Draw It Out® · Leg Care 101

Common Causes of Swelling in a Horse’s Leg

Swelling happens — from long hauls to hard works to true emergencies. Here’s a calm, rider-first guide to spotting what you’re looking at, what to do first, and when to call your veterinarian. No burn. No sting. No drama.

First 60-Second Check

  • One leg or many? Single-leg swelling is more suspicious than both hinds after a night in.
  • Heat & pain? Feel with the back of your hand. Warmth or resentment matters.
  • Lameness? Walk straight, turn, back a step. Sudden lameness = vet call.
  • Wounds? Look closely around fetlock, pastern, coronet.
  • Fever? ≥101.5°F with a hot leg suggests infection.
Jump to Quick Care Vet Red Flags

Frequent Causes of Leg Swelling

How to Wrap a Swollen Horse Leg Safely

If swelling is confirmed and your veterinarian advises wrapping, follow the correct standing-wrap method, safety checks, and red-flag warnings in our step-by-step guide.

Read the Complete Wrapping Guide →

Quick Care Routine (When It’s Not an Emergency)

  1. Cool: IceBath™ 1:10 sponge or spray, air dry.
  2. Target: CryoSpray® on hot tendons or muscles.
  3. Support: Thin, even Draw It Out® 16oz Gel. Wrap only if that’s your normal program.

Wraps: When & How

  • When: Stocking up, travel, rehab plans.
  • How: Even tension. No wrinkles. No roping.
  • Check: At least every 12 hours.
Consistency beats intensity

Red Flags — Call Your Vet

  • Non-weight-bearing or rapidly worsening lameness
  • Hot, painful swelling with fever
  • Deep or penetrating wounds
  • Swelling that climbs the limb
  • Severe hoof pain or suspected abscess

When in doubt: keep the horse quiet and call your veterinarian.


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