hpowell
Active Member
I would like to hear from anyone who thinks their horse may have the condition, chronic progressive lymphoedema. This has been identified in some heavy horses, particularly Shires, Clydesdales and Belgian Drafts, and more recently in traditional coloured/gypsy vanners. It appears in the lower legs, initially resembling 'therapy resistant' pastern dermatitis, leading to skin thickening, crusting and folds. Secondary infections develop, such as chorioptic mange and bacterial ones, and the underlying condition plus heavy feather provides an ideal environment for these. Recurrent infections and inflammation in turn enhance the lymphoedema and the condition becomes chronic, and the leg enlargement permanent. Large nodules eventually develop, movement becomes impeded, and for some horses the only outcome is euthanasia. I have had correspondence from owners of horses with the condition from around the world, but heard little in this country, although I know it does exist here. Because the condition is relatively unknown here, and does initially resemble, and then involve mange, mites and infections etc, some owners are very concerned that they will be accused of not caring properly for their horses, despite having tried 'everything' and being unaware of the underlying lymphoedema. Although not curable, the condition can be improved and controlled with manual lymph drainage and specialised bandaging. Research into CPL is ongoing in Europe and America, and it is hoped that something similar can be initiated in Britain, to work with this condition.