does his soundness become a strain on you?
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Racings elite and a privileged few of the countries top competitive riders have been able to make use and appreciate the huge benefits of cold spa treatments to their horses’ performance and long term soundness. Now this treatment is available to every horse whatever the level with the installation of a Panama Spa at Mousley House Farm Equine Therapy and Training Centre.
How Hydrotherapy Works
Salt water is chilled within the spa and held at a constant temperature between 2 and 4 degrees. 12 air jets create a powerful stream of bubbles much the same as in a conventional spa. This is beneficial to the healing process in four ways:
1) Temperature - The very cold water reduces cellular metabolism thereby placing less demand and strain on the circulatory system for oxygen and nutrients. Blood vessel walls are less permeable reducing the amount of fluid accumulating at the sight of injury and the numbing effect of the cold water acts as a topical analgesic. When the horse leaves the spa the rapid temperature change from the cold water to normal room temperature triggers a surge of fresh nutrient and oxygen rich blood to the area.
2) Salt concentration - The salt water acts like a poultice helping to cleanse wounds and draw out infection. Additionally its salt concentration has been found to influence how effectively a wound is healed.
3) Depth of water - The greater the depth of water, the greater the pressure applied to the swelling and the more effective the fluid dispersal.
4) Aeration - Increased dissolved oxygen has been shown to speed healing. The massaging effect relaxes the horse reducing heart rate and therefore stress.
When a tendon injury is suspected it is vital that swelling is reduced so that accurate scanning and diagnosis by a veterinary surgeon can take place. What may start as a bruise or strain to collagen fibres can deteriorate rapidly due to the effects of the enzyme collaginase. The action of this enzyme is reduced by the cold temperature of the hydrotherapy spa improving the prognosis. Where swelling is allowed to persist during the healing process new collagen fibres form cross links rather than in alignment. This new tissue is weak and prone to re-injury, a constant source of anxiety when bringing horses back into training. Hydrotherapy has been shown to resolve tendon injuries not just more quickly but with better tissue type.
Amazing results have been achieved in the healing of severe flesh wounds and the production of proud flesh often associated with lower leg injuries due to the poor blood supply is dramatically reduced.
Regular use of hydrotherapy removes many of the stressors within tissues before any inflammation develops. Cold also significantly improves surface bone density, reducing the opportunity for bone stress related injuries. Where horses are subject to the unnatural environment of being stabled for long periods of time, circulation particularly within the lower limb is poor. Use of the hydrotherapy spa helps maintain a good supply of fresh blood and nutrients improving joint, tendon, hoof and bone health.
The Hydrotherapy Spa is a drug free treatment that has been proven to reduce time off work, promote long term health and is a complimentary therapy to the competitive horse as it can be used up to and including the competition day.
