Page 170 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse
P. 170
When the source of the pain is not known, the usual procedure is to start at the foot and work
upwards once the lame limb has been identified. The procedure can take a considerable
VetBooks.ir amount of time. It should be done in a clean, quiet environment.
PREPARATION
The area of interest on the horse must be clean and dry. For perineural injections it is not
always necessary to clip the hair although this may make it easier if the horse has a long or
thick coat. When an injection is made into a synovial structure, the site is usually clipped and
always scrubbed with antiseptic to reduce the risk of infection being introduced (Figures 5.1a
and b).
Figure 5.1a and b Injection into coffin joint: a) the needle is inserted in preparation for the injection; b) the injection is
completed
RESTRAINT
The horse needs to be adequately restrained by an experienced handler. This is to prevent
injury to the vet, handler and the horse. It reduces the risk of sudden movements which could
result in damage to the articular cartilage or cause the needle to break. Some horses will stand
in a headcollar, others require a bridle or the use of a twitch. On occasions it may be
necessary to lightly sedate the horse if it is too excited or very intolerant of the procedure.
The sedative wears off while the block is still effective.
