I worried about what this is?!

[menagerie]

I just noticed today that my little 3 year old stud has a knot under his jaw. Its right at the base of his jaw where it meets his neck basically. Its very large and feels kinda hard, I'll try and get a pic of it but I'm terrified that its strongles (sp?) I have never had one of mine have this but have read about others on the forum dealing with it. It could also be maybe a bite or something? He does have a much smaller bump higher up on his jaw above the large one. Our horses aren't exposed to any other horses and this horse hasn't been off our property.. ever. I don't even know if they can get strongles without being exposed to something or not. :(

Anyone have suggestions or if it is the strongles then what should I do?

[vicklynn]

I think a pic would be great.

[rockyridge]

not knowing what you are seeing...i do know that some bloodlines are born with bumps...some like a walnut... along the jaw line and as they reach 4-5 those smooth out and the jaw is straight....whether it is teeth to come in the future...i don't have a clue....

[menagerie]

Ok here are two pics.... http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/album.php?albumid=184&pictureid=2251

http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=184&pictureid=2250

[Turn and Burn]

Well, is he acting lethargic and not eating? strangles is swelling in the lymph nodes. They usually get snotty noses. I would call a vet in your area and ask them about it, if it is strangles you want to catch it as soon as possible.
Hope that helps, keep us updated!

[menagerie]

No snotty nose and seems to have a normal energy level at this point.

[Ryle]

You are likely seeing swelling of the lymph nodes which can occur with ANY type of infection. I would monitor his temperature and watch for any nasal discharge, lethargy, inappetence, etc. If his temp is over 102 in the mornings or you see any of the signs mentioned, call your vet and tell him what is going on. Even with no exposure to new horses there is still the chance that one of your current horses is shedding the bacteria that causes Strangles or Equine Herpes Virus. However, I would expect to see nasal discharge with either of those though you can have really mild infections that show almost no symptoms.

Also to be on the safe side you should go ahead and quarantine him just in case it is something contageous.

[walkinthewalk]

Another thought in keeping with they might be swollen lymph nodes from infection:

Has he lost all his caps yet? He is only three, so one or more could be giving him some problems --- even if he's not visibly complaining with any sort of bad behaviour.

When my then three year old was having issues with a cap I got the vet out and he popped it off. He put the colt on ten days of antibiotics "for good measure" and Sultan was ok after that. Sultan never complained, which is why I mentioned that in the previous paragraph:)

Just a thought:cowboy:

[menagerie]

I'm separating him just in case, if he doesn't start doing better, or gets worse we're going to the vet though. It could be his teeth but I can't get him to open his mouth enough to really see back there so I don't know.

Can anyone tell me from the location of the 'bump' on the photos whether or not I should be worried about something worse?

[missdixie]

In my strangles experience I would say that's definitely not strangles. When the throat gets swollen with strangles it is under the throatlatch. My first guess with that would be an abscessed tooth.

[BalooEyes]

With his age I would think teeth. Some friends that have younger horses 2-4 yrs old have had bumps like this popping up along the jaw like that. The dentist said not to worry about it, and they've all gone away since. it has something to do with their teeth growing out at that point in their lives. I forget exactly.

[menagerie]

Thank God! I really appreciate the input Missdixie and Baloo. Its been one after the other at our house lately and I was terrified that this was just one more. I don't think any of my guys/gals can get sick or injured on their own! :cowboy: It'll also be a relief not to have one more vet bill. :)

[missdixie]

Yeah no problem. A 3 year old gelding at my barn has the same thing right now, it probably has to do with teething but keep an eye on his temp to make sure it's not an abscess.

[menagerie]

I'll certainly keep check thanks again!