Laminitis research project

A research project into the use of manual lymph drainage (MLD) as an auxiliary treatment for acute and sub-acute laminitis is taking place in the West Midlands, Warwickshire and Worcestershire region over the next 12 months. Local vets are aware of the project and information is being circulated to horse owners. It is obviously important that farriers in this area be aware of the project and why it's being held, as they will be involved in cases which may be referred to it, or may come across suitable cases themselves.
The reason for undertaking this project is that there is ample anecdotal evidence that using MLD in these cases can limit damage to hoof structures and speed recovery. Most of this evidence comes from German speaking countries, where MLD is recommended as a routine addition to laminitis treatment, and my own experience has also born this out.
However, there has been no attempt in the UK to record this, or to formally incorporate MLD into management of cases of acute laminitis. One reason for this appears to be the understandable unwillingness of vets to do so without available scientific research studies to back up its use, therefore, this project has been initiated as a first step towards meeting this requirement.
Historically, the lymphatic system (in all species) has evaded scientific scrutiny because until recently the technology to visualise it has largely been lacking. As a result, most of our understanding has come through treatment based on solid clinical evidence, such as the use of MLD for lymphostatic conditions and which has now been confirmed through scientific research. Recent significant advances in visualisation methods has led to the realisation that the lymphatic system is much more active and powerful than had previously been thought. Scientists have for example discovered vital links between the lymphatic system and metabolic syndrome and also with systemic organ failure, which indirectly shine light on aspects of laminitis.
Research pioneered in Germany into the equine lymphatic system has led to significant increases in our knowledge, and lymphologists’ understanding of how the system works and its anatomy within the hoof structures supports the use of MLD for acute laminitis. Nevertheless, the world’s most respected laminitis experts and equine lymphologists confirm that, to date, the means do not exist to visualise and document lymphatic action in the hoof, especially during laminitis. Therefore, evidence for the results obtained from using MLD with acute laminitis cases can only come from clinical practice; until scientific visualisation techniques catch up, this is not achievable by other means. Waiting for this will result in some horses unnecessarily being denied the relief from pain and suffering that utilising MLD as an auxiliary treatment for laminitis can offer.
Because all laminitis cases are individual, and there are no standard criteria for measuring result expectations from standard treatment, the purpose of this proposed project is simply to record the outcome of cases involving the use of MLD, and where possible produce preliminary statistical observations on its effectiveness. Whilst this may not meet the definition of strict scientific (but currently unachievable) research criteria, it does fall within the context of evidence based clinical work that has led to the development of modern human lymphology.
By ignoring the role of the lymphatic system in laminitis we could be overlooking a key element in its treatment, and it is hoped that this project will be a first step towards amending this.
If you are interested in knowing more about this project, contact Heather Powell by e-mail: [email protected],
telephone 0121 447 7873, mobile 075037 46500
Heather Powell

Clipped leg of 10-year-old Clydesdale mare with chronic progressive lymphoedema before treatment; infected folds in pastern, firm oedema around and above joint

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