Horses, like people, with age develop osteoarthritis, inflammation of the joint and progressive damage to cartilage on the bones. Concussive forces from their body weight during movement contributes to the damage imposed on joints.
Horses are prone to injury to their digital flexor tendons, suspensory ligaments and supporting ligaments of the joints, called collateral ligaments. Damage to these structures can involve prolonged therapy to ensure proper healing. Several of the modalities we use have been shown to improve healing of tendons and ligaments.
Osteochondrosis Dissecans , or OCD, is a developmental joint disease involving incorrect development of cartilage into bone. Often results in bone fragments that can be released into the joint and require surgical intervention. Rehabilitative therapies aid in post-surgical return of normal joint function
Conservative management and post-surgical healing of fractures often benefits from several rehabilitative modalities to improve fracture healing and restore normal limb function.
Injury to the splint bones and/or surrounding tissue results in small firm swellings along the sides of the cannon bone and variable lameness.
Swelling and inflammation of the front aspect of the cannon bone resulting from intense work. If work is continued after problem begins to develop, horses can develop fractures in the cannon bone.
Laminitis is a serious cause of lameness in which inflammation of the tissue connecting the coffin bone to the inside of the hoof results in disruption of the foot’s support and subsequent rotation and sinking of the bone and, if severe enough, penetration of the sole with the tip of the coffin bone.
EPM is a parasitic infection of the spinal cord resulting in gait abnormalities, poor balance, and other neurological signs
Abnormality of the vertebral column resulting in compression of the spinal cord and neurologic signs of varying severity
Cardiovascular fitness is an essential aspect of preparing for competition in nearly all equine sports and prevention of injury during conditioning is paramount to maintaining a successful athlete.
Recovery from orthopedic surgery often requires careful, gradual increase in work to avoid re-injury or damage
Equine wounds can be notoriously challenging, particularly in the lower limbs, where horses are prone to the development of proud flesh
A diffuse infection under the skin of horses causing pain and swelling, often of the limbs.
