everyone is selling candy skulls. It was interesting...

Tweet

Pin It