Stocking up is eliminated by increasing the activity of the horse. In cases where horses are prone to stocking up, pressure bandages can be applied for up to 12 hours.
Sporadic/idiopathic Lymphangitis
This is the most well-known type of lymphangitis and can happen without warning. It can be infectious or non-infectious.
The cause can be either bacterial infection, lymphatic congestion or an allergic reaction.
Transmission for bacterial cause in environmental.
If there is a break in the skin, this allows the bacteria to gain entry to the body and into the lymphatic system. The bacteria cause inflammation that can be widespread along the lymphatic vessels and result in congestion. Predisposition is older horses as their lymphatic systems are less efficient with age. Horses who are for long periods of time especially if they are used to being exercised regularly or receive daily turnout. The horse develops one or more swollen legs, swelling can occur from pastern up to the stifle, inflammation in the surrounding areas, pain, fever, lameness, loss of definition of the limb/joints and fluid may ooze from the skin if the swelling is severe. The horse may also have residual swelling or lymphedema after the attack has been cleared due to fibrosis of the lymphatic vessels. Diagnosis is signs and symptoms, case history, bacterial culture and ultrasound. Treatment includes cold hydrotherapy, NSAIDs, diuretics, exercise, support bandaging and massage. If bacterial infection, the horse should be put on broad-spectrum antibiotics immediately. Wound management is also recommended. Prognosis is good for initial pain & lameness but horses who have had lymphangitis are at risk of developing sporadic lymphangitis later in life. This may lead to chronic inflammation due to scarring and fibrosis of lymph vessles.
Prevention is good hygiene and limited stall rest for horses with active lifestyles.
Ulcerative Lymphangitis
This is always an infectious and sometimes contagious form of lymphangitis. Most cases of ulcerative lymphangitis are caused by the Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. Transmission is environmental through direct or indirect contact. Flies are also considered a vector. The bacteria enter the body through a break in the skin and travel within the lymphatic system causing damage to the lymph vessels and nodes.
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