Equine Diseases

EQUINE LYMPHANGITIS

Equine Fat/Big Leg Disease or Weed or Monday Morning Disease are alternative names for the equine disease Lymphangitis .
Bacterial invasion of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is the likely cause of Equine Lymphangitis which results in severe inflammation and swelling of the horse’s leg.
Ulcerative Lymphangitis is another form of equine lymphangitis which results in hard nodules and abscesses with a badly odourous, greenish discharge. Equine lymphangitis is characterised by many small, open sores.
LYMPHANGITIS EQUINE DISEASE SYMPTOMS
Equine Lameness is the primary symptom of Equine Lymphangitis.
In the early stages of Equine lymphangitis there is an ‘pitting oedema’ on the skin which when pressed leaves a depression.
Equine lymphangitis has progressed further if the following symptoms appear:
• The horse may be feverish (pyrexic)

• Hind limb swelling extending to the hock and stifle.

• Udder, sheath and subcutaneous abdominal vein swelling.

• Very senstive to touch.

• The swelling will be firm due fibrosis and scarring.

• The wound secretes serum

LYMPHANGITIS EQUINE DISEASE CAUSES
Bacterial infection causes Equine Lymphangitis in an open wound or an abrasion. Bacteria use minor wounds as access the lymph ducts.

LYMPHANGITIS EQUINE DISEASE TREATMENT
Equine Lymphangitis is controlled by antibiotics, analgesics and anti-inflammatories. Surgery may be required to drain severe abscesses.