Managing Chronic Progressive Lymphoedema (CPL) in Horses & Ponies: How Botanica’s Cleansing Wash and Natural Herbal Cream Can Help

Chronic Progressive Lymphoedema (CPL) is a debilitating, progressive condition that primarily affects heavy draft breeds such as Shires, Clydesdales, and Gypsy Cobs. It causes painful swelling, thickening of the skin, and recurring infections in the lower limbs—particularly where feathering is dense. 

Although there is no cure for CPL, effective management is not only possible—it’s essential. With consistent, informed care, we can significantly slow its progression and reduce the horse’s discomfort.

In this post, I’ll break down:

• What is CPL and what are its symptoms?
• How is CPL typically treated?
• How Botanica Cleansing Wash and Botanica Natural Herbal Cream can support CPL management.
• Why a natural topical routine is beneficial for CPL-prone horses.

What Is Chronic Progressive Lymphoedema (CPL) in Horses?

CPL is a genetic lymphatic disorder affecting the lower limbs. The lymphatic drainage is compromised, resulting in chronic swelling, fibrosis, and eventual skin thickening, often complicated by secondary infections (bacterial and fungal). Over time, the legs can become disfigured and prone to sores, nodules, and scabs.

Common CPL Symptoms in Horses and Ponies

• Persistent swelling in the lower legs (usually hind limbs first)
• Thickened, folded, or scaly skin (especially under feathers)
• Frequent bacterial infections (cellulitis, pastern dermatitis)
• Itching, discomfort, and oozing lesions
• Development of hard nodules and skin overgrowths (fibrosis)
• Progressive lameness and reluctance to move

How Is CPL Treated?

There is no permanent cure for CPL, but early intervention and lifelong management are key. Treatment protocols typically include:

• Regular feather clipping and skin inspection
• Gentle daily cleansing to remove irritants and reduce infection risk
• Topical antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory treatments
• Compression bandaging (when advised by a vet)
• Systemic antibiotics or antifungals when infections flare
• Supplements and lymphatic massage therapy

This is where Botanica products fit seamlessly into the daily care routine, if the flying insects are also bothering your animals try the best fly treatment for horses.

🌿 Why Botanica Cleansing Wash and Natural Herbal Cream Work for CPL Management

If you favour gentle care, Botanica International’s plant-based formulations are among the most effective non-steroidal topical options for CPL. They work in tandem to soothe and protect—critical components of CPL control.

Step 1: Daily Use of Botanica Cleansing Wash

The Botanica Cleansing Wash is an herbal blend ideal for daily limb bathing or targeted washes. When diluted (typically 20:1 with warm water), it helps remove dirt, debris, and bacteria trapped under thick feathering.

Benefits:

• Gently removes crusts and scabs without irritating broken skin
• Natural antiseptic ingredients like tea tree help reduce bacterial & fungal load
• Soothes sore, itchy, or inflamed areas
• Supports infection control without the risk of antibiotic resistance

We recommend using the wash twice a day for chronic CPL horses — especially after turnout, to remove mud and allergens. Saturate the area with the diluted solution, leave on for 5 minutes, and pat dry with a clean towel.

Step 2: Apply Botanica Natural Herbal Cream to Moisturise and Protect

Once the skin is dry, Botanica Natural Herbal Cream should be applied to affected or vulnerable areas twice daily massaging well in. This herbal-rich formulation helps lock in moisture, soften fibrotic skin, and promote healing of micro-tears and flare-ups.

Benefits:

• Contains Aloe Vera, Comfrey, Lavender, and Tea Tree — all with natural anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties
• Helps reduce crusting, irritation, and cracking of skin folds
• Safe to use on broken skin or open scabs
• Lick-safe and non-toxic, ideal for sensitive animals

You can also read about our amazing horse detangler here. 

Why a Natural Routine Helps: Botanica vs. Harsh Chemicals

Many commercial antiseptics and corticosteroid creams can cause long-term damage to already compromised skin. Botanica’s range is:

• Free from parabens, sulphates, and synthetic steroids
• Well-tolerated by even the most reactive horses
• Backed by decades of use in holistic equine care
• Gentle enough for daily, lifelong application without causing sensitivity

Conclusion: Botanica and CPL—A Practical Partnership

Managing Chronic Progressive Lymphoedema isn’t easy—but it is manageable.
A consistent, gentle skincare routine using Botanica Cleansing Wash and Natural Herbal Cream can help keep the skin clean, soft, and resilient, while reducing flare-ups and infection risk.

We’ve seen first-hand how integrating Botanica into a CPL management plan improves comfort, mobility, and skin condition—often delaying the progression of symptoms.

CPL may be chronic, but suffering doesn’t have to be, shop now.