CoMPRESSION STOCKINGS

A horse with equine lymphedema should be wrapped to facilitate the lymph flow, help maintain the integrity of the leg and keep the swelling to a minimum. It is specific wrapping material made for horses with equine lymphedema that will assist in decongesting a swollen limb, not the compression stocking or a standard bandage! The purpose of the compression stocking is to facilitate the flow of lymph fluid when the leg is not wrapped.

They are designed to act as a prophylactic or preventive measure for horses that experience occasional swelling in the legs or who have been diagnosed with equine lymphedema.

Compression stockings are to be used for a short period of time (about 2-4 hours) while the horse is being supervised or monitored during turn out, work out sessions, an event, competition, trail ride, or during transportation. The stocking could temporarily help reduce the congestion of lymph fluids in the leg while the leg is not wrapped. According to the research conducted by Prof. Van Rautenfield from Hanover Medical School in Hanover Germany, wearing the compression stocking for one hour can be equivalent to a two-hour ride. Because horses can be extremely unpredictable, it is not recommended that you leave the stockings on overnight. The horse may tear at the stocking, or if they lie down and get up, the stocking may move, bunch up and cause further congestion in the limb. These should only be used under supervision.

Unlike compression garments used in humans, the fabrics used for equine compression garments have a much thicker elasticity and higher compressive force. These professional equine compression garments are made in Germany, and we are the sole licensed supplier in the USA. These garments are used extensively in our equine lymphedema treatments, but can also be used as a preventive measure to protect the fetlock and cannon area from injury; to apply medications or antiseptics; or to generally improve circulation problems. If folded over twice, they can serve as a bandage.

Stockings are available in 2 lengths – long and short. Both stockings are made from the same material and integrity. The only difference is the length.

The long stocking covers from coronary band to just below the elbow on front legs and covers from the coronary band to just above the hock on the rear leg.
The short goes up to the mid-cannon bone.

Click below for a demonstration video on how to put the stockings on and off.

SHOW ME

In summary, compression garments are meant to be worn for a few hours at a time. Your horse should always be supervised or monitored while wearing them; therefore, they are not recommended for use overnight. When used according to the guidelines, the equine compression stockings may help minimize the congestion of the leg and keep your horse comfortable and productive!

To determine whether your horse is eligible for a compression stocking, and the appropriate size, you’ll need to Ask the Therapist.

Busting the Myth on Compression Stockings

HEAL often gets inquiries about purchasing compression stockings to reduce chronically swollen legs. The clients are generally disappointed when they learn a compression stocking isn’t the appropriate protocol to reduce chronically swollen legs. This is an educational issue.

Here is the analogy I use to help educate owners.

If you are a size 14 pants, you will not get into size 9 pants. You will most likely get a workout you didn’t anticipate and the pants won’t get past your knees! Losing weight is the most realistic and recommended protocol to get into a size 9.

Trying to put a compression stocking on a horse with a huge swollen leg is simply dangerous. How long do you think the horse is going to stand there while you struggle to put it on and then take it off? It’s difficult to manufacture a tube-like compression stocking that will have enough compression and be easy to apply on a huge extremity.

So why is this so confusing?

Answer: Equine compression stockings are used prophylactically to help manage swollen extremities by helping move stagnant lymph fluid AFTER the initial swelling has been reduced. They are used to help maintain the integrity of the leg once the swelling is down to the best it is going to be. Then a compression stocking can certainly be a useful tool in managing it. Keep in mind chronically-swollen legs in a horse implies lymphatic impairment. Complete decongestive therapy protocol is essential in managing chronically swollen legs. This includes manual lymph drainage, proper wrapping, and proper application of compression stockings for a winning combination.

The compression stocking CAN also be used prophylactically for activities such as:

Trail riding to protect the lower leg from injuries such as cuts
Transporting your horse to prevent stocking up
Preventing stocking up of a stall-bound horse

If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to me and I’ll be able to help you.