Lymphangitis in Horses — Causes, Symptoms, Treatment | Rider‑Level Guide | Draw It Out®
Barn‑Ready Health Guide (Educational Only)

Lymphangitis in Horses — Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Rapid, painful swelling—often one hind—demands a calm plan and a call to your veterinarian. Use the first‑minutes checklist below to keep your horse safe while professional care is on the way.

Swollen Leg: Emergency? Leg Anatomy Map Wrap Method Guide Recovery Loop
What It Is Signs & Red Flags First‑Minutes Plan Supportive Care (Vet‑Guided) Prevention FAQ

What Is Lymphangitis?

Lymphangitis is inflammation—often infection—of the lymphatic vessels and surrounding tissues in a limb. It typically appears as rapid, painful swelling with heat and reluctance to bear weight. It can look dramatic and progress quickly.

This guide is educational only. Lymphangitis usually needs veterinary diagnosis and systemic treatment.

Common Contributing Factors

  • Skin barrier compromise: scratches/rain rot, small wounds, mud scald
  • Moisture/heat, insect bites, soiled or damp leg gear
  • Travel days and prolonged standing
  • Uneven wrap/boot pressure or rubs

Key Signs & Red Flags

Typical Presentation

  • Sudden, marked swelling (often a hind leg, one‑sided)
  • Heat to the touch; painful on palpation
  • Pitting edema; strong/bounding digital pulse
  • Reluctance to move; possible fever/lethargy

Emergency Triggers

  • Non‑weight‑bearing or severe lameness
  • Wound/puncture, drainage, or rapidly worsening swelling
  • Fever or horse looks systemically unwell
  • Near a joint/tendon‑sheath wound (infection risk)

Any of the above — call your veterinarian now.

First‑Minutes Plan (While You Call Your Vet)

1) Stand Down & Cool (If Warm)

  1. Move to a quiet, flat area; keep the horse calm.
  2. Hose or sponge with cool water; scrape between passes for 5–10 minutes.
  3. Avoid direct ice on skin unless your veterinarian advises.

Cooling is for comfort—not a cure. Follow your veterinarian’s instructions.

2) Protect the Skin

  • Do not apply products to open wounds or if the skin is compromised.
  • If skin is intact, a THIN layer of Draw It Out® 16oz Gel may be used and allowed to absorb before any wraps.
  • Wraps only with even tension (~50% overlap); recheck at 15–30 minutes.

Document with a quick photo and note of temperature/behavior to share with your veterinarian.

Supportive Care (Under Your Veterinarian’s Direction)

Cooing & Targeted Post‑Work Care

Use cooling for comfort as advised; these are not treatments for infection.

Skin Barrier & Cleanliness

  • Keep legs clean and dry; address scratches/dermatitis promptly
  • For intact, irritated skin (non‑wound), consider Equine Healing Barrier Cream to help shield from moisture/friction
  • Wash/dry pads and boots; avoid damp gear

Wrap Method & Rechecks

Program Playbooks

Prevention: Lower the Odds of a Flare

Protect the Skin

  • Rinse/dry after mud, sweat, or shows; treat scratches early
  • Clip feathers if moisture and dermatitis persist (vet‑guided)
  • Barrier products on intact skin to reduce friction/moisture

Gear & Routine

  • Clean/dry pads and boots; avoid uneven wrap tension
  • Manage insects and wet bedding; improve airflow
  • Hydration and salt/electrolytes per your veterinarian
Shop 16oz Gel Shop IceBath™ RTU Shop CryoSpray®

FAQ

Is lymphangitis contagious?

It’s usually related to a skin barrier breach and local infection/inflammation, not horse‑to‑horse contagion. Still, keep gear/bandages clean and follow your veterinarian’s biosecurity advice.

How is it treated?

Your veterinarian may use systemic antimicrobials and anti‑inflammatory/analgesic medications, plus wound/skin care, controlled movement, cooling, and bandaging on intact skin. Follow your vet’s plan exactly.

Can it come back?

Yes—some horses are prone to recurrence. Strong skin care, moisture control, clean gear, and quick response to scratches/irritation can help reduce risk. Work with your veterinarian on a prevention plan.

Where do Draw It Out® products fit?

They fit in the comfort and recovery lane—cooling (IceBath™ RTU, CryoSpray®) and, on intact skin only, a THIN layer of 16oz Gel before optional wraps. These are supportive measures and not a treatment for infection.

Educational content. Not a medical device or veterinary advice. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult your veterinarian for medical concerns and follow current show rules.

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