3. Is it breed specific?

Any horse is prone to developing lymphedema. It is not uncommon for Friesian horses to be prone to this condition. They suspect it is heredity at this time.

4. What types of equine lymphedema occur?

Equine lymphedema is either acute or chronic.
Acute meaning it occurred quickly generally from an infection such as a puncture wound, scratch, bug bite, surgery.
Chronic means it started out slowly over a period of time. Numerous acute flare ups can lead to chronic equine lymphedema.

5. If a horse has lymphedema due to hereditary, what is the prognosis for my horse?

Horses can develop lymphedema as a foal and live a long, happy and productive life! Once a horse has lymphedema, they have it for life just like humans. Some horses are born with less lymphatics than others. The horse with the low amount of lymphatics is prone to develop lymphedema than a horse with higher amount of lymphatics. They just require preventive care. Many live with it into the late teens and early 20’s.

6. How do you tell the difference between acute and chronic lymphedema?

Your vet will provide you with proper diagnosis! Acute lymphedema can be very painful, area is warm and tight, horse doesn’t feel well! It is generally caused by bacteria or infection. Since acute lymphedema is often caused by bacteria or infection, Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) can not be used until your vet authorizes it. This is done when the threat of the bacteria or infection is gone. If swelling stays and the inflammation disappears, chronic lymph edema will develop out of acute lymphedema.

With chronic lymphedema the horse is not in pain, looks and feels good, has some slight impairment or mal mechanical function in movement. You can press your finger into edema and it leaves an impression.

7. My horse has swelling in his hind quarters; will a regular massage help him?

Recommendation is not to perform a regular massage! This may increase the edema!! Because the lymphatic system acts as a sophisticated drainage system, the therapist needs to know where the blockage is coming from and how and where to reroute the fluid so the swelling will diminish.

8. What is the difference between simply swollen legs and equine “chronic” lymphedema?

Lymphedema will most likely improve with movement but will not totally recover completely. Swollen legs due to inactivity will generally recover.

9. If my horse recovers from swollen legs due to inactivity, will the swelling reoccur?

Yes and No!
Let’s take the Yes first.
It all depends on your horse’s medical history and breeding.
Prior surgery, a kick or your horse may have a lower number of lymphatic tissues in their body may make them prone to both acute and chronic lymphedema. Horses who have swelling in their legs due to inactivity are more likely to develop acute lymphedema (infections, bacteria) due to any little trauma or skin lesion that my effect the leg! Acute lymphedema can lead to chronic. The old saying goes “An once of prevention is worth a bound of cure!” If you utilize exercise, or turnout, Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and the proper grooming technique for lymphatics, you may be able to prevent chronic lymphedema.

Now let’s take a look at the No answer.
Some horses do develop swelling due to inactivity. Exercise and turnout may correct the problem. These horses may never develop acute or chronic lymphedema. Every once in a while we get bloated in our hands or feet, movement or exercise often helps move the fluid and reduces the swelling. The area just got a little congested but it doesn’t mean you will develop lymphedema. It is the same with the horse. Standing around all day is stress to the horse’s body and swelling may occur. Simple turn out and exercise may be just the answer. If it happens once in a while is one thing, but if it happens on a more regular basis, you need to have your veterinarian examine your horse for proper diagnosis.

10. My horse doesn’t have a problem with swollen legs. What other benefits do you use manual lymph drainage?

Manual lymph drainage or layman’s grooming technique can be used prophylactically to reduce the risk of

• Tying up (equine rhabdomylosis) pre event or post event
• Tendinitis (tendon sheet swelling)
• Laminitis/Founder
• Non Painful edema of udder/scrotum/penis
• Post operative/post traumatic edema such after colic surgery
• Wound Healing

11. My horse spends large amount of time in his stall. Is he prone to swelling or lymphedema?

Unfortunately, the answer is YES! Horses that spend large amount of time in a stall with little turn out and exercise could be prone to lymphedema. Check for swelling in the sheath and limbs. It is important physically, mentally and spiritually for your horse to be turned out as much as possible.

12. Can I learn this technique in the United States?

At this time the course is only available at the Hannover Medical School in Hannover, Germany sponsored by Prof. Dirk v.Rautenfeld.

In the future Gentle Touch is looking to sponsor an Equine Lymphedema Course in the states for Equine Massage Therapists.

13. What is the Layman’s Grooming Technique?

The Layman’s Grooming technique is a simple grooming technique to stimulate the lymphatic system. It is easy to do and learn very quickly!

14. You keep mentioning wraps and compression garments. I don’t understand what are they used for. Can you explain?

The wraps and compression garments are used for the same reason as they are in humans. It helps reduce the swelling. The wraps/garments are made with a special material. The wrapping helps “train” the lymph vessels to move and through movement such as walking, trotting, the lymph fluid will move and the edema will reduce.

15. Where do I get the wrapping?

The compression garments are manufactured in Germany. The owner will have to pre pay for wraps and compression garments. Gentle Touch is in the process of contacting the company so we can provide you the compression garments.

16. Can I do the wrapping myself?

It is recommended you do not wrap your horse!
Wrapping should be done with the vet’s approval based on diagnosis. Wrapping should be done by a vet who is trained in equine lymphedema or by a Certified Equine Lymphedema Therapist.
Caution: If you do not properly wrap the horse correctly, you can easily damage a weaken lymphatic system and cause more damage.

Compression garments should be used AFTER the edema has been reduced.

17. I wrap my horse when I trail ride and do events, isn’t it the same?

NO! In fact the preliminary studies conducted by Professor Dirk v. Rautenfeld (world known equine lymphedema researcher from Hannover Medical School) does NOT RECOMMEND WRAPPING your horse! His studies indicate the wrapping causes stress on the lymphatics; can cause damage and diminished circulation into the hoof area where they need it the most.

If you wish to wrap your horse’s leg, it is recommended you use splint type boots that protects the lower part of the legs.

18. How will I learn the grooming technique?

At this time Gentle Touch Massage has committed to raise the level awareness on the benefits of Manual Lymph Drainage. During our weekend clinics, we will be devoting time on lymph drainage, it benefits, wraps/garments and the how and why you should groom your horse in a particular fashion.

19. If I have further questions, who should I contact?

Email us at info@gentletouchmassage.net and or call us at (973) 853-0164 and we will be happy to answer your questions. If we don’t know the answer, we will research for you. If you have a need to know, then we do, too!