What to Know About Stocking Up
Theres no doubt a horse with swollen legs can be worrying. However passive fluid accumulation in the lower limbs commonly called stocking up is a relatively common condition in stalled horses that is not typically a cause for alarm. Heres what you need to know about stocking up along with a few other causes of swollen legs and how to handle the condition.
The Lymphatic System
Fluid accumulation in the lower limbs the medical term is dependent edema is a function of physics and the lymphatic system an oftenoverlooked branch of the circulatory and immune systems. As blood is pumped by the heart throughout the body it delivers oxygen and nutrients. When blood reaches the tiny capillaries these components diffuse out into the surrounding tissues nourishing the body
An important difference between the circulatory and lymphatic systems is the lymphatic system isnt directly connected to the heart it lacks a pump. Lymph the fluid that flows through the system relies on the extending and flexing of ligaments and tendons when the
animal walks to squeeze and push it from the delicate lymph vessels to lymph nodes to veins and ultimately back to the heart. The digital cushion in the hoof also plays an important role in moving lymph back up the leg.
When you appreciate the role of the lymphatic system its now easy to understand the primary cause of stocking up in horses which is lack of movement. Stocking up is almost always seen in horses that have been stalled. When a horse doesnt move enough he cant help his lymphatic
When the lymph system cant move enough fluid back to the heart in a timely manner it begins to accumulate. Over the course of many hours commonly overnight this causes the legs to fill and can make the typically slender lower limb get fat and feel firm. The same thing happens to humans swollen ankles after a long flight are a typical example of human stocking up.
Confirming Everything is OK
But how can you be sure a horses swollen legs are
