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Discussion on Lymphangitis
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New Member:
Pekoe
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Posted on Sunday, Dec 31, 2006 - 10:11 am:
There is mud everywhere in Ontario now and I am wondering how to help a horse with reccurrent lymphangitis. She has had it on and off since Sept. When treated with steroids and antibacterial drugs it goes down and when the treatment is finished it returns. This is her 3rd bout withit now. She is 10 years old and an Irish tb. She had a few foals. Any other ideas for treating this? Would something to boost the immune system help or what about blue lotion with the gentian in it?
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Monday, Jan 1, 2007 - 11:10 am:
Welcome Gail,
The diagnosis of lymphangitis is a tricky one because many diseases masquerade as inflammation of the lymphatics and often when present is secondary to another condition. So your first step is to try to get an accurate diagnosis. It is unlikely your horse suffers from CPL where you have posted so I want you to review articles more likely to be your problem see Diseases of Horses » Lameness » Leg Swellings, several articles may apply to your situation.
Gail with such conditions it is of paramount importance to keep the legs clean and dry and the horse out and exercising so circulation is promoted. I know these might seem difficult given the conditions you list but all steps may fail if you do not do this. Can you move this horse to higher less muddy ground?
If I had to protect the legs in such an environment I would consider starting with Desitin and avoid harsh chemicals like gentian or methyl violet. If this alone does not do it I would start adding in topical cortisone cremes to the Desitin. Also you should be using the proven systemic therapies whenever the condition exists and perhaps more prolonged therapy would be curative, with proper environmental adjustments.
DrO
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