Cellulitis

Patient is a 7 year old warm blood gelding found at the farm with cellulitis in the right hind leg, and edema extending fromthe pastern to the stifle. The horse was weight bearing on all four legs atthe walk, but was notstanding on the right hind atrest. The attending veterinarian was called to the farm, evaluated the horse, and then referred the horse to the vet clinic. At the clinic,the veterinarian did an ultrasound and culture ofthe leg. The ultrasound showed there was marked subcutaneous cellulitic appearance to themedial aspect ofthe right hind limb, but no large fluid pockets, and no foreign body.Oxytetracycline was prescribed and the first dose administered, and the horse was then referred to The Sanctuary for cold salt water hydrotherapy to help resolve swelling.

Day 1:

Before:

Treatment:

The attending veterinarian continued to monitor the horse daily and give oxytetracycline and IV bute once daily. Per vet referral, the horse was treated in the cold salt water leg spa twice daily for the next 8 day. Treatment was done once in the morning and once in the afternoon for 15 minutes each. Water depth covered the horse’s hocks, and the hose attachment was used to treat the stifle. The horse was also hand walked twice daily for 10 minutes.

Measurements of Right Hind Leg:

After:

Conclusion:

Horse returned home after eight days oftreatments, leg measurements and appearance showed marked improvement.