Severe cellulitis

W

WindyWitch

Well-Known Member
Joined
5 June 2014
Messages
74
Visit site
My TB developed severe cellulitis just before the weekend, the second time in 2 years. Can't see any visible cuts or otherwise that could have triggered this, so that part will remain a mystery . He has been lucky this time that although there is a lot of swelling there is no lameness therefore I can get him out in the field and in-hand ex cerise to try and reduce the swelling. He's just finished a course of broad spectrum anti-b's and painkillers. Other than cold hosing and walking, anyone have any other tried and tested ways to reduce the swelling? TIA
 
My sport horse developed this last year. He ended up needing three different types of antibiotics ( plus painkillers etc) and I added handfuls of clivers and marigold flowers to his feed. I was a bit sceptical about these TBH but the swelling gradually subsided. He was turned out as normal every day. I fed these for 6 months then stopped. We didn't hose at all..(.my vet said she didn't believe it made any difference). Good luck- such a nightmare and such a relief to get through it.
 
I know what you mean about the hosing, there isn't any heat in the leg therefore it doesn't seem logical. He was on cleavers and marigolds through the winter, they are good 😀
 
The old fashioned cure for cellulitis was to wipe the leg concerned with surgical spirit twice a day. Hosing may help relieve pain, but a damp atmosphere may encourage the bacteria to continue breeding.
 
In addition to the drugs you mention, my vet adds steroids. I'm terrified of swollen legs, my vet knows this and hits any cases hard with bute, steroids and strong antibiotics intravenously, followed by powder antibiotics for a week in feed. Very quick improvement always shown, with no swelling left after 48 hours.
 
Talk to your vet. Persistent cellulitis caused by (equally persistent) mud fever in my boy was only shifted with a dose of cobactan . . . but every case is different.

Good luck.

P
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top