The horse is an incredible athlete. Just like human athletes, they can get tension, sprain, and muscle pain. Poultices are a very common part of horse owner trick bags to help with these mild exercise-related injuries. Legs and hooves are the most common places to use compresses on horses.
What is a compress?
A compress is a thick, diffusible substance that is applied to the body and covered with bandages. The main purpose of a compress is to act as a drawing agent. It helps to elicit the three main results of exercise: fever, inflammation and swelling. By relieving these symptoms, the compresses help to initiate the healing process and prevent further damage.
Clay-based and Epsom salt-based products are very common for whipping the bottom of the limbs. After training, it will cool your legs down and help reduce the chances of muscle pain and swelling. Other additives such as witch hazel, arnica and comfrey are common in homemade commercial compresses.
Hooze marsh often contains epsom salts, ictanmole, or a mixture of sugar and betadine (sugardin). These compresses are usually used when hoofs or bruises are suspected. They help to elicit bruises and infections.
When should horse legs be adopted?
Poultices on the arms and legs are very useful after workouts or competitions. They are usually applied after the horse is fully cooled and bathed. The compress is then applied and left overnight. Poulting helps horses recover faster. This is especially important when horses are competing for several days.
Hoove abscess is another scenario in which a compress is useful. Usually they are applied if the veterinarian first notices or when the veterinarian is diagnosed with a hoof abscess. Hoove compresses should be applied every 1-3 days until the abscess is resolved, or repeatedly as prescribed by the veterinarian.
How do you place a compress on your horse?
The compresses should be applied freely and safely wrapped so that they are most effective. Here are some ingredients you might want to have for chatting:
-
Selected Wetlands
-
Gauze pads or bandage strips
-
-
Elasticon
-
Diaper (for hoof packaging)
-
Duct tape (for hoove wrapping)
Below are general instructions for applying most compresses to horse limbs. It is also important to follow the packaging instructions for your selected product. Additionally, wet fish owners should consult with the vet to ensure that the poultice technique does not overly illuminate the wrap.
-
The selected compress is freely applied to the desired area.
-
Add a thick layer of gauze padding/bandage to the entire foamy area and apply additional inch to either end (this step is very important to prevent tension).
-
Apply veterinary wrap tightly and evenly to make sure that about an inch of gauze is visible on each end without overpowering it.
-
option: You can use Elastikon to hold down both ends of the bandage to prevent shavings and dirt from entering under the bandage. Place half in gauze and half on the skin. (Note: Elastikon is very easy to close and should not be extended before or during application).
Chicken hooves require a slightly different process than limbs, but many of the same concepts still apply.
-
Apply a selection of compresses freely to the affected hoof sole and/or coronary bands. Or, AnimalIntex The compress pad can be soaked and applied to the sole for a messy marsh experience.
-
Apply a thick layer of gauze padding/bandage or diaper over the entire lathered area.
-
Apply a veterinary wrap to the sole and hoof walls of the feet and hold the gauze and compress in place. The hooves themselves do not lighten excessively, but if any of the bandages spread over the coronary band, it is important to ensure that the wrapping is loose in this area.
-
Create a square using overlapping strips of duct tape that is larger than the horse hoove print. Paste this directly onto the only bottom of the horse, and use additional duct tape to flatten the edges and add durability to the bottom of the wrap.
-
option: Use Elastikon to hold down the edges of the bandage around the coronary band/Pastern to prevent shavings and dirt from entering under the bandage. Place half on gauze/veterinary wrap and half on the skin. (Note: Elastikon is very easy to close and should not be extended before or during application).
Removal of compresses
To remove the compress from your horse, start by slowly cleaning or shaving it out of embarrassing or shaving it out of shreds or any shavings that may accumulate in the bandage or wrap overnight. Under the plastic wrap, the compress is completely dry. Gently polish dry clay-like substances with a brush or pair Leave your gloves on.
Featured Images:istock.com/groomee