Equine Hydrotherapy - Any experiences?

[Rattie]

My horse is going for her first sesson in a hydrotherapy spa today and just wondering if anyone has used one before?

I'm quite nervous about it because I don't really know what to expect.

 

[sillygillyhorse]

I have used hydrotherapy on a few horses, one eventer who would have a session after a run on hard ground and then a couple of times for horses with kick injuries, both of those showed fantastic results, healing time was much reduced so much so that any stitches/staples could come out earlier, reduced any scarring too.

None of them had a problem with the spa, one was less keen than the others but the staff took it all very slowly with him and he was fine.

 

[jumpthemoon]

I used to keep my horse on a yard that had a spa - they rarely had problems getting the horses in etc. My own horse put her leg through a 5 bar gate and lifted it off the hinges, hopping down the field with it and ripping all the skin off her leg in the process. She had it stapled up and the vet said the staples would probably come out with the swelling but it was worth a try.

She had a spa session every other day for 2 weeks and her leg didn't swell at all - it healed perfectly - you couldn't see where it had happened

I really rate them

The vet was impressed as well

 

[KatB]

They are fantastic, Goddy had spa treatment for his splint. He was a bit weary and went solid the first time he went in, but after that actually didnt mind it. I have alse read up alot on them and attended a "lecture" on the benefits. They are fantastic, and do make a HUGE difference to healing etc. If I ever have any concerns about legs/feet, I wouldnt hesitate to take my horse back upto it.

 

[ann-jen]

We have one over the road and I took Jenny when she was recovering from her suspensory problems. I can't fault the staff there who were very patient with her but i have to say they failed to get her to accept the treatment - and they really tried! She went and stayed with them for the whole day so they could lead her in and out, feed her in it etc but as soon as the water went any higher than mid-cannon she just started kicking out and they eventually gave up. Jenny is a bit of a fanny about water though and a total drama queen in some circumstances so she's probably not the norm.

 

[ha903070]

Both my mares hav had hydrotherapy, big horse as a foal with a sethered tendon, due to age and severity of injury she was sedated everytime, she was an in patient at the clinic for over 6months, her leg fully healed and she has *touch wood* been sound every since and is now a 6 year old in work.

Tb also went after surgery to the tendon sheath, she wasnt made keen on going in sedated first few times but would eventually go in - had to be reversed in though?! Once in both were fine and its so good for wounds really helps the healing process.

Would definitely recommend!!