Bone Spavin
Bone spavin is the term used to describe a bony growth
caused by osteoarthritis in the hock joint. The hock is
a complex joint composed of many bones arranged in rows.
Bone spavin is usually associated with the two lowest
joints in the hock; the distal intertarsal joint and the
tarsometatarsal joint.
The arthritic changes in the hock may result in exotoses
(extra bone formation) or loss of cartilage resulting
in joint space narrowing. The end result is the fusing
of the bones which leads to stiffness and for some horse
the end of their competitive careers.
Bone spavins are usually associated with general wear
and tear but poor conformation, diet and hoof management
may also contribute. There is also evidence to suggest
that there is a genetic disposition in some breeds.
Can Equissage help?
Yes.
Although use of Equissage cannot in any way reverse what
is going within the hock it can help alleviate the inflammation
around the joint and disperse the fluid build-up which
in itself restricts movement. As the horse will be on
pain-relieving drugs for a considerable period of time,
Equissage will help eliminate the toxic effects that the
prolonged use will have, thereby ensuring that vital organs
such as the kidneys are not overworked. As in any condition
that restricts movement, other parts of the body can become
affected by default i.e. additional strain/loading of
supporting ligaments, tightening of muscles, etc. The
massaging effect of Equissage will keep muscular tensions
at bay so everything else remains working as it should
be; this is particulaly important with regard to the back.
Because the discomfort in the hock joints will cause
the horse to possibly not stand (when at rest) as it would
normally do, there is every likelyhood that there will
be stiffening through the back; Equissage can of course
address this. As its use builds up heat, a session prior
to the required exercise will be very benefitial as a
warm-up. Bone spavin does not actually restrict hock flexion
(by virtue of the particular bones within the joint that
are involved) so use of the hand unit around the hamstrings
will prevent muscle contraction in this area as a result
of the reduced exercise regime.
Application:
A twice-daily treatment with the Pad (setting No.4-No.5
for 20 minutes), will be most beneficial, firstly as a
warm-up prior to exercise, however light, and then as
a "warm-down" afterwards (setting No.2-No.3
for up to 30 minutes). This will ensure all the muscles
and ligaments associated with hock joint mobility, as
well as the hamstrings and muscles of the back/hind quarters,
are put back into a relaxed state prior to the horse resting.
Use of the Hand Unit in association with the Pad, certainly
as part of the warm-up, will help to disperse fluid and
so help make exercise more comfortable, particularly until
the fusion process has taken place. It is safe to use
a higher setting as Bone Spavin is not a circulatory disorder
provided of course your horse does not suffer from any
secondary condition which may be compromised if too high
a setting is applied.
For more information please call 0800 072 1180,
email us at info@equissage.co.uk
or request a FREE TRIAL
|
