Swelling under stifle

[22sroylie]

Alright horse people, I have a mystery (at least to me). My 11 year old warmblood mare has a softball size mass under her stifle joint that came up after I brought her in from being turned out. My initial reaction was, “crap she’s totally f***ed something up” I thought maybe a torn ligament but then I realized that she was walking and moving perfectly fine and the swelling is under the stifle. It is extremely tender but I don’t think it’s a kick because the lack of a gash or any indication of a kick. So then I checked her temperature Incase it’s some sort of infection and her temperature was perfect. Before anyone tells me to call a vet don’t worry I have and she is coming on Wednesday. So anyone have any ideas?

ps. No signifgant heat

[SaratogaTB]

I assume the “mass” is squishy when you touch it, sort of like a balloon filled with water? I am guessing she may have a hematoma. My gelding fell while playing outside and developed a large hematoma on his stifle. Like you described, he moved perfectly fine after falling, and the hematoma got larger over several days. Because draining is risky we used topical antibiotic and vet used shockwave therapy to help the body reabsorb the liquid. Entire process took about 2 months and he is fine and completely sound. Did vet see her yesterday?