The Lymphatic System in the Horse
The lymphatic system functions providing immunity, energy metabolism and detoxification in the horse’s body. It is a network of vessels and lymph nodes that transport lymphatic fluid around the horse’s body. The lymphatic system provides energy metabolism by transporting nutrients and oxygen to the cells. It also removes waste products from the cells for detoxification in the liver, kidneys, and intestine.
More than half of the lymph vessels are located in the intestinal tract so gut health is very important. Peristalsis (the natural contraction of the muscles of the intestinal tract) pushes the lymph out of the intestine to the rest of the body. Peristalsis is stimulated by food, especially hay. The horse’s intestinal system is designed to eat roughage (hay or grass) constantly which maintains a healthy gut. When the horse’s intestinal system shuts down due to impaction colic or grain carbohydrate overload, the horse can become toxic. This is because the lymph vessels that carry away toxins are shut down too. When the horse becomes toxic, there are no gut sounds, the heart rate increases, there is fever, and the gums turn magenta pink with a dark pink line at the gum line. The toxic horse will require treatment with iv fluids, antibiotics, and Banamine for days which is expensive.
In addition to lymph vessels carrying lymph fluid, the horse has 8000 lymph nodes to make up the lymphatic system. The lymph nodes act as a filter for foreign substances traveling thru the body. The lymph nodes also contain lymphocytes which is a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infection and disease. The lymphatic system is a key component to the immune system. When a CBC blood test is done, the vet looks at the lymphocyte count to assess the status of the immune system with a virus or infection. The lymph nodes or glands between the horse’s neck and head can become large due to blockage. They become swollen when the horse’s immune system is exposed to disease such as a virus or respiratory infection.
Movement is important to the lymphatic system to make it flow. If the horse’s legs swell or stock up, it is often congestion of the lymphatic vessels due to lack of exercise or a virus. There are some herbal supplements (couch grass, Urtica, dandelion) that have purifying effects which support metabolism and detoxification in the lymphatic system.
Tips for a healthy lymphatic system:
- Turn horses out as much as possible.
- Provide free choice hay and pasture.
- Keep the gut healthy with probiotics.
- After exercise, cool down for 15 minutes.
FOUNDER ALERT
The green grass is starting so it’s time to get those horses who have foundered off the grass pasture to prevent another founder episode.
Castration Signs: March 22-27
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