Lymphangitis/ manual lymph drainage?

[gingerthing]

What are people's experiences of this please? My cob had previously suffered with what the vet thought was leg mites a couple of years ago, however he has always had 'saggy legs', with the mild wet weather recently his heels and fetlocks have become really sore, swollen and irritated, and where the skin creases on his legs he is getting weepy sores. He's never been this bad. I have the vet booked as I feel he needs some form of antibiotic cover (will see what they think).

Is anybody familiar with management of lymphangitis in the legs? And the best way to manage it?

 

[Laureltree]

Lots of experience sadly!

My biggest tip is to exercise him as much as possible - 24 hr turnout would be ideal but hardly feasible mid winter, so as a minimum I would say two decent exercise sessions a day plus as much turnout as poss.

The more you can get him moving and ideally his heart rate up, the more the lymph will be encouraged to move and therefore ease/prevent the horrendous swelling. Even if he's a bit lame from the pain of the swelling, you have to persevere.

In addition, you have to be mega fastidious about cleaning every tiny graze/open sore.

Keep his stable as clean and dry as possible.

Your vet will advise whether antibiotics and/or steroids are necessary; if they are, make sure you finish the course to the end, even after swelling has gone.

My boy has had years of lymphangitis trouble so I sympathise! Get on to it quickly when you see the first symptoms, as early intervention makes a big difference. Good luck!

 

[Andalucian]

Whist did the vet say? It doesn't sound like typical Lymphangitis from your description, more like mites or mud fever related issues.