Chronic Progressive Lymphedema
Encyclopedia
Chronic progressive lymphedema, or CPL, is a disease identified in Shire
, Clydesdale and Belgian horses
that resembles Scratches. It is characterized by lymphedema
and symptoms include progressive swelling, thickening skin and lesions on the lower leg. The disease is most likely caused by a malfunctioning lymphatic system and a compromised immune system. There is quite possibly a genetic component. There is no cure at this point, only treatment that has helped keep it under control for some.
Scientists at UC Davis Center for Equine Health
are continuing research on the disease with the interest, cooperation and financial support from Ayrshire Farms of Upperville, Virginia
.
Shire horse
The Shire horse is a breed of draught horse or draft horse . The breed comes in many colours, including black, bay and grey. They are a tall breed, with mares standing and over and stallions standing and over. The breed has an enormous capacity for weight pulling, and Shires have held the world...
, Clydesdale and Belgian horses
Belgian (horse)
The Belgian Draft horse or Belgian, also known as Belgian Heavy Horse, Brabançon, or Brabant, is a draft horse breed from the Brabant region of modern Belgium, where it is called the or Flemish: . It is one of the strongest of the heavy breeds...
that resembles Scratches. It is characterized by lymphedema
Lymphedema
Lymphedema , also known as lymphatic obstruction, is a condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system....
and symptoms include progressive swelling, thickening skin and lesions on the lower leg. The disease is most likely caused by a malfunctioning lymphatic system and a compromised immune system. There is quite possibly a genetic component. There is no cure at this point, only treatment that has helped keep it under control for some.
Scientists at UC Davis Center for Equine Health
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
The University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, is the largest veterinary school in the United States. Established in 1948, the school is the primary health resource for California's various animal populations. The school is ranked 2nd for veterinary schools in the country...
are continuing research on the disease with the interest, cooperation and financial support from Ayrshire Farms of Upperville, Virginia
Upperville, Virginia
Upperville is an unincorporated community in Fauquier County, Virginia, United States, located along U.S. Route 50 fifty miles from downtown Washington, D.C.. Founded in the 1790s along Pantherskin Creek, it was originally named Carrstown by first settler Josephus Carr...
.