Box rest and stiffness

ILuvCowparsely

ILuvCowparsely

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My mare is on box rest 3 months now ( Laminitis )

This is for those who have had horses box rested this length and longer how bad did your horse get ?
what sort obvious things could you see that made you think he or she was stiff etc .

what did you do to help them???


I have an appointment Wednesday day with http://www.penniehooper.com/equine-sports-massage/

I have heard amazing things of her .
 
I had a pony on box rest most of last winter, abscess and slight laminitas due to weightbearing on the good foot, I got my physio to do some massage and she gave me stretches and massage to do each day, it did help. She suggested magnetic boots which I also used they are supposed to help with circulation and will do no harm.
A light rug may help keep the muscles warm over night.
 
i have magnetic hock boots and she is in a 70z rug, i was thinking of seeing if my hock boots would go on knees before i invest another 60 pounds on knee ones

think there is arthritis in her joints
 
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Personally I disagree with the idea that box rest can ever help a horse/pony recover from laminitis. The way I see it is that if we restrict a horse's movement so much that all they can do is turn tight corners in the confines of a stable (one of the most painful things for a horse with laminitis), then we are actively discouraging them from moving, and therefore discouraging them from getting their circulation going enough to help promote healing.

A horse in pain with laminitis is going to restrict its own movement as much as it needs to, and if we trust them with a larger space to move around with (not on grass), then they will start to move a few steps, then a few more, and gradually promote their own circulation, hoof growth and healing.

...... combined with correct diet and correct trim.

After 3 months, I would expect to see a good 3cm of good new hoof growth immediately below the coronet band. When I say good growth, I mean a distinct steeper angle coming in, which is tying the new hoof wall in with the pedal bone again. You aren't going to get that level of growth in a horse that's being forced to stand around on its painful feet with no freedom of movement.

If you can't see that happening, then I'd suggest something needs to change. Most likely, the foot management. Again, if you can see the toes are pulling the feet forward still, then I'd suggest you need someone who will show you how to keep trimming the toes back to prevent leverage forces inbetween frequent farrier/trimmer visits.

Sarah
 
Have to agree with Flintfootfilly that box rest is not the best idea for most conditions it's advised for. The horse needs to move almost continuously, the foot has an important function in the circulatory system, and restricting movement is therefore counter-productive in a number of ways - circulation, mucles, joints, etc. Being in a box can often be very stressful for a horse and stress can also be a factor in laminitis.

As a matter of course all our laminitics, tendon injuries, etc are never in. The only time a horse is on box-rest is for a serious injury that needs complete immobilisation such as a broken bone.
 
flintfootfilly said:
Personally I disagree with the idea that box rest can ever help a horse/pony recover from laminitis. The way I see it is that if we restrict a horse's movement so much that all they can do is turn tight corners in the confines of a stable (one of the most painful things for a horse with laminitis), then we are actively discouraging them from moving, and therefore discouraging them from getting their circulation going enough to help promote healing.

A horse in pain with laminitis is going to restrict its own movement as much as it needs to, and if we trust them with a larger space to move around with (not on grass), then they will start to move a few steps, then a few more, and gradually promote their own circulation, hoof growth and healing.

...... combined with correct diet and correct trim.

After 3 months, I would expect to see a good 3cm of good new hoof growth immediately below the coronet band. When I say good growth, I mean a distinct steeper angle coming in, which is tying the new hoof wall in with the pedal bone again. You aren't going to get that level of growth in a horse that's being forced to stand around on its painful feet with no freedom of movement.

If you can't see that happening, then I'd suggest something needs to change. Most likely, the foot management. Again, if you can see the toes are pulling the feet forward still, then I'd suggest you need someone who will show you how to keep trimming the toes back to prevent leverage forces inbetween frequent farrier/trimmer visits.

Sarah
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As I said on a previous. Post. The mare ha a setback. The foot is-only just stabilising .each case is different . Walking on hooves which are not stabilised. Tears more of the precious.lamina my post. Is not to say rights and wrongs box rest it's how to help with stiffness
 
Walking on laminitic feet which are not stabilised does indeed tear at the laminae.

Which is why a laminitic horse should be trimmed in a way that they can rock back and relieve the pressure when they need to - also to set the break-over to where they need it to relieve the pressure at the toe.

Then booted with pads and allowed in a small, non rocky, grass free area with soaked hay and minerals.

When they show some improvement in a week or so - then allowed with a sensible friend to encourage movement and mental stimulation.

Without shoes a horse would grow a whole new hoof in around 7 -9 months. Although improved, it may take more than one 'cycle' to grow a 'perfect foot' again.

I know you are following vet's and a champion farrier's advice.

I hope your mare gets better soon.
 
Gosh, if your horse is still tearing more of the laminae 3 months on, then it really does sound as though that has to be your primary concern at the moment.

Just wondering how that can be happening, though, if the horse's foot is being trimmed very regularly to keep the wall well back and out of contact with the ground at the toe. I honestly would get some alternative opinions from people who have had good success with rehabilitating laminitics on a good timescale.

In all honesty, if your horse is still having her hoof wall prized away from the pedal bone and being made to stand still for many hours, then it wouldn't be surprising if the horse was stiff and uncomfortable generally.

I'd just deal with the foot trim setup so that movement was then possible, and rely on the movement to help the horse free up.

Fortunately there are so many website with photos of rehabbing laminitic feet that all of us can stay well informed to the options, and weigh up whether the current progress compares favourably or unfavourably with other options.

I hope you find something to help your horse become comfortable.

Sarah
 
Thanx guys. She just started founder. Guard. Feet nice just been done. Just. Time. Her escape. Is what set. Her back she is on. 95 per cent sugar free. Pulse had gone down wed. Little diff. In feet temp. 
 
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