Feeds for Stocking Up, Oedema & Swollen Legs

Lack of protein and salts in the blood due to poor nutrition or kidney malfunction is one of the causes of oedema. Protein and salts in the blood draw fluid into the blood system from the tissues and when they are not in high enough levels the fluid builds up in the tissues causing oedema. In this case CoolStance could be used as it has the right levels of protein from natural sources for the horse.

For stocking up the treatment can be as simple as mild exercise for 30 minutes to stimulate the body to drain the fluid. In re-occuring cases the protein and chemical composition of the blood may be checked and diuretics used to give temporary relief. Some nutritionists recommend feeding less grain as carbohydrates hold fluid and can worsen the condition if the horse is susceptible.

What is Stocking Up?

Stocking up is a swelling of the lower limb (usually hind limb) due to the pooling of blood and lymph in the area otherwise known as non-inflammatory oedema. Typically it happens to horses that are worked and then stall bound for more than two days at a time. It tends to happen to the heavier breeds of horse such as the quarter horse as they have a larger body mass over a small foot and their lymphatic system has to work harder to move the fluid. Older horses may also be susceptible.

The fluid retention appears in the lower leg from the coronary band to either the fetlock joint or sometimes as far up as the hock. the horse should not appear lame and the swelling should not have an above average temperature. The horse may appear slightly stiff but should not appear lethargic or in obvious pain. The diagnosis of this condition is through investigation of the horses history and its work regime in comparison to time in the stable. Once the vet has ruled out other diseases associated with the symptoms of swelling then treatment of "stocking up" can begin.