Treating CPL successfully with Cytowave

CHRONIC PROGRSSIVE LYMPHEDEMA (CPL) is the bane of many horse owners. Generally it rears its head around 6 years of age and over time debilitates a horse to where the owner faces the decision of having to euthanize there horse at around 15 or 16 years old.

We're hoping that Cytowave can change that typical scenario.

Emily has owned Friesians for a very long time and she noticed that one of her males, a stunning 6 year old Friesian stallion began developing an unknown condition on his legs. .

Small nodules appeared on rear legs, just behind the hoofs. Emily discovered through her research that these signs were the early stages of CPL. The symptoms spread from the right rear leg to the left rear leg, then progressed to the two front legs. This condition put her on a collision course with Cytowave, but she did not know it yet.

Emily was only marginally aware of the condition when she began her research. She learned that since there is no known cure, most heavy bodied horses with CPL have to be euthanized around 15 years old. 

After trying many modalities, At this point, she was ready to try anything to slow down the progress of this relentless, inflammation based disease. Even though Cytowave does not have a specific CPL based set of therapy signals, it does have a robust pain/inflammation program that has proven effective with other inflammation based conditions, including cellulitis. Figuring she had nothing to lose, Emily used a unit for 45 days and restricted, this would be the only modality she would  use to treat the CPL condition.

On April 27th, 2016,  Emily began Cytowave treatments on her horse.  She worked closely with John Dovenmuehle, a representative from Cytowave who was monitoring the case.
“At first, I didn’t know what to think. We had tried everything up to this point,” Emily stated.  Knowing that CPL currently does not have a cure, she was willing to try anything.

RESULTS

After only 4 days of treatments, Emily noticed the inflammation was less. After the first week, the inflammation in the rear legs and the Cannon bone size had decreased .  The nodules were softer, more pliable and the folds were softer, not as hard to the touch.  Emily noted the boots were easier to wrap around his legs due to the swelling is subsiding.

And she noticed a big change in his demeanor. Keegan was more relaxed and comfortable and when Emily turned him out in the pen to exercise, he was very active.

After eight (8) days, inflammation and swelling continue to lessen. Canon bone swelling also reduced in size.  The folds in the rear legs were not as thick and were separating. Folds and nodules were softer and more pliable. There was still some dampness and oily feeling in the creases of the back hoof area. The lesions were drier and reducing in size. Keegan was slowly healing.

Emily was now able to massage his legs without any discomfort and it was noticeable that Keegan was feeling better. “When I let him out in the pen, he was more active, running and bucking. Overall he just seems really happy. I did not realize how much the disease had slowly robbed him of his spirit over the years because it was so gradual. Once he started feeling better, I realized I had gotten my old horse back!”  Emily said.

In the span of 10 days, measurements showed that the swelling had been reduced markedly. The thickness and width went from  3/8” to ½”. The Canon bone showed the most dramatic reduction in size, with the left leg going from 12 ½” to 10 ½”.

On May 11th, Dr. Royal evaluated her horse and agreed that Cytowave  was definitely working on the inflammation. He seemed to be in very good health, his BAR (Bright, Alert, Responsive) was excellent and he was sound with mild sensitivity in the folds on his legs.
Dr. Royal noted that the swelling and inflammation has drastically reduced. 

After twenty one (21) days of treatments, we have seen positive results in slowing the progression of the CPL condition. The inflammation and swelling onhis rear legs has been substantially reduced. There has also been a significant reduction in the size of the folds and nodules in his rear legs. The lesions in the rear legs are drier and smaller. Pain and sensitivity in the folds of his legs has also been reduced. His overall health has improved and it is apparent that he feels much better.
“At first he stamped his feet and was a bit agitated until he got used to the boots,” Emily said. “Now it’s a walk in the park for him and he really enjoys the treatments.”