CPL in horses: symptoms, causes and care
Chronic Progressive Lymphatic Edema (CPL) is a chronic condition that mainly occurs in heavy horse breeds with long, dense hair around the lower legs, such as Tinkers, Shires and Clydesdales.
In CPL, the normal drainage of lymph fluid is disrupted. This can lead to swelling, thickening of the skin and skin folds, especially in the lower legs and around the ankles. The condition develops gradually and may worsen over time.
CPL is not curable. With good care and guidance from a veterinarian, the symptoms can often be reduced.
What are the symptoms of CPL?
The symptoms vary from horse to horse. Common symptoms include:
- Swelling in the lower legs and around the ankles
- Thickening and hardening of the skin
- Deep skin folds and crusts on the skin
- Scabbing, skin irritation and minor wounds
- Sensitivity to touch
- Recurrent skin infections or problems with mites
- In severe cases, paralysis or difficulty moving
Because of the long, dense hair around the lower legs, the first changes are sometimes difficult to recognize.
What causes CPL in horses?
The exact cause of CPL is not yet fully known. Hereditary predisposition and changes in the lymphatic system and connective tissue likely play an important role.
CPL is not the same as a common skin inflammation around the scrotum. Both conditions can cause similar skin problems, but in CPL there is a chronic disruption of the drainage of lymph fluid.
Moist conditions, skin infections and mites can worsen existing symptoms.
Treatment and daily care
CPL is a chronic condition that can gradually worsen. The treatment therefore focuses on reducing symptoms and preventing complications.
Key points to consider are:
- Check the skin and lower legs regularly
- Keeping the skin clean and dry without irritating it
- Treat mites and additional skin infections when necessary
- Ensuring sufficient daily exercise
- Customized skin care and, if necessary, treatment to support the drainage of lymph fluid, under the guidance of an expert
- A balanced ration that suits the needs of the horse
Upon suspicion of CPL, a veterinarian can make the diagnosis and advise on the appropriate treatment.
Nutritional support for horses with CPL
In addition to daily care, a balanced diet is important for the overall condition of the horse.
Unique B30 is an additional feed with vitamins, minerals, amino acids and nutrients with antioxidant properties.
The formula includes, among other things:
- Vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium: nutrients involved in the protection of body cells against oxidative damage.
- Amino acids: building blocks of proteins that are necessary for the normal formation and maintenance of body tissues.
- B vitamins: nutrients involved in normal energy metabolism.
- Zinc and copper: Trace elements that perform various functions in the normal maintenance of skin and connective tissue.
Unique B30 is intended as a temporary supplement to daily nutrition. The product is used as a 5- to 10-day treatment, with a maximum of 15 days per month.
Unique B30 is not a treatment for CPL, but can be used as an additional source of nutrients. In horses with CPL, it is advisable to adjust the ration and the use of supplements with the veterinarian.
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