This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Lameness » Leg Swellings » Hot & Painful Legs »
  Discussion on Understanding the diff between lymphedema, lymphagitis and stocking up?
Author Message
Member:
chloemom

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 26, 2017 - 12:29 pm:

Hi,
I'm a bit confused about the difference between lymphedema, lymphagitis and stocking up.

A friend is riding a mare (Warmblood/TB cross) that has been battling hind leg edema for a couple of years. My understanding is that she has had 3 or 4 serious flares, where one hind leg has swollen to enormous proportions, up to the stifle, requiring immediate medical attention and intervention. One of the most recent 'flares' was this past summer, and the leg appeared to be extremely painful, requiring antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, cold hosing, wrapping, hand walking, etc.

When not in a 'flare' the mare seems to have persistent (chronic) edema, albeit to a lesser extent, in both hind legs, though, again, one leg is bigger than the other. Exercise, turn out and wrapping at night seems to help, but the swelling is quick to return if not wrapped for one night.

I'm confused by the variety of terms that are being used to describe her condition, and was hoping for clarity.

Am I correct in the understanding that (chronic progressive) lymphagitis is ONLY found in draft breeds?

Is it possible, rather than being affected by CPL, the mare's hindlegs are tending to stock up (outside of a flare) bec the skin might have been stretched, allowing fluid to regularly pool in the lower limbs?

Would a horse with a history of bouts of lymphagitis be more susceptible to future bouts, if the skin is broken, or is it just a random occurrence?

Many thanks in advance!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Sep 28, 2017 - 9:55 am:

Hello RosB,
Though I have no idea how others are using these terms in general, stocking up is a non-inflammatory swelling of the legs. Lymphangitis describes a inflammatory condition of the lymphatics however lymphangitis is often used as a term for any hot painful condition of the leg which is often a bacterial cellulitis. You will find a detailed description of this at
HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Skin Diseases, Wounds, and Swellings » Swellings / Localized Infection / Abscesses » Diagnosing and Assessing Swellings in Horses.

CPL is a genetic disorder of coldbloods for more see HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Cardiovascular, Blood, and Immune System » Chronic Progressive Lymphoedema (Lymphedema)

Taking your other questions one at a time:
1) Am I correct in the understanding that (chronic progressive) lymphangitis is ONLY found in draft breeds?

No any horse can develop chronic progressive lymphangitis but Chronic Progressive Lymphedema describes a genetic condition seen mainly in Coldbloods.


2) Is it possible, rather than being affected by CPL, the mare's hindlegs are tending to stock up (outside of a flare) bec the skin might have been stretched, allowing fluid to regularly pool in the lower limbs?

Most things are possible Ros but I think if you will read the articles above and compare them to what you are seeing in the horse, the answer will be apparent to you.

3) Would a horse with a history of bouts of lymphangitis be more susceptible to future bouts, if the skin is broken, or is it just a random occurrence?

More susceptible.
DrO
Home Page | Top of Page | Join Us!
Horseadvice.com is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Horse Training in Stokesdale NC