Structural or Temporary Problem????

[kdhtexas]

I have a late September show steer, around 400 pounds who was sound as far as we can tell when we got him home. We felt his joints when he was unloaded and no fluid. Last week hocks swelled up out of nowhere, were warm to the touch, left worse than the right. Consulted with vet to get Draxinn and Banamine in him to squash anything it might have been infection wise and reduced his feed to be safe. The swelling is coming down but he frequently doesn't stand with his weight on the left foot.
Does this sound like something structural going on?

 

[knabe]

look for a nail.  had similar symptoms in a cow once. they didn't want to put weight on their foot and it probably caused her hock to be used oddly and made it swollen.  went away when found an old rusted 3" nail in her foot.

 

[EGUSVet]

Yup, I’ve found nails before often causing a swelling. Might be worth getting it pared out better

 

[idalee]

What joint are you actually talking about.  Hocks or Fetlocks?

 

[Gargan]

I would be concerned if both hocks are selling. Sounds like structural issues

 

[HGC]

You definitely need to look at the foot and make sure nothing is in it.  If there isn't anything there, it sure sounds like spastic paresis. It can show up as young as 6 months old.  Swollen hocks, straight hind legs and swinging a leg are classic signs. There is no cure and they won't gain very much weight.

 

[kdhtexas]

Left one had much more swelling than the right, not sure if slight fluid in the right was in response to whatever is going on with the left. It's in his hocks, and going to check that foot today.

 

[CAB]

Any chance of you putting up a short video of your calf on the move? May could either confirm or possibly illuminate the spastic paresis for you.

 

[Gargan]

Any chance of you putting up a short video of your calf on the move? May could either confirm or possibly illuminate the spastic paresis for you.

Agree