![]() ![]() Place a cloth between the ice pack and the skin. 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. Again, make sure to use proper leg bandaging techniques.ġ1.Get veterinary help if the lameness lasts longer than 1 day without significant improvement. If possible, place a bandage on the area between treatments to prolong the benefits and help reduce swelling. Utilize several layers of cotton gauze to protect tissue and absorb fluids.ġ0. Do not place ice directly against the skin if there is an open wound. Chemically activated cold packs may require more layers of fabric to buffer the skin and prevent frostbite.ĩ. 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.Ĩ. Repeat cold therapy every 4-6 hours within the first day of treatment or as otherwise recommended by your veterinarian.ħ. A rule of thumb is 5 minutes on, 15 minutes off until heat and swelling are perceptibly reduced.Ħ. Apply ice for approximately 5 minutes at a time, but no more than 10-15 minutes. Use proper leg bandage techniques so you can position the ice pack without constricting the blood supply to the leg or damaging tendons.ĥ. If cold therapy is recommended, begin the initial application as soon as possible. Request immediate veterinary help if lameness is severe or the horse resists moving.ģ. Contact your veterinarian and explain the symptoms and location of the injury.Ģ. Running cold water over the injury site with a hose is also a convenient way to reduce heat and swelling at the injury site.ġ. Chemical ice packs are especially useful additions to first aid kits.Īnother option for lower limbs is to use a bucket or ice boot filled with ice water. ![]() There are also special chemical pouches that produce a rapid freezing reaction when activated. Commercial ice bandages designed for specific parts of the horse’s leg are also available. Chemical ice packs such as the "blue ice" commonly used in picnic coolers also work well. A bag of frozen vegetables (such as peas & corn) is also a convenient and ready-made ice pack. Crushed ice releases its cooling properties more quickly and the pack will conform more readily to the shape of the limb. You can make an ice pack using a resealable plastic bag to hold slab or crushed ice. You will need to determine what works best for the area you are treating. Ice packs may be either rigid or flexible depending on their contents. 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. To maximize the therapeutic benefits of ice or cold therapy, follow your veterinarian’s instructions exactly and keep in mind the recommendations contained in this brochure.Īpplying 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. Ice wraps used incorrectly or applied for too long can potentially damage the skin and underlying tissue. Ice slows the inflammatory process while other treatments such as medications can begin to take effect.Ĭare must be taken, however, whenever cold therapy is applied to a limb. Your immediate goal is to try to reduce inflammation and swelling in order to minimize tissue damage and speed healing. ![]() Make sure the bandage material is applied smoothly with overlapping layers and extends down to protect the coronary band.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 ice packs or very cold water. If bandaging material is to be used, the best choice is commercially available flannel that is 6 inches wide and 10 to 14 feet long. The material should extend from just below the knee or hock to over the coronary band by 1 inch. ![]() The individual horse’s needs should be taken into account before choosing which type to use.Ĭommercial “pillow” or “quilted” wraps that are the appropriate length for the leg and provide thick padding are most commonly used for shipping. There is a plethora of commercially available protective shipping gear for equine legs– everything from a simple fabric-fastening wrap for the cannon bone area to a full-length leg cover that is molded to go over the hock or knee. ![]()
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