Gosh, I’m sorry to hear this. Is there any chance it looks worse because it is drawing it out? When I used it, I had to clean the area with alcohol wipes. It would close up pretty quickly and I would have to put pressure on it to open it up. I’d get a second opinion, too, if I were in your position.
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Thank goodness she’s good natured - a hot pad strapped to her face with a polo wrap. The swelling is all over the place now, up the side of her jaw and along where her molars are. Poor girl. She looks more miserable today than she has in a few.
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Poor thing.
You have information from benign neglect and it is time for something different because the site isn’t reducing. Your mare is a sweetheart for wearing the treating bandage.
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If it was a simple inflamed lymph node, it would be getting better with what has been done. You need to call in your veterinarian at this point, IMO.
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She’s been called, at the start and again today. She’s the one who suggested “benign neglect”. I have dex on hand, I might just give her some and see if it knocks it back.
I’m having trouble getting anyone to come out, so she might be going to a clinic Monday.
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Is her fever still subsided?
I am not sure I would give Dex for an infection.
Could be a dental infection.
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No fever for the whole week - only a mild one Saturday. Vet said she checked her teeth Monday. She also ultrasounded the area and found nothing.
You need to culture it - it’s either Pigeon Fever or Strangles
And get a better vet
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I don’t think it’s either. I think it’s related to the wound/bite. I’m not ok with neglecting it, per the vet’s suggestion. I’ve seen pigeon fever and that horse was super sick. My mare seems ok outside of her face hurting. This mare has a history of cellulitis, this almost feels like cellulitis but on her face.
Agreed on the vet. VERY limited choices around here. I’m calling the clinic when they open today.
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Even if they don’t have “an appointment” I’m going up there anyways, today. I’ll just pay the emergency fee if needed.
With this horse’s history of cellulitis, I’m starting to think it might be an over-active lymphatic response. That said, I don’t want to take any chances and I want a second opinion.
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Good to do a second opinion. I had another one way way back that we thought strangles first (young, new to boarding/training barn), but tested negative. Lump broke open, drained, seemed over it. Then came back. X-rayed thinking maybe dental related but nothing. Ultrasounded to look for foreign object. Nothing. I don’t think we ever really knew what it was, just what it wasn’t! Eventually cleared up - I can’t recall for sure if my vet opened it up or what, but it took a long time to heal. I think my vet’s theory was there was something in there that was too small/lightweight to show up on the x-rays or ultrasounds but created infection/abscess around it. Now that I think of it, I believe we cultured the drainage and treated with antibiotics based on that. Long time ago, I can’t remember!
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The second opinion started with a blood draw looking for infection, which came back negative.
After xrays and ultrasound, they opened up three interconnected abcess pockets. Sample of the discharge taken and on its way to the lab. She’s going on antibiotics and bute.
I’m am so so so glad I got another opinion. She seems to feel so much better already.
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Thanks for the update.
I am sure many here were worrying along with you, glad mare is in good hands now. 
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Good. Opening it up certainly helps, but I swear horses feel better once they know that you know where the ouchie is.
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Went back out tonight to check on her and get the antibiotics started.
It’s a night and day difference in the swelling already. I can feel one of the “pouches” has totally deflated. She was sassy and running around.
We’re not out of the woods yet but we’re on our way!
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Great update on your mare!
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Hi, my name is endless and I’m an opportunistic xrayer.
While we were there and she was already sedated I said “what the hell” and got xrays on her hind feet too. Need to work on heels and toes, not a surprise. Sent them to my farrier.
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So glad to read this update. If she’s going to be on the bute for a while and is the sensitive type, maybe think of starting a buffer/antacid thingy too. I usually have Sucralfate on hand for these “occasions” but even 60cc of aloe vera gel/day can mitigate irritation. IME, cheaper to do a course while the NSAID is being given than ending up doing a full(er) course afterwards.
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Good idea. I’ve got esomeprazole on hand already, might as well use it.
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