Seek veterinary advice if you suspect this disease.
Epizootic Lymphangitis is a contagious and chronic mycosis in horses caused by the fungus Histoplasma farciminosum. It primarily affects the skin and lymphatic system, causing nodules, abscesses, and ulceration that can spread and lead to chronic lymphatic obstruction.
The disease is endemic in parts of Africa, Asia, and South America, posing significant challenges due to its chronic nature and limited treatment options.
Symptoms
Nodules
Abscess
Pus
Crusty Skin
Swelling in one or four legs
Lethargy
Lameness
Fever
Common in
Horses under 6 Years of Age
Exclusive in
Africa
Asia
South America
Egypt
India
Russia
North Africa
Middle East
Southern Europe
Treatment
Treatment of Epizootic Lymphangitis in horses involves a multifaceted approach due to the chronic and debilitating nature of the disease. It typically includes systemic antifungal medications such as potassium iodide, itraconazole, or terbinafine to combat the fungal infection. Surgical intervention may be necessary to remove nodules and abscesses, particularly in localized and persistent lesions. Supportive care, including wound management, bandaging, and nutritional support, is essential to aid in healing and prevent secondary infections.
Close veterinary supervision and long-term management are often required to achieve successful outcomes in affected horses.
Prevention
Preventing Epizootic Lymphangitis in horses involves strict biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of fungal transmission. This includes quarantine and isolation of new horses, regular screening for early detection of lesions, and maintaining hygienic stabling conditions. Additionally, controlling biting insects and avoiding sharing of equipment between horses can help minimize the spread of the disease in endemic regions.
How Happie can help you manage your horse's health
Digital health management offers numerous benefits in modern equine healthcare.
With the Happie Horse App, you can track symptom patterns and body values, such as Temperature, Pulse and Respiration. Allowing you to notice abnormal changes in body and behaviour early on, leading to more successful treatments.
The Happie symptom checker allows you to add all of your horse's abnormal symptoms in order to present potential causes and diseases.