Leg injuries in horses1/17/2024 ![]() If your horse has a severe injury, it may need more than a few days of rest before it begins exercising. Spaas recommends an ultrasound screening to ensure that the injured ligament or tendon is healing appropriately. He told The Horse that hand-walking, followed eventually by trotting and cantering, should start after a few days of rest.īefore moving on to trotting or cantering, Dr. Check the fit of the compression bandage every day and make adjustments if it becomes too loose.Īlthough too much inactivity can increase stiffness, it's a good idea to offer a few days of stall rest after a tendon or ligament injury, according to Jan H. It's best to apply bandages when your horse is standing. The bandage should be tight enough to provide compression without cutting off circulation or causing discomfort. Bandages decrease fluid build-up and offer support for the leg. Wrapping a compression bandage around the injured leg can be helpful for both ligament and tendon injuries. If you're thinking about giving your horse NSAIDs, ask your veterinarian how long to use the medication and which type is best for your horse. NSAIDs can also irritate your horse's stomach and cause ulcers. Because they're so effective in reducing pain, your horse may not eager to take it easy and could potentially reinjure the ligament or tendon. Unfortunately, NSAlDs do have potential downsides. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will also reduce inflammation and swelling. ![]() The American Association of Equine Practitioners recommends a 5-minute on/15 minute-off schedule for packs and wraps until swelling and heat subsides. Wraparound ice packs and cooling wraps fit around your horse's leg and help reduce swelling, inflammation, and heat. Use ice to decrease inflammation during the first few days after injury. Scar tissue can also cause stiffness and worsen pain. Your horse may also be more likely to develop scar tissue in the ligament or tendon due to chronic inflammation. Inflammation is helpful for healing in the short-term, but can cause increased pain and stiffness if it continues too long. Following these recommendations will help your horse avoid reinjuring or worsening its injury. Keep Your Horse Safe from Worsening Tendon and Ligament InjuriesĮven minor setbacks can add weeks or months to the recovery process after a tendon or ligament injury.
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