When a horse’s leg swells to double or triple the normal leg size overnight, owners and vets must take immediate action. Cellulitis, while common, can be frightening for owners. Having a veterinary professional respond quickly and decisively is critical to avoid further injury. Caused by bacteria penetrating the dermis and multiplying in the subcutis, the origins of cellulitis are often unknown in primary infections. Secondary cellulitis develops when bacteria enter through a wound or surgical incision. Animal health professionals will value discussing this article as teams and with clients.
Source: EQUUS, March 2016, page 34. (direct link unavailable)
Callie Fogel, DVM, North Carolina State University says the most common signs of cellulitis are: Swelling that is dramatic and appears suddenly, Severe pain, Heat, Fever, Wetness on the skin surface
INSIGHTS – Equine veterinarians and their teams with access to this article can use it to schedule emergency visits when cellulitis is likely. Place the content or web link on the clinic website or have it available to send to clients. About 105,000 persons receive this publication in print or digital format.
EQUUS is a media partner of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), thus all AAEP veterinarians receive it each month as a benefit of membership. Equine veterinary students and members of the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians & Assistants also receive EQUUS monthly.