What was the bump on the front of my horses leg? A strain…caused by me 
I feel HORRIBLE right now. Like the biggest jerk ever. How did it happen? Well I have been using strips of vet wrap instead of the whole roll. My logic was two fold. 1) Let the cut breath and 2) cut cost. Well, my logic sucks. The strips were not distributing the pressure evenly enough and thus the extra pressure strained the tendon (or was it the ligament) making it swell and causing the bump to grow.
The good news is that it is just, as my vet so nicely put it, pissed off. And as long as I ice it and keep it wrapped properly the bump will go away soon. It already was half the size today then it was yesterday. I just feel like a jerk because my baby is hurting and it is all my fault. I know I didn’t do it on purpose, but I still feel bad.
And the other bad news is that the infection is not clearing up like it is supposed to. So Gen has to stay on anti-biotics for another 5 days. I am going to be really happy when his leg is no longer hot to the touch and swollen!
And on to a second question. The owner of Hill farm is having some major issues with her mares feet. Don’t ask me what because I couldn’t tell you. Anyway one of her options is something I have never heard of. Flip-Flop shoes. Does anyone out there know what they are? And would you recommend them? Or do you think they are horrible. Any and all input will be passed along to her…she is at her wits end with her mare so any information is helpful.
I think your pony will be just fine is a few days. Don’t beat yourself up. He doesn’t seem like it bothers him very much. Lesson learned!
I looked up the flip flop shoe and it mentions that it is really good for hard soil. Not sure what soil you have there, but it seems it may not be the best choice for the rainy spring. Seems like it may be what she needs to do for the winter with the frozen ground. Please write more about the problem the mare is having because you have a lot of people here that may have some other great ideas.
I ditto Sue about Gen.
I’ve never heard of flip-flops, but I have heard of “flappers”. It’s a pad worn in conjunction with a half shoe. Check this website out. http://www.grandcircuitinc.com/proddetail.asp?prod=CEMTGCFLAP
A friend is currently using them on his horse’s front hooves and seems to be helping to redistribute the pressure from his heel area.
I’m assuming she is being advised by an experienced professional?
Wouldn’t it be nice if our horses could say to us “This hurts….right here….I think this is why?” Grif and I had a saddle pad issue that I just recently figured out and I think I know EXACTLY how you are feeling.
I concur with Sue and Carol about Gen. You have to (try) to not beat yourself up over it, even though it’s hard. Give yourself some credit that you figured out what was wrong and are doing your best to fix it.
I’m sure Gen is less worried about his leg than about having to eat those darned antibiotics!!! Grrr…. LOL ( my boy Grif hates medications)
The best news tho — is that he’ll be ok.
About the flip-flop horse shoes….I haven’t heard of them either?????? Sounds like a funny/cute name tho..ha-ha. Maybe they have some sort of an attachement that goes over the top of the hoof???? (hence, making them look like a flip flop)?
Hugs to you and Genny, I’m glad things are looking better:)