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Chronic Progressive Lymphoedema prevalence in Belgian draft horses.
Chronic Progressive Lymphoedema (CPL) is a debilitating condition of the lymphatic system in horses, characterised by chronic inflammation, fluid accumulation, and progressive skin changes. Over time, the skin becomes rough, scaly, and thickened, with the formation of deep folds and creases. The skin folds can trap dirt and moisture, creating an ideal environment for bacterial and fungal infections.
In advanced cases, horses may experience pain and stiffness, leading to lameness.
CPL occurs most commonly in draft and heavy horse breeds, particularly those with heavily feathered legs. Such breeds are also prone to infection with Chorioptes bovis (mange mites)
Commonly affected breeds include: Shire Horses, Clydesdales, Belgian Draft Horses.
A study conducted by Marieke Brys and colleagues at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium, investigated the prevalence of CPL and Chorioptes bovis mite infestation in two horse breeds. A full report of their work is published in Veterinary Research Communications.
The research team examined 156 Belgian draft (also known as Brabant) horses and 142 Belgian warmblood horses.
They performed clinical examinations to assess for signs of CPL and took skin scrapings from the lower legs to detect the presence of Chorioptes bovis mites, a common cause of mange in horses.
They found that 144 out of 156 Belgian draft horses (92.31%) were infested with Chorioptes bovis mites. One hundred and twenty-six of the Belgian draft horses (80.77%) showed clinical signs of CPL.
In contrast, none of the 142 Belgian warmblood horses showed signs of CPL or mite infestation, highlighting a stark contrast between the two breeds.
The researchers found a significant association between mite infestation and CPL prevalence in Belgian draft horses. Horses infested with C. bovis were nearly twice as likely to exhibit CPL compared to non-infested horses.
The study noted a substantial absolute increase in CPL prevalence among mite-infested horses, indicating that mite infestation may contribute to the development or exacerbation of CPL.
The study provides compelling evidence of a strong link between Chorioptes bovis mite infestation and CPL prevalence in Belgian draft horses. The findings underscore the need for effective mite management strategies to reduce the incidence and severity of CPL, ultimately improving equine welfare and quality of life.
The researchers concluded that effective mite management is important for reducing the burden of CPL in draft horses.
For more details, see:
Brys M, Claerebout E, Saey V, Chiers K.
High prevalence of Chorioptes bovis: an important factor in chronic progressive lymphedema in Belgian draft horses.
Veterinary Research Communications (2025);49(3):129.
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