Connie
Posted : 7/1/2010 11:37:11 AM
It would seem the first step would be to check the leg for heat and softness in the tendon. Then the foot, she could have something there.
Unless the bow is really set and has a natural "cast" holding it in place, and even if it does have this, it is a good ideal to put a stall bandage on both front legs after exercise. Just a cooling leg brace rubbed in well, and then a quilted wrap followed by a stall bandage (like a polo wrap but usually smaller) If you don't know how to put one on, ask someone who does. A lot of damage can be caused by a bandage put on too tightly. This could be a long term process. You want to keep that tendon tight. If there is a lot of heat there, hosing with cold water will help, too.
You should use a brace bandage on the leg if you are going to use her and there is heat in the tendon. Again, and I can't emphasize this enough, if you don't know how to put one on, get someone who does to do it and to teach you how to do it. A soft bow needs support.
I hope this helps. I know it is hard to do anything with a horse that is far away.
(A brace bandage is basically an elastic bandage. You will need something smooth and thin under it and then wrap it starting in the middle of the cannon bone, work your way down over the ankle, but not into the fetlock, then back to the base of the knee. This gives the horse support. There are boots you can use, but they don't always provide enough support.)