Haematoma

Symptoms

A large rapid forming lump under the skin or within a muscle. Usually floppy under the skin and firmer and very painful for the horse when in the muscle.

Cause

A broken blood vessel caused by damage which does not break the external skin. The blood forces the skin outwards or the muscle fibres apart. The haematoma stops growing when the pressure of the escaping blood equals the tension around the area where it is forming.

Treatment

Pressure against the haematome and cold compresses helps to stop the bleeding. It can then be left for a few days for the blood vessel to heal and after this the contents can be drained so he swelling is removed.