That doesn’t really sound like grass glands (or fat head/grass head) liked talked about above, it usually isn’t painful and doesn’t affect them. I think probably getting the vet out would be the best bet…particularly if it’s painful for the horse. Could be anything from snake bite (you won’t necessarily see the bite) to fracture, or something less innocuous.
ETA: Wrote snake, meant spider, but I suppose it could be either.
When my mare had the same symptoms, she had been bitten by a black widow spider. (Vet made the diagnosis and we found the spider nesting under the lip of her water trough.)
My horse who has really nasty allergies will swell like that some time. Never runs a fever or stopped eating so the vet said he was reacting to something in his environment.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
