Author: Samara Smith

By Dr Claire Moore

The ongoing high levels of rainfall can cause an increase in the occurrence of cellulitis as skin moistens and softens, therefore becoming more susceptible to infection.

What is cellulitis?

Cellulitis refers to a painful bacterial infection occurring beneath the skin, in soft tissues. The hindlimbs of the horse are most commonly affected, however any limb may be susceptible. Additionally, when cellulitis has already occurred in a limb, this limb may be prone to recurrence.

How does cellulitis occur?

Cellulitis most commonly occurs secondarily to an injury (wound) or other trauma which results in breakage of the skin barrier. Swelling usually progresses quickly from a localised area to a large proportion of the affected leg, as infection spreads.

Factors such as environmental conditions (such as the current weather pattern of extensive rainfall!), hoof trauma or abscessation, external parasites, the presence of a wound, and impaired lymphatic drainage of the affected leg may predispose a horse to developing cellulitis.

How do I recognise cellulitis in my horse?

• Marked swelling of part or the entire limb (often warm and painful to touch)
• Skin stretching and fluid seeping from skin
• Elevated temperature (>38.5C)
• Reduced appetite
• Lameness
• Dull demeanour, lethargy
• Swelling under the abdomen (oedema)

How is cellulitis treated?

The most important aspect of managing cellulitis is to start treatment as promptly as possible. The larger the affected area, the more difficult cellulitis is to treat, and the greater the likelihood of long-term consequences such as scar tissue development and reduced lymphatic function. If you suspect cellulitis, contact your veterinarian for advice.

Cold hosing the affected area, hand-walking, and pressure bandaging may be useful as adjunctive therapies, however may not be appropriate in all cases.

How can I prevent my horse from developing cellulitis?

In wet conditions, it is helpful to keep your horse’s legs clean, dry, and to treat any wounds promptly. If possible, avoid turning your horse out in muddy conditions. Finally, maintaining a regular exercise program may help to promote lymphatic drainage.

By Samara Smith

When Dianne decided to purchase a retired Thoroughbred in 2022, she had a simple goal: to provide a home for a horse in need.

Fields of Oxley, a former racehorse and Team Thoroughbred graduate, has since become a beloved member of her family.

“I purchased him because I wanted to help out a horse that needed a home,” Dianne said.

“I also wanted to have honest information and feedback from who I was purchasing from.”

Although Dianne grew up around horses, she had never owned an ex-racehorse.

Since rehoming Fields of Oxley, she has quickly become a retired Thoroughbred racehorse convert.                                            

“They’ve got a really good base to work from,” Dianne said.

“He goes on the float fine, picks up his feet fine, you can put the saddle on him, do the girth up, put the bridle on, all those basic things that a new horse wouldn’t have are really well instilled in him.” she said.

Fields of Oxley has made great progress in his retraining, adjusting from life as a racehorse to life as a pleasure horse.

“He’s been so interesting, being an ex-racehorse,” Dianne said.

“He’s learnt to go out for a ride on his own because obviously he’s always been around other horses and I have also transitioned him to barefoot.”

Feilds of Oxley is certainly enjoying retirement.

The black gelding enjoys regular trail rides with Dianne and is also ridden by her granddaughter when she visits.

“He’s just a great, easy horse to have around,” Dianne said.

“He’s perfect for my teenage granddaughter. She loves him.”

Dianne said Fields of Oxley has been the perfect addition to her family.

“I’d definitely go back again to get another Thoroughbred when I have the time and a spare spot.”