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  Discussion on Pigeon Fever in Area - Weird Swelling on My Horse
Author Message
Member:
hosspoor

Posted on Monday, Sep 15, 2008 - 12:46 pm:

I live in an area that has not had pigeon fever in the past, but this year (just this month) there have been several cases in the area surrounding my home/barn. I just noticed this strange swelling on the lower chest area of my 3 year old -- it kind of hangs down between his front legs. It does not look/feel like what I would expect from the descriptions of pigeon fever abscesses, but wondered if it could be an early sign, or something else entirely? It is like a little floppy bag of liquid, with slight firmness in the center (like I can squeeze and feel something in there) - not at all uncomfortable for him. I noticed it two days ago, and it has not changed in size that I can tell. He did get his flu-rhino booster on that side (in the neck) about 2 weeks ago, so absent this local pigeon fever outbreak, I would probably think it was some edema that worked its way down from that. Any ideas? My vet is out of town, and when I spoke to him last week about the pigeon fever, he admitted he'd never actually seen a case personally, since it hasn't been in our area, so not sure if he'll be able to tell me much either. I'm going to post a picture which is kind of dark, but hope you can see enough. Thanks.Chest Swelling - down between front legs
Member:
dres

Posted on Monday, Sep 15, 2008 - 4:45 pm:

Lucy you are right not a very clear picture.. I have had to deal with pigeon fever several times each one came up a little different.. but yes the fluid can pool down low on the chest and in between the legs.. I starts out firm/soft and will slowly start to develop a goose egg firm swelling in the middle of the larger lump this is where it will open and drain.. Hot packing will help it come to a head faster ... My horses never went off their feed or appeared to upset by the infections..

On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 16, 2008 - 9:26 am:

Lucy I think you have it right that looks like dependent edema, possibly from trauma. A small amount like that will usually self resolve but if it starts to enlarge draining it should be considered.
DrO
Member:
hosspoor

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 16, 2008 - 11:49 am:

Well, DrO appears to have it right, as it had completely disappeared when I checked last night and again this morning! I wouldn't even have worried (much) about it had we not just heard about this pigeon fever appearance in the area. Thanks!
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