Do You Know…
What causes Chronic Progressive Lymphedema (CPL)? CPL can be a debilitating condition caused by an abnormal function of the lymphatic system, causing a buildup of lymph fluid in equine lower legs. In turn, this results in progressive swelling with associated skin folds, nodules and ulcerations. It has been described in Shires, Clydesdales, Belgians, Gypsy Vanners, English Cobs, Friesians and Percherons, among other draft-type horses.
Typically, the disease starts at an early age and progresses through life, often resulting in disfigurement and lameness. It is a systemic disease of the lymphatic system in which skin lesions on the lower limbs occur secondarily, due to poor lymphatic drainage and tissue perfusion. Unfortunately, the cause of CPL is unknown.
What are the clinical signs of chronic progressive lymphedema? The earliest lesions are characterized by mild thickening of the lower legs, which in most instances is not identified under the heavy feathering of many of these draft breeds. After clipping the feathers, it becomes evident that the legs have a cone- or nodule-shaped appearance rather than very distinct dry cannon bone areas and pasterns.
Decreased lymph flow together with the insulation of the heavy feathering sets the perfect stage for bacterial and mange-like infections. The subsequent skin lesions have features of pastern dermatitis (also referred to as “scratches”); however, treatments of these infections do not resolve the underlying lymphedema. The swelling becomes firm due to skin folds and skin nodules that develop. Groups of nodules can resemble a small handful of grapes.
Over time, the lesions can extend up the leg and affect the skin as high as the knees or hocks. Skin biopsies may show changes in the underlying elastin fiber network, but other imaging technologies may be needed to determine the degree of impaired lymph drainage.
How is chronic progressive lymphedema treated? There is currently no successful permanent treatment for CPL. Careful management and supportive therapy, including antibiotics to treat secondary infections, can improve the quality of life of affected horses. Clipping the feathers short (see photo), daily exercise, routine foot, ergot and chestnut trimming, daily hoof cleaning and manual lymph drainage massage may be recommended. Horses should be kept in dry environments.
These treatments may be labor-intensive and must be maintained to minimize discomfort, slow the progress of the disease and avoid recurrent infections. In most cases, surgical removal of skin nodules is not recommended, as it can potentially further damage lymphatic tissue. What is the prognosis for chronic progressive lymphedema? With diligent management, affected horses can have a reasonable quality of life. Researchers hypothesize that CPL is multi-factorial and has an underlying genetic component. It is usually diagnosed after early breeding years, so genetic predispositions are often passed on to further generations.
Adapted from UCDavis Veterinary Medicine,
ceh.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics;
Photo from www.veteriankey.com
What causes Chronic Progressive Lymphedema (CPL)? CPL can be a debilitating condition caused by an abnormal function of the lymphatic system, causing a buildup of lymph fluid in equine lower legs. In turn, this results in progressive swelling with associated skin folds, nodules and ulcerations. It has been described in Shires, Clydesdales, Belgians, Gypsy Vanners, English Cobs, Friesians and Percherons, among other draft-type horses.
Typically, the disease starts at an early age and progresses through life, often resulting in disfigurement and lameness. It is a systemic disease of the lymphatic system in which skin lesions on the lower limbs occur secondarily, due to poor lymphatic drainage and tissue perfusion. Unfortunately, the cause of CPL is unknown.
What are the clinical signs of chronic progressive lymphedema? The earliest lesions are characterized by mild thickening of the lower legs, which in most instances is not identified under the heavy feathering of many of these draft breeds. After clipping the feathers, it becomes evident that the legs have a cone- or nodule-shaped appearance rather than very distinct dry cannon bone areas and pasterns.
Decreased lymph flow together with the insulation of the heavy feathering sets the perfect stage for bacterial and mange-like infections. The subsequent skin lesions have features of pastern dermatitis (also referred to as “scratches”); however, treatments of these infections do not resolve the underlying lymphedema. The swelling becomes firm due to skin folds and skin nodules that develop. Groups of nodules can resemble a small handful of grapes.
Over time, the lesions can extend up the leg and affect the skin as high as the knees or hocks. Skin biopsies may show changes in the underlying elastin fiber network, but other imaging technologies may be needed to determine the degree of impaired lymph drainage.
How is chronic progressive lymphedema treated? There is currently no successful permanent treatment for CPL. Careful management and supportive therapy, including antibiotics to treat secondary infections, can improve the quality of life of affected horses. Clipping the feathers short (see photo), daily exercise, routine foot, ergot and chestnut trimming, daily hoof cleaning and manual lymph drainage massage may be recommended. Horses should be kept in dry environments.
These treatments may be labor-intensive and must be maintained to minimize discomfort, slow the progress of the disease and avoid recurrent infections. In most cases, surgical removal of skin nodules is not recommended, as it can potentially further damage lymphatic tissue. What is the prognosis for chronic progressive lymphedema? With diligent management, affected horses can have a reasonable quality of life. Researchers hypothesize that CPL is multi-factorial and has an underlying genetic component. It is usually diagnosed after early breeding years, so genetic predispositions are often passed on to further generations.
Adapted from UCDavis Veterinary Medicine,
ceh.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics;
Photo from www.veteriankey.com
Sign Designates “No Electric Bikes”
In some parks and trail areas, you may see this sign. It clearly shows that electric bikes are not allowed. The sign doesn’t guarantee electric bike riders will always follow the rules. But, it is helpful to know there are restrictions, especially as electric bike usage becomes more prevalent.
If you see or hear more about electric bike usage, and you want to alert others, please feel free to let us know. We’d like to keep on top of this issue. By the way, this sign is posted at La Tierra Trails, specifically the Frijoles Trailhead.
In some parks and trail areas, you may see this sign. It clearly shows that electric bikes are not allowed. The sign doesn’t guarantee electric bike riders will always follow the rules. But, it is helpful to know there are restrictions, especially as electric bike usage becomes more prevalent.
If you see or hear more about electric bike usage, and you want to alert others, please feel free to let us know. We’d like to keep on top of this issue. By the way, this sign is posted at La Tierra Trails, specifically the Frijoles Trailhead.