Lymphangitis -any info

[_Libby_]

Following on from this post -http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/3810684/an/0/page/3#3810684

I brought horsey in from the field today (she was totally fine when she went out) and she was very lame, almost to the point of looking like she might fall over! She was sweaty and really hot between her back legs and tucked up.

Vet has been out and diagnosted lymphangitis, shes also slightly colicky due to the pain. She's had anti biotics, painkiller and anti inflammatory and seems a bit better. Checking her again in an hour.
The vet ran bloods to rule out tying up as she has tied up before however enzyme level was normal (my vet got the results back within 2 hours! impressive eh)

So can any of you fill me in on the causes of this and any experiences you have had?
Vet said it can usually start through some type of wound of injury but she doesnt have a mark on her?

 

[ExRacers]

Yes one of mine is prone to it - very often the scratch/cut is so small you never find it!

It is extremely painful for them, but hopefully you should see a much happier horsey by tomorrow once the drugs kick in.

Once they have had it once, it does tend to recur so you just need to be extra vigilant & check carefully for any wounds in the susceptible leg.

Hope she makes a quick & uneventful recovery.

 

[_Libby_]

Thank you

I had put stable bandages on now I am reading about how severe the swelling can become, should I remove the bandages ??

 

[ExRacers]

I've never been advised by my vet to bandage - as much turnout as possible was prescribed to get the circulation going and disperse the fluid.

It usually takes my horse 2 to 3 days for the leg to return completely to normal although it may fill up a bit overnight (when stabled) for a couple of weeks before it settles down.

Don't worry - I'm sure you'll find an improvement by morning!

 

[Faro]

I agree with Ex Racers - No bandaging, and as much turnout as possible. If turnout is not possible, then gentle walk work. The movement is needed to avoid the lymphatic fluid from sitting in "pools".

If you can find reference to how skeletal muscles need to be moved in order to "pump" (for want of a better word) blood through non-returning valves you will then understand why movement/exercise is so important. Lymphatic fluid is "pumped" in a very similar way. So, standing still is not a particularly good thing for oedemas.

If the horse will allow you do to so, you could use gentle UPWARD stroking movements on the affected leg/s.

I stress upwards, because the excess lymphatic fluid, which accumulates to form the swelling, has to return in this direction towards the lymph nodes for processing, before it can be drained. Gentle stroking (no pressing or pushing) can often help it on its way.

 

[paulineh]

I have a gelding that has had this in the past. Normally through a very small cut or graze

I have now put him on the Hilton Herbs "Cleavers and Marigold" Herbs. He has not had it since.

It is worth trying it

 

[Nailed]

I would not bandage while the swelling is severe, However, infuture when stabled you may find it very beneficial to prevent fat legs..

Did the vet give Steriods?

Have a look futher down the forum.. lots of previous posts on the subject of the bloodyconditions.. its the bain of my life.

Oh and Ted gets lymphangitis from protein in the diet more than from cuts and scratches,

Lou x