Plan of action

_ PE and lameness evaluation Ð these should be consistent with the referring vet
_ Radiographs and ultrasound of the fetlock joint and surrounding swollen areas, to 
compare to unaffected fetlock to check for fractures and soft tissue damage.  If there 
is a fracture there would be a radiolucent line in the long bones or in the growth plate.  
Soft tissue damage might be apparent on ultrasound
_ Flexion and extension test to evaluate ligament and tendon integrity.  If the tendons or 
ligaments are damaged, the joint might show increased laxity or pain response
_ CBC and serum chem panel for a systemic infection or other blood abnormalities.  
Inflammation may show an inflammatory leukogram, and a blood panel may show a 
subclinical systemic problem
_ Joint tap to check for a local infection of the joint.  Infiltration of bacteria and an 
increased number of neutrophils and macrophages may be seen