What is engorgement in horses?
It is a swelling at the level of one or more limbs located more generally at the level of the fetlock and/or the cannon but it can extend from the base of the foot to the hock. This is an edema (infiltration of interstitial fluid) which is localized at the level of the limb due to the effect of gravity. The causes are varied but the most common is a lack of venous return or caused by inflammation.
- The lack of movement does not allow blood to circulate correctly from the foot to the rest of the body, which causes symmetrical edema of the hind limbs or, more rarely, all 4 limbs. You just need to walk the horse for around twenty minutes to see an improvement.
- Engorgement following trauma is localized and corresponds to a hematoma (accumulation of blood in the skin tissue) being observed on a single limb.
- Engorgement caused by an infection is a serious condition that should not be neglected called LYMPHANGITIS. The inflammation is caused by a germ that causes infection and inflammation of the lymphatic tissue. You should contact your veterinarian quickly.
- Engorgement caused by inflammation of the tendons: tendinitis or fetlock sprain. Diffuse localized and asymmetrical edema of the limbs is observed. Possible appearance after trauma, a fall, unsuitable work, etc. associated with lameness.
Care depends on the cause of the engorgement. For the most common cause which is the lack of movement causing engorgement of two or four limbs following edema not requiring a veterinary visit: the horse must be walked, cold showers, the application of clay, rest strips (for horses living in boxes and limit the time for laying the rest strips to a few hours as well as knowing how to correctly install the rest strips so as not to risk injuring the animal). “A visit to your equine osteopath can help verify that good mobility and general circulation throughout the horse's body. Movement being the key: allow him to spend as many hours as possible outside his box walking and grazing.”
_ Quinta de Lourel and SVOA
_ Sharone Villaret osteopath for animals