Above the knee Hygroma (sp)

[vineyridge]

Thought I'd ask here, since race people know all about leg swellings and how to treat them.

My old man (26 and a former race horse) has a long history of knees. For the past ever so long he has had a tennis ball swelling above his knee that is soft. Research says that it's a hygroma on the tendon above the knee--a capped knee. He really isn't lame on that leg.

How is this treated? Does one have the fluid sucked out and cortisone injected? Will some external treatment work, like poulticing or Ball's Solution?

Would appreciate any and all suggestions on treating this condition.

I guess a trip up North to an equine vet is probably in order, but until I can get access to a trailer, is there anything I can do at home?