ecallenMaintaining Comfort in the Performance Horse
By T.J. Barclay, DVM
Just like their human counterparts, equine athletes are prone to experiencing discomfort or injury over the course of their training. Effectively treating injuries and maximizing the comfort of the horse are essential for the horse to realize its peak potential. The owner, trainer, veterinarian, farrier, and other supporting personnel each have important roles, and they all must work together as a team to maintain the overall health and fitness of the horse.
Common Signs of Discomfort in Equine Athletes
Discomfort can manifest itself in many ways. Some, such as overt lameness, are relatively easy to detect. Other times, it can be difficult to determine if a behavior is pain related or not. Problems such as difficulty changing leads, refusal to perform certain maneuvers, girthiness, and bucking can all be induced by musculoskeletal pain. Whenever pain or injury are suspected, the veterinarian’s expertise in managing orthopedic conditions becomes key. First and foremost, an accurate diagnosis of the problem is critical to formulating an appropriate treatment plan. A thorough examination in both static and dynamic states, combined with diagnostic analgesia and diagnostic imaging provide the necessary information.
Choosing the Best Treatment Plan for Equine Athletes
Once a diagnosis is reached, options for treatment are discussed with the owner and a plan is made. For some conditions, treatment may allow the horse to continue training with no changes. In other cases, interventions such as rest, rehabilitation, or corrective shoeing may be indicated. Today, we are fortunate to have a myriad of therapeutic options at our disposal for treatment of orthopedic conditions. Anti–inflammatories, viscosupplements, orthobiologics, chiropractic manipulation, and acupuncture are some of the viable options, and a multi-modal approach often provides the best outcomes.
PulseVet® Shock Wave Therapy for Equine Recovery
Another modality that has become a mainstay of treating musculoskeletal conditions is extracorporeal shock wave therapy, with PulseVet shock wave being the leading provider in this field. PulseVet therapy delivers high-energy sound waves focused and directed into injured tissues. These shock waves stimulate the release of a variety of different cytokines that modulate inflammation, increase blood supply, and stimulate bone growth. A typical treatment protocol using PulseVet’s system involves one to three shock wave treatments at approximately two-week intervals.
PulseVet shock wave therapy is well established in the treatment of soft tissue injuries such as suspensory ligament strains and bowed tendons. These structures are notorious for developing scar tissue that is less elastic than normal tissue and prone to reinjury. PulseVet shock wave stimulates growth of normal collagen fibrils within the lesion, resulting in a better quality of healing and a more functional structure.
Other common areas where PulseVet shock wave therapy is beneficial are the neck, back, and sacroiliac regions. Dorsal spinous process impingement (kissing spines) and osteoarthritis of the dorsal articular processes can often be effectively managed with shock wave therapy, allowing the horse to return to work in a timely manner. PulseVet technology is also useful in slowing the progression of osteoarthritis in other joints.
Maximizing Equine Athletic Performance
Maintaining peak performance in the equine athlete is a team effort involving input from multiple areas of expertise. When injuries arise, accurate diagnosis and effective treatment provide the best chances for complete healing and a timely return to work. PulseVet shock wave therapy is often a valuable tool for achieving that goal. As veterinarians, nothing is more satisfying than seeing our patients sound and competing with their owner!
By incorporating PulseVet shock wave technology into our treatment plans, we can offer our equine athletes cutting-edge care that promotes faster healing and better outcomes. Whether dealing with soft tissue injuries, joint issues, or back problems, PulseVet shock wave provides a non-invasive, effective solution that helps maintain comfort and performance in our equine athletes.
