Page 123 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse
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Figure 3.16 Cellulitis of a hind limb following a suspected snake bite
Cause
Cellulitis is caused by bacteria entering the body through tiny nicks or abrasions in the skin.
This occurs especially around the pastern, fetlock and lower cannon regions. The lesions are
sometimes too small to be readily visible, but may be felt if the distal limb is carefully
palpated.
Treatment
Treatment includes:
• clipping and cleaning the skin around the site of the wound with an antibacterial scrub if
it is weeping; this can be very painful for the horse and sedation is sometimes necessary
• broad-spectrum antibiotics
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the pain and swelling
