03/31/2025
Finding your horse with a case of cellulitis on Monday is rough but getting to smile with Ivy, Brandie and Dr. Askew makes it a little better! 😄
Understanding Cellulitis in Horses:
Cellulitis is a common and potentially serious condition in horses that involves the inflammation of the soft tissue beneath the skin, often caused by bacterial infections. While cellulitis can affect horses of all ages and breeds, it is particularly concerning due to its ability to rapidly progress if left untreated.
What is Cellulitis?
Cellulitis in horses occurs when bacteria invade the skin and deeper tissues, usually following an injury such as a puncture wound, abrasion, or a hoof infection. These bacteria lead to inflammation, pain, swelling, and heat in the affected area. While cellulitis is most commonly seen in the legs, it can also occur in other parts of the body.
Common Causes of Cellulitis in Horses:
•Trauma and Injury: Cuts, scrapes, or puncture wounds can create a pathway for bacteria to enter and cause infection.
•Hoof Abscesses: Infections in the hooves, especially when left untreated, can lead to cellulitis in the leg.
•Chronic Lameness: Conditions that lead to inflammation, such as arthritis or laminitis, can make horses more prone to developing cellulitis.
•Infected Skin or Bug Bites: Minor skin infections or bites from insects like ticks or mosquitoes can sometimes lead to cellulitis if bacteria are introduced. This time of year, dermatitis or "scratches" caused by dew on the grass can be a common cause.
Symptoms of Cellulitis in Horses:
The signs of cellulitis can vary depending on the severity of the infection, but typical symptoms include:
•Swelling: The affected area, usually a leg, will appear swollen, often with a smooth, shiny appearance.
•Heat: The swollen area may feel warm to the touch.
•Pain and Tenderness: Horses may exhibit lameness or reluctance to move due to pain.
•Fever: Systemic signs like a mild fever can accompany the infection, especially in more severe cases.
•Redness or Skin Changes: The skin may appear reddened or inflamed.
•Abscesses: In severe cases, you might notice the development of fluid-filled abscesses.
Diagnosing Cellulitis in Horses:
Diagnosis is usually made based on a combination of physical examination and history. Your veterinarian may also perform additional tests such as blood work, ultrasound, or biopsy to rule out other conditions like deep-seated infections or lymphangitis.
Treatment Options: Treating cellulitis in horses is essential to prevent the infection from spreading or becoming chronic. Treatment generally includes:
1. Antibiotics: Systemic antibiotics are the cornerstone of treatment to control bacterial infection. In severe cases, intravenous antibiotics may be needed.
2. Anti-inflammatory Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help reduce swelling and pain.
3. Supportive Care: Rest and limited movement help prevent additional stress on the affected area, while bandaging may be used to reduce swelling and inflammation.
4. Wound Care: If the cellulitis resulted from a wound, proper cleaning and bandaging are critical to prevent reinfection.
Prognosis and Prevention:
With prompt treatment, most horses recover fully from cellulitis. However, if left untreated, the infection can spread, leading to serious complications such as septicemia (blood infection) or laminitis (inflammation of the hoof). Horses that are imuno-compromised or have PPID can struggle more with cellulitis and healing. In severe cases, cellulitis can cause long-term damage to tissues and joints, potentially affecting the horse's ability to perform.
To prevent cellulitis, it's important to:
•Monitor for Injuries: Promptly clean and treat any cuts, scrapes, or puncture wounds. Remove bell boots and fly boots daily to check for sores. Don’t allow them to stay on when they are soaking wet or mud covered. If a wound is present ideally, we would cover the wound once it’s been cleaned.
•Maintain Hoof Health: Regular hoof care and addressing abscesses or infections quickly can help prevent cellulitis from developing in the legs.
•Check for Skin Infections: Keep an eye out for any signs of skin infections or bug bites, especially during warmer months.
Cellulitis is a serious condition that requires prompt veterinary care for the best outcome. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is key for horse owners to effectively manage the condition. Regular monitoring, good wound care practices, and maintaining overall health can help reduce the risk of cellulitis and keep your horse comfortable and healthy.
Routine care is the best way to avoid emergencies and ensure your horse is helped promptly in the event of one! Call or click to schedule today: https://practices.allydvm.com/online-booking?practice=wilhitefrees
Wilhite & Frees Equine Hospital is committed to offering comprehensive, state-of-the-art health care to your horse in a caring and compassionate environment.
