![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Oedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid under the skin that has settled to the lowest point of the body. Severe lymphangitis can be difficult to treat and requires veterinary attention. Lymphangitis is inflammation of the lymph vessels most usually in the limbs and typically appears as a hot, painful, extremely swollen limb, usually the hind leg. Cellulitis typically starts with sudden swelling that is warm and painful to the touch. It can occur anywhere on the body, but in horses the infection commonly occurs in one of the hind legs. An acute or new swelling, especially if accompanied by heat and in just one leg or that is affecting a joint, is a reason to call your vet, as is swelling associated with lameness.Ĭellulitis, also called septic cellulitis, is a bacterial infection of the deeper layers of the skin.With infection, the area may feel hot and be painful to touch, so it’s worth checking your horse’s temperature and look carefully for any wounds such as small puncture wounds or any cuts that are oozing.An acute swelling that’s warm and tender to the touch suggests a recent injury or a developing infection.If neither heat nor pain accompanies your horse’s swelling, he probably has a non-acute condition, such as windgalls or filled legs.If your horse flinches in response to your touch or his skin feels warmer in these areas compared to elsewhere on his legs, he may be experiencing an acute inflammatory reaction.Firstly, check the swelling by slowly running your hands over the swollen area to feel for any heat and gently palpate the region to identify any tenderness.If you notice that your horse has swelling in a limb, the first thing to do is assess it to decide whether it requires veterinary attention by doing the following: Vet Kyle Tindall-Read MRCVS shares the first steps you should take when you discover that your horse has a swollen limb - or several - and what it could mean. Some swellings are innocuous, while others are potentially a sign of something serious - so either way it can be a worrying time for horse owners and riders and it’s important to know how to deal with a swollen leg. Have you ever brought your horse in from the field or entered their stable and discovered that they have a swollen leg? Noticing that your horse has a swollen limb (or sometimes more than one) is something that most owners have experienced at one point or another. ![]()
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