A pinprick scrape from brushing up against a rough surface or a visible cut … our horses lead active lifestyles, and just like in their human counterparts, occasional bumps and injuries will occur. But sometimes the minor injury leads to a larger, and sometimes reoccurring, issue: cellulitis.
A bacterial infection of the skin and underlying tissues, cellulitis spreads rapidly and becomes a serious infection in your horse quickly. Cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body, but is most commonly found in one of the hind legs.
Symptoms of cellulitis include:
– Tight, swollen limb
– Swelling that spreads upward in the leg, possibly into the groin and abdomen
– Fever
– Lameness
Horses can have predisposing factors for developing the infection, but the factors are not completely understood. It is believed that poor hygiene, the bacterial population on the skin and decreased blood and lymphatic circulation all contribute.
There are several ways you can help prevent equine cellulitis, including:
– Maintaining a regular exercise program to help improve fluid drainage through the lymphatic system in the legs
– Keeping the legs clean and dry
– Using disinfectant soaps on all abrasions and cuts
– Avoiding allowing horses into areas with standing water, mud and sand if at all possible
While the identification of the original cause of cellulitis is ideal, it is not always possible. Since there are many possible causes, there are also multiple treatment options, some more suited for your horse than others. Life-threatening complications, such as laminitis or necrosis of the skin tissue, can develop quickly with cellulitis. As soon as you suspect cellulitis, please contact us to discuss specific treatment options. Communication is key in early detection and prompt treatment of equine cellulitis.