Big Trouble..

I'm feeling quite emotional about this, so will try and stick to facts. Last night went as usual to go and fetch Heather in. I knew there was food down in the field, so she wouldn't come to the gate. Found her as expected guarding her own stash. Thought she was being awkward when she wouldn't move. Soon found she was cripple lame on her right fore leg. Had a quick feel of her leg in the dark and felt nothing untoward. Encouraged her on for about a hundred yards where she stopped. Not moving...

Fetched help, between three of us, we tempted, cajoled and smacked her to her stable on three legs. Not a pretty sight. Though typically brave of a horse who has become so trusting. On closer inspection found a small cut on the outside of her off fore leg, just below the knee. Was worried she had a puncture on wire or something. But more likely an unfortunately placed kick from another horse. Cleaned the wound and dressed. She seemed oblivious to it and happy to eat!

This morning found her in good spirits..ears pricked and a happy whinny. But still hopelessly crippled. The dressing removed showed no blood, but a weep of what is probably joint fluid. Not good at all. Still little swelling or heat in the area. Her owner was notified of her injury last night. By the end of the day there was some swelling around her knee and she was becoming protective of it. I was going to apply a dry dressing and wrap, but gave up. Seemed to be bothering her too much. So pretty much left alone, though clean. I am very worried as to her condition and think we are looking for a miracle to pull her through. She is not a valuable horse...but is well loved.