The horse in the picture is suffering from LYMPHANGITIS
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels (similar to blood vessels) that play a role draining fluid from the legs.
Lymphangitis is inflammation associated with lymphatic system. This causes swelling which can reach as high up as the hock or even the stifle. The affected leg can be up to 3 times its normal size and is usually very sensitive to the touch. Affected horses may also have a temperature.
It is usually the hind limbs that are affected – although lymphangitis in the forelimbs is also possible.
It can be caused by a wound (sometimes very small) allowing bacteria to track into the lymphatic system. Therefore we usually treat it with antibiotics to fight any infection and anti-inflammatories to help to reduce the swelling and keep the horse as comfortable as possible.
We can use bandages and gentle walking to help the ease the swelling in the lower leg.
Winter coughs in horses who are stabled
Winter coughs in horses who are stabled is usually down to dust particles and fungal spores….
Overnight Care
The Equine Veterinary Centre is not a hospital and hence is not staffed 24 hours a day
Equine flu cases rise in May
There were 28 confirmed equine influenza outbreaks during May, compared to just 12 in April 2019
