Low Blood proteins...

[Benjamin]

Anyone know what this means?

This is in relation to odema of the legs, sheath, and tummy.

Thanks
Paula x

 

[TGM]

As I understand it, it is the lack of protein in the blood which causes oedema, due to the way it affects osmosis in the bodily tissues. Dissolved protein is one of the most important substances that increases the osmotic pressure in the blood.
If blood protein levels drop significantly, there will be little or nothing to draw the water back into the blood from the tissue spaces through the capillary walls. The result is an accumulation of fluid in the tissue - also called oedema.

Edited to add - I did have a horse with swollen sheath and legs - it turned out his oedema was due to a heart murmur.

 

[Benjamin]

Thank you for that TGM - Much appreciated!

I know his heart is okay, we are going to do white and red counts next week.

Thanks again TGM
P x

 

[HBII]

Hiya Benj

Would this help might be worth asking your vet?

Did you have any luck with the suggestions getting him to drink?

Hb

 

[Benjamin]

I will have a chat with them next week! Thanks for that!

The apple bobbing seemed to have the desired effect!! I think he wasn't drinking because he can get his old feller out, and he is quite a clean horse, it just ended up all over his tummy!
Thanks again for all your help!

P x