FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is CPL?
    A genetic disease of draft horses and cobs that causes the lower leg lymphatics to be compromised, resulting in oedema, inflammation, hyperkeratosis and fibrotic skin folds.
  2. Is there a cure?
    Unfortunately not.
  3. So what can I do?
    Consult your vet. Begin holistic CPL-friendly management protocol to slow the progression of the disease.
  4. Is there a test for CPL?
    Not yet.
  5. How do I know if my horse has CPL?
    Look for bumps, folds and pitting oedema on the pastern. That is usually the first indicator.
  6. Is it caused by feather mites?
    Studies have found a link between CPL and feather mites. Certainly mites will exacerbate the disease.
  7. Will a biopsy diagnose it?
    No. Biopsies should not routinely be used for diagnosis of lymphatic disease.
  8. Do I have to clip my horse’s feathers off?
    Yes. The disease can progress at different rates so you need to be able to see any changes and treat accordingly and reduce the potential for feather mites.
  9. Does my horse need 24/7 turnout?
    Ideally, yes. Horses lower leg lymphatics only work when they are moving. 24/7 turnout or track systems are perfect for CPL horses.
  10. But what about mud?
    Use mud protection or keep the horse in a larger hard standing or indoor area with enrichment to encourage them to move around.
  11. What if my horse has to be stabled?
    Try to provide enough space and enrichment that they can move around more when having to be stabled due to winter livery yard rules. If a vet advises box rest for a long period, have a discussion about the risk to your horse’s CPL and see if there is a “plan B” option – there may be no other option. Some health problems take priority.
  12. Can I use normal stable bandages, boots or compression socks on my CPL horse?
    No, they can be very dangerous for horses with CPL.
  13. Can my horse still be ridden?
    Absolutely, providing they are sound and comfortable. Exercise is the best thing for CPL.
  14. Can my horse have boots or wraps on during exercise?
    Yes, it is a good idea to protect the legs during strenuous exercise or jumping – if necessary. Don’t use them otherwise.
  15. Can my horse go in the sea?
    Yes, but make sure to rinse off the salt water and sand afterwards.
  16. Would hydrotherapy help?
    Yes, any exercise is good – both for the lymphatics and to keep weight down. Make sure to protect the legs with an emollient afterwards incase the water makes the skin dry.
  17. Can I wash my horse’s legs?
    Yes, but make sure you don’t use products that dry the skin out. Emollient can generally be used as a soap substitute.
  18. What if my horse has dry skin or hyperkeratosis (“mallenders and sallenders”)?
    Regularly apply a quickly-absorbing emollient cream to help moisturise the skin. You will probably need to do this for the rest of the horse’s life as there is no cure for hyperkeratosis.
  19. What is the expected life span for a CPL horse?
    Impossible to say, it would depend on lots of factors besides the CPL.
  20. Do CPL horses have to be euthanised?
    Rarely for the CPL itself. If they do, it is usually because they have developed a bad infection that starts to affect the rest of their body, or their CPL was too advanced when it was found and would not respond to management.
  21. Can CPL make horses lame?
    Not usually, unless they have a secondary infection or hoof problems, or the folds and nodules are so bad that they struggle to move their fetlock joints. Please call your vet if your horse becomes lame.
  22. Will my horse get laminitis?
    Possibly. Research has found that some horses with CPL do develop laminitis and many of them live with low grade inflammation in their hooves.
  23. What can I feed my horse?
    Ideally, a good quality forage-based feed + a balancer if needed. Aim for <10-15% sugars and starch.
  24. Will my horse stamp his feet even if he doesn’t have feather mites?
    Yes, they may do when their legs feel strange or uncomfortable as they fill and struggle to drain. A lot of CPL horses will stamp their feet straight after exercise or when they are stabled which could be because of the effect it has on their legs.
  25. My horse is scared of clippers. What can I do?
    You will need to gently desensitise your horse to the clippers as CPL horses usually have good reason to be fearful. Head over to the CPL Facebook group and read the Featured Post on Desensitisation.