Page 362 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

Warning
Always check any that any supplement does not contain a banned substance if you
VetBooks.ir are competing under FEI or BHA (British Horseracing Authority) rules.

Management

Where soft tissue inflammation is a contributory factor, treatment may include:
• rest

• cold therapy for the first 48 hours to reduce the pain, inflammation and swelling

• support bandaging

• immobilization if the joint is unstable

• passive flexion to reduce oedema and maintain joint mobility and circulation
• heat may be applied following the initial period of cold therapy in order to increase the

circulation, decrease the stiffness and discomfort and improve the range of motion of the
joint

• In-hand walking. This should be done on a flat, even surface. Rough ground and walking
on the camber at the edge of a road can be painful and aggravate the condition

• Underwater treadmills: with the water depth at the point of the horse’s shoulder there is a

50–60% reduction in bodyweight resulting from the buoyancy of the water. This helps to
reduce the mechanical stresses on the limb, which can help decrease inflammation and

pain whilst improving the range of motion of the arthritic joint. More effort is needed to
walk through water than air so this type of exercise also improves muscle strength and

joint stability, thus contributing to rehabilitation of any secondary musculoskeletal issues.
The increased hydrostatic pressure promotes blood flow and lymphatic drainage and so
can reduce oedema and soft tissue swelling. It also activates sensory nerves in the skin

and receptors in the joint capsule that provide information about the position of the limb
in space (proprioceptors) so the muscles can act to stabilize the joints and reduce

uncoordinated movements that may lead to further damage. The temperature of the water
can be varied depending on the condition being treated. Cold water causes the blood
vessels of the lower limbs to constrict, whilst warm water increases the blood flow

through the tissues.

• Swimming is sometimes used if facilities are available but is not suitable for many
conditions because of the raised head and extended, stretched out position of the neck,
back, pelvis and hind limbs (Figure 8.7).