05/13/2026
“WHAT IS CELLULITIS?
Cellulitis is a common condition in horses where there is infection/inflammation in the tissues of the limb, most often the distal limb.
WHAT MIGHT YOU NOTICE?
Owners often first notice a leg that suddenly looks and feels
“not right.” While the exact signs can vary case to case, rapid-onset limb swelling is a classic sign. Fever is also a sign to watch for with cellulitis. If your horse’s temperature is elevated, contact your vet.
DIAGNOSIS:
Because a swollen, painful leg can have different causes, your veterinarian may use a combination of:
• Physical exam and patient history
• Imaging, including ultrasound, to help assess what’s happening in the tissues and whether there are complicating factors.
HOW IS IT TREATED?
There is limited scientific evidence that definitively tells us the single “best” treatment plan for every horse, and more research is needed (especially to support responsible antibiotic use). Your vet may tailor the plan to your horse’s severity, comfort, and response to therapy.
QUICK ACTION MATTERS:
• Cellulitis can be more than “just swelling.” It can become serious, and in rare severe scenarios, cellulitis/lymphangitis has been reported to progress to distal limb ischemia (loss of blood supply) with catastrophic tissue damage.
• Cellulitis can also lead to a condition called lymphangitis where the lymphatic system is affected, so resolution becomes more difficult. Multiple episodes of cellulitis/ lymphangitis in the same leg can cause scarring, which makes recurrence more likely and recovery more difficult.
Cellulitis needs individualized diagnosis and treatment:
• Call your veterinarian promptly if your horse develops sudden, significant lower-leg swelling, heat, pain, or lameness.
• Don’t self-treat with leftover antibiotics. The evidence base is limited, and appropriate antibiotic choices/duration matter for both patient outcomes and antimicrobial stewardship.
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Information courtesy to
