Treatment for Equine Cellulitis

Cellulitis in the horse is a treatable infection of the deep layers of the skin. The most common location is the legs, and the most common cause is bacterial infection of a break in the skin. It is usually painful, can be temporarily disabling and, left untreated, can develop into septicemia. Prompt care is critical.

  1. Medical Therapy

    • Antibiotics such as penicillin or gentamicin can kill the infection. Anti-inflammatories such as steroids can help reduce the swelling. These must be prescribed by a vet, who can also perform other tests to determine whether underlying soft tissues and bone are involved.

    Mechanical Therapy

    • For relief of localized symptoms, pressure bandages or sweat wraps can be helpful. A sweat wrap is a pressure bandage applied over a poultice or preparation such as alcohol, mineral oil, petroleum jelly or Epsom salts covered by plastic wrap. It increases local heat and blood flow to carry away excess fluid in the tissues.

    Physical Therapy

    • Nursing care can include hydrotherapy and gentle exercise. Hydrotherapy means hosing the horse's leg with cold water or standing the horse in a pool or pond to carry away heat. Gentle exercise means hand walking to promote circulation.