Equine lymphangitis is nothing to sit on

It’s common for horses to have two or more swollen legs after times of…

It’s common for horses to have two or more swollen legs after times of decreased exercise. This so-called “stocking up” usually resolves with exercise, which helps move fluid through the lymphatic system.

A far more serious condition is lymphangitis [lymph-an-JĪ-tus], which involves acute, painful swelling, generally of a hindlimb. Affected horses often develop severe lameness and a fever. They may breathe rapidly, eat less and seem depressed.

The cause of lymphangitis isn’t well understood, but it likely involves bacterial entry through skin damage. The lymphatic system, including lymph nodes and blood vessels, can become infected and damaged.

So, be on guard: horses with lymphangitis need aggressive veterinary treatment as soon as possible.