COLD THERAPY FOR HORSES

Cold therapy

Cold is very effective method of relieving inflammation.Cold causes the blood vessels in the skin and superficial tissues to constricts.

It also desensitizes nerve endings,

providing temporary pain relief.

Specific methods

1.Hosing

Hosing the affected area with cold water for 10 to 15 minutes,several times per day helps to reduce the signs of inflammation.

2.Standing in cold water

Standing the horse in a stream or pond,or in a tub of cold water can reduce inflammation in the feet and lower legs.However, standing the horse in muddy water is not advisable for injuries that also involves a wound.

3.Ice pack

Commercial ice packs are available for cooling a specific  area, although a plastic bag of crushed ice is just as effective.A bag of frozen peas conforms to the leg very well, and it can be refrozen and used several times if necessary.

Wet bandaging

A stable or track bandage and a quilted leg wrap and good materials to use for a wet bandaging. Elastic bandages or any other material that may shrink when wet should never be used for this purpose.The padding and bandage are saturated with cold water before being applied to the leg.

4.Ice boot

Commercial ice boots are available for cooling the lower leg.But an effective ice boot can be made out of plastic trash can liner and duct tape.A stocking is made by wrapping the bag loosely around the leg and securing the bottom of the bag at the pastern or hoof with duct tape.The boot is then filled with crushed ice or cubed ice so that the injured area is completely covered.

Length of Treatment

After about 10 minutes ,cooling the skin causes reflex  vasodilation in the area.This warms the tissues,so cold therapy is of little benefit after this time.Therefore ,it should only be applied for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.

It should be repeated as often as possible during the first 2 to 3 days after injury.But about third day , the benefits of cold therapy are minimal, unless inflammation persists.

Reference

Lameness

Equine Research

by Chritine King and Richard Mansmann