Hydrotherapy?

[chaps89]

Has anyone used a hydrotherapy spa (one of the big machines that fills with cold salty water that they stand in) to help with lameness issues?
Any success stories, or more importantly scientific research into their efficiency?
With madam having knackered legs and having a rehab yard round the corner with a spa, I'm wondering if it's worth a try.
Vet was a bit non-committal so reading into that it's probably not worth it but thought I'd ask for a wider opinion.
I'm not short of vet bills to be spending money on so it's only really justifiable if there's some really positive research really but a quick look on Google and all I'm finding is positive stories from rehab yards, which scuse me for being sceptical but I suspect might be a bit biased!

 

[HappyHollyDays]

Yes, B managed to tweak a front suspensory last year so he went to the spa for 3 weeks where he had it every day. The vet also visited and he had shockwave therapy every 10 days. Not sure how much it helped but with both treatments in conjunction with box rest he was sound and back in work by the end of the summer.

 

[gunnergundog]

What is the problem that the horse has? I think the answer to your question may be dependent on the issue.

 

[chaps89]

PSD in both hinds, then some sort of soft tissue issue in near fore (nerve blocks narrowed it down from between pastern and suspensory and x-rays clear)
Currently she's got pads in front, a course of cartrophen, the hind suspensories medicated and a box of peptizole and is on holiday in a small ish flat field.
Next option would be shockwave but at about another £800 it's pushing the finances a bit on top of what's already been spent.
So it's do I spend £200 on hydro to give her the best chance and hope it's enough with everything else not to need shockwave, or say that £200 is better towards the shockwave treatment should she need it.
And as crystal balls don't exist figured I should at least look for more substantial info to help with that decision!

 

[gunnergundog]

Re the efficacy of spas.....there are quite a few papers, first of which on google is below:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0737080601701219

Would that be better than shockwave.....who knows? As you say, sadly, no crystal balls.

I've used the spa for a horse that had iffy legs (history of check ligament and suspensory); we got him back eventing and he went in the spa after every competition without fail.