Page 122 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

are applied to the wound and kept in place under a gauze dressing soaked in saline. The

wound is redressed and fresh maggots applied every 3 days until the unhealthy tissue is
VetBooks.ir replaced by granulation tissue.

CELLULITIS

Cellulitis is the name given to diffuse tissue swelling that is caused by bacterial infection of
the skin and subcutaneous tissues. It is caused by a number of different types of bacteria, the
commonest are Streptococcus spp and Staphyloccus spp. It can occur anywhere on the body

but the hind limbs are most often affected. This is sometimes known as lymphadenitis or
lymphangitis when the lymph nodes or lymph vessels of the lymphatic system are involved.

Clinical signs

• The horse usually presents with a diffusely swollen limb which is hot, firm and painful to
touch (Figure 3.16).

• There is a variable degree of lameness. It may be severe and acute in onset.

• The swelling may extend upwards above the hock or the knee.

• In severe cases, serum may ooze from the skin.

• The horse may have a temperature and feel very unwell.