remedy on the rocks

Butch in his slick summer coat

Doc S. is the kind of old-style veterinarian who can tell more at a glance than most younger vets can diagnose with a clinic-full of tests, tools and machines. He's a local legend. He's retired. He's an old friend of the barn owner. He treats my mule because I board with her. Lucky me - lucky Butch!

Diagnosis: The stocking up (swelling) in Butch's left hind is NOT due to a tendon injury. *Whew!!!*

                  It's not a long-term concern. 

                  He's not lame. There's no reason not to ride him. 

                  However: 

                      The burn injury is still healing; it's slow to repair partly because of reduced blood flow so far from the heart, which is also why his fetlock joint keeps stocking up. Usage during healing produces fluid the heart can't pump quickly enough, so it builds up slightly overnight. 

                 Doc S. also noticed Butch's feet are wearing unevenly due to a mild conformation issue. (Mule's right front toes out a bit.) Which brings us to:

Treatment: Ride - on rocky ground!

                  Doc says riding will keep the burn scar tissue flexible as it forms, and will increase blood flow even if it does cause mild swelling. And he says the uneven foot wear now is due to Butch self-correcting to try and carry himself evenly in the sand. Riding on rocky ground - especially hills - will teach him to balance on the whole surface, wear the hooves evenly, and have the added plus of toughening up his feet.

                Other than that, just keep doing what I've been doing: hose, apply Corona, wrap at night.

Prognosis:  Full recovery. *Happy dance!*