benefits of hydrotherapy v traveling with injury?

P

pink_princess

Well-Known Member
Joined
22 April 2007
Messages
275
Visit site
7 months ago my horse sprained a tendon in the field, on bringing back into work 2 month later he still wasnt right and he had torn his deep digital ligament on his left hind, he may of done this on rest or missed in original injury.
But he is now starting walk work and i was really considering taking him to moulton college for a week rehab livery use of swimming pool and hydrotherapy unit + they are happy to sort a weeks programme with my vet and will continue to do the walk work with him. But this would involve travelling around 80miles, I could use a much more local hydrotherapy unit at chorleywood livery who are 35 miles away and i could speak to them about doing a 2 day livery or just a day visit. He is a very easy horse who just deals with most things - I got on him after 7 months and walked him straight up the track and he didnt put a foot wrong. But i am worried about the stress on the legs in transit and could the benefit out way the risk. does anyone have any views on the hydrotherapy and wether it is worth it??
 
I am a massive fan. I travelled my horse from Reading to Shadeloes in Amersham, 6 times over a month. a long drive but mainly motorway. He is a good traveller and seemed to really enjoy himself. The difference when he came out of the spa each time was fantastic and he has returned to full hunting fitness with no permanent swelling/lump to the leg :) There is a swimming pool in Checkenden nearby but my vet didnt want him swimming, just the spa. If i was to do it again *fingers crossed i dont* i would put him on a week or fortnights livery and have a shorter but more intensive course.
 
Hydrotherapy is very good for tendon injuries. Do you mean he injured the deep digital flexor tendon as you say ligament in your post.? As for the travelling, speak to your vet as they are they best people to answer that. Thats what I would do anyway. My mare tore her DDFT and if I lived close enough to a place that could have offered this therapy or indeed the sea, I would have looked into taking her.
 
Many thanks for response, it is the ligament he has torn, my vet has recomended the treatment and said he wouldnt worry to much about travelling, but obviously a risk in doing so. So i just wanted some views on people who had horses that had the treatment.
I will look into shadeloes. Thanks
 
I've used a hydrotherapy spa for my horse. Last summer on the hard ground his legs were filling slightly (windgalls). He started to really feel the ground - not really through work on the hard ground, but he tends to 'enjoy' himself too much in the field. So predominantly self inflicted (stupid TB!)!
I took him for several spa sessions but just as a day spa. It does really work for reducing filled legs & the legs stay cold for hours afterwards. It would probably have been better to have left him on 'spa livery' for a more intensive course of treatment. Often the actual spa costs can be covered by insurance (esp if a vet has recomended).
I've also heard of very good results for tendon problems etc.
The spa I used was www.penn-equinespa.co.uk & is near High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top