Legs

The circulatory system of the horse is the complex internal system responsible for moving blood and lymph fluid throughout and around the body. It is driven primarily by the heart muscle and ensures that blood reaches all organs of the horse. The circulatory system is also involved with thermoregulation.

Laminitis in horses is a complex disease of the hoof, which is still not fully understood. In most cases it is caused by excess sugar in the blood and is more common in ponies than horses. Laminitis is the inflammation of the delicate laminae of the hoof and is extremely painful. When a horse or pony is suffering with laminitis, its movement will be compromised and in severe cases, there may be a rotation of the pedal bone, which can be fatal.

Many horses experience ‘puffy legs’ or leg swelling, particularly when they have been mostly stationary in their stables over night. This swelling is not accompanied by heat or pain and tends to go down once the horse has had 10-15 minutes of exercise. Whilst it’s not indicative of an injury, repeated swelling in lymph and blood vessels of the leg due to a lack of movement can cause damage to the vessels. This means they will lose their strength and capacity of move lymph fluid and blood effectively through the vessels. It is advisable to try to avoid this swelling by supporting the circulatory system and the lymphatic system through the diet; as well as ensuring that your horse gets enough exercise.