Hot / Cold Packs
When a horse injures a leg, many times the first - and best – course of action is to cool the area as quickly as possible using cold packs (ice) or very cold water. Your immediate goal is to try to reduce inflammation and swelling in order to minimize tissue damage and speed healing. Ice slows the inflammatory process while other treatments such as medications can begin to take effect.
Care must be taken, however, whenever cold therapy is applied to a limb, as cold packs used incorrectly or applied for too long can potentially damage the skin and underlying tissue.
To maximize the therapeutic benefits of ice or cold therapy, follow your veterinarian’s instructions exactly. (from myhorsematters.com). Extend-A Cool
Liquid Ice
Liquid Ice is the newest, most effective method to treat equine injuries using the power of cold and compression. Strains, sprains, swelling and bruising in muscles, liqaments, ligaments and tendons can be treated with Ferno's Liquid Ice. It is a non-dyed, non-adhesive stretch cotton bandage presoaked in the Liquid Ice menthol and alcohol-based solution. Liquid Ice lowers the surface temperature by 15 degrees in the first 15-20 minutes, using the process of evaporation. The two-hour treatment time is at least five times longer than other vet treatments on the market. Features: -Helps eliminate tendon and ligament soreness -Speeds recovery from minor injuries, knocks and bruises -Provides effective cooling coupled with compression -Lightweight: does not impede movement and can be applied easily to knees and hocks -No refrigeration necessary. Cold effects last five times longer than other cold treatments -Reusable with Liquid Ice Recharger for 20 or more applications -Easy to apply 2" x 68" - $126.50 Ice Horse Tendon Wraps
Ice Horse Big Black Boot
Ice Horse Hock Wrap
Ice Horse Knee to Ankle Wrap
Ice+ Replacement Packs
Ice Horse Starter Kit
Ice Horse Leg Therapy System
How Cold packs or Ice Can Help Applying ice or cold therapy can improve a variety of tendon, joint, muscle and other soft tissue injuries by decreasing blood flow to the damaged area and slowing the metabolism of the surrounding tissue so it is less likely to suffer damage from swelling and constriction. Cold therapy helps to: - Reduce Inflammation - Reduce Swelling - Dissipate Heat - Alleviate Pain - Slow Bleeding Applying Cold packs or Ice The best method for applying ice or cold therapy will depend on the type and location of the injury, as well as the materials you have at your disposal. Ice packs may be either rigid or flexible depending on their contents. You will need to determine what works best for the area you are treating. You can make an ice pack using a resealable plastic bag to hold slab or crushed ice. Crushed ice releases its cooling properties more quickly and the pack will conform more readily to the shape of the limb. A bag of frozen vegetables (such as peas & corn) is also a convenient and ready-made ice pack. Chemical ice packs such as the "blue ice" commonly used in picnic coolers also work well. Commercial ice bandages designed for specific parts of the horse’s leg are also available. There are also special chemical pouches that produce a rapid freezing reaction when activated. Chemical ice packs are especially useful additions to first aid kits. Another option for lower limbs is to use a bucket or ice boot filled with ice water. Running cold water over the injury site with a hose is also a convenient way to reduce heat and swelling at the injury site. General Recommendations 1. Contact your veterinarian and explain the symptoms and location of the injury. 2. Request immediate veterinary help if lameness is severe or the horse resists moving. 3. If cold therapy is recommended, begin the initial application as soon as possible. The first 24-48 hours are key. 4. Use proper leg bandage techniques so you can position the ice pack without constricting the blood supply to the leg or damaging tendons. 5. Apply ice for approximately 5 minutes at a time, but no more than 10-15 minutes. A rule of thumb is 5 minutes on, 15 minutes off until heat and swelling are perceptibly reduced. 6. Repeat cold therapy every 4-6 hours within the first day of treatment or as otherwise recommended by your veterinarian. 7. Use a damp cloth or sheet cotton as a buffer between the ice pack and the horse’s skin to protect the tissue and dissipate the cold. 8. Chemically activated cold packs may require more layers of fabric to buffer the skin and prevent frostbite. 9. Do not place ice directly against the skin if there is an open wound. Utilize several layers of cotton gauze to protect tissue and absorb fluids. 10. If possible, place a bandage on the area between treatments to prolong the benefits and help reduce swelling. Again, make sure to use proper leg bandaging techniques. 11.Get veterinary help if the lameness lasts longer than 1 day without significant improvement. Bandaging Guidelines When applying an ice bandage, although the bandage will be in place for only short period of time, it is still important to follow these safety guidelines. - Place a cloth between the ice pack and the skin. - Use gauze or a bandaging material such as 3M Vetrap Bandaging Tape that has enough strength, stretch and cohesion to conform to the leg and hold the ice pack in place. - Wrap in a spiral pattern, overlapping layers with smooth, uniform pressure. - Be careful not to bandage the leg too tightly or create any pressure points. Some veterinarians recommend wrapping from front to back, outside to inside-counterclockwise for left legs, clockwise for right legs-to prevent tendons from being pulled outward from the cannon bone and vessels, and to reduce the likelihood of constriction. While your horse is recovering, pay close attention to its progress. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe any of the following: 1. Increased pain or lameness. This information was produced through a joint venture between 3M Animal Care Products and the American Association of Equine Practitioners.
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