Facial Edema in Horses

Edema is the retention of liquid within a certain region of the body. Horses can suffer from edema throughout their life. Facial edema is common in horses and is a secondary medical condition that is the result of another medical condition that the horse is suffering from. Understanding the type of edema present, its direct causes and symptoms can help determine what type of treatment the horse requires.

  1. Types

    • Two types of facial edema are found: localized edema and general edema. When the horse is suffering from localized edema, small deposits of fluid will appear at a certain place within the horse's face. Only these facial regions will be affected; other areas will remain healthy and normal. Usually localized edema occurs within the horse's eye region. When the horse is suffering from general edema, the entire face of the horse is affected, and fluid deposits are found throughout the horse's facial region. The horse will appear to have a swollen face. Given their size, horses are more likely to get localized edema rather than general edema.

    Causes

    • Edema is not a direct health effect but rather is a result of other health conditions and physical constraints. One of the most common causes of generalized edema is confinement. When the horse can't move or is kept in its stall for too long, liquid will start to deposit around its legs and its face. Inflammation of the blood vessels and thyroid problems can cause general edema within the horse's face and neck. Insect bites on the face can swell and cause liquid retention in the stomach and face.

    Symptoms

    • The main symptom for the edema is liquid retention within the face; the horse's face will appear swollen. Trouble eating and lack of activity also are a result of the edema. The horse's vision is temporarily compromised while it is experiencing facial edema. When this happens, as a defence mechanism, the horse will become hostile when people or other animals try to go near it.

    Treatment

    • Applying a cold compress on the horse's face will reduce some of the edema. If the edema is a result of a physiological condition, such as a thyroid problem, the edema will return when the cold compress is removed. The cold compress only provides temporary relief. Treating the cause of the edema will get rid of the edema. For example, if the horse is suffering from a thyroid problem, by treating the thyroid problem, the edema will cease as well.