Horses are creatures of movement.
The horse has enabled man to travel over long distances and expand our world. They have been our partners in exploration, and our comrades in war. In most industrialized nations the majority of horses are now the pampered pets of a pleasure community, housed in the comfort of stables and paddocks. This life of leisure has been the cause of many misunderstood conditions and health challenges.
When we observe a horse with swelling in the extremities, most people
define it as “stocking up”.
Stocking up may occur when a horse stands for long periods of time or inactivity, common events for horses who spend much of their time in a stall. Fluid pools in the tissues of the horses lower legs (called edema). When a horse is not moving, toxins can possibly build up resulting in swelling of the extremities and groin area. But swelling can occur anywhere. Once the horse is exercised, the swelling often times resolves itself. The owner then is not alarmed, they accept it as normal, however it is not. This could be a red flag indicator of lymphatic congestion which over time could become a chronic condition.
What is this fluid and where do the toxins come from?
The edema that you see is congested lymphatic fluid. The lymphatic system is instrumental in maintaining health. It not only cleanses the body of viruses and toxins, but also assists in maintaining fluid balance. Although the lymphatic system and the circulatory system are interdependent the lymphatic system is not part of the circulatory system, rather it runs alongside the circulatory system collecting toxins, bacteria, cancer and any abnormal cells.
What does this have to do with exercise?
Unlike the circulatory system, which uses the pumping action of the heart. The lymphatic system moves lymph fluid a number of different ways. The circulatory system and skeletal muscles may assist to keep lymph fluid moving through the body. Exercise helps move the lymph fluid so the toxins it carries may be eliminated through the urinary system. In the horse the lymphatic system evolved to be at peak performance with movement, the canter or lope creating maximum proficiency. The horses hide also works like a compression garment, and helps move lymph through the body as the horse moves.
What can be done to help with the edema or stocking up
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialized massage that was developed by Dr. Emil Vodder from Germany. MLD addresses the slow or clogged lymphatic system specifically. MLD application can assist to redirect a congested area such as in the leg or groin, to an area that is not congested so the lymph may follow its normal path to remove toxins through the circulatory and into the urinary systems. Imagine a congested hi-way system. All of the traffic is backed up and no one is moving. An officer arrives on the scene and begins to direct traffic. The congestion is reduced and the traffic begins to move closer to the normal pace. This is the essence of MLD.
My goal is to raise awareness of this condition within the equine community. I would like to help people understand how to prevent “stocking up”, and understand the signs of Lymphedema so they learn to bring relief to their equine companions.
Exercise is the key to prevention
The lymphatic system is the bodies first line of defense against illness and disease. The horse evolved as a creature on the move. The equine lymphatic system requires motion for optimal performance. Horses require daily exercise. Horses in a pasture with other horses will exercise themselves as they play with their herd mates and roam to graze. But not all of us are fortunate enough to have plenty of pasture space for our horses. Horses that are in a stall most of the time or alone in a paddock are susceptible to lymphedema. Horses that are stabled most of the time require at least thirty minutes of exercise each day. The senior horse needs exercise too. An older horse is more prone to illness. A relaxing walk is ideal for warming up and stretching the joints and tendons. Exercise will assist in moving the lymphatic fluid that is so vital to the health of your horse. Horses evolved to be creatures of movement as horsemen it is our responsibility to provide them with the exercise they need to maintain optimal health.
Missie Niles holds a Certificate of Achievement in Equine MLD Massage for Professionals. She studied under Theresa Mueller, BCTMB,ESMT Certified Lymphedema Therapist in MLD/CDT (human), Certified Equine Lymphedema Therapist in MLD/CDT. www.Healequine.com.
She currently attends The Equine Natural Movement School where she is studying Equine Structural Integration in preparation for the NBCAAM National Certification and Large Animal Massage Practitioner License exam.
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