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EQUINE THERAPEUTIC SPA
SPA TREATMENTS
PREVENTATIVE BENEFITS
SPA PREPERATION |
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SPA PREPARATION
To keep the water clinically clean all horses have their feet picked out and surface dirt removed from their limbs. Chlorine is added to the water and the water chilled to a low temperature to prevent bacteria growth. The salt content is that of the sea.
We may spend several sessions working with the horse to accustom him to the unit, a faecal collection bag is then fitted and the horse is now ready to be loaded into the spa. The water fills through the floor of the unit up to the desired depth, which may vary for different conditions. Once the water has reached the desired depth oxygen is introduced to add aeration. The aerated water acts with a vigorous massaging effect thoroughly cleansing, aiding circulation thus reducing inflammation. Post operatively horses can receive spa treatment just 48 hours after surgery, the spa being of no detriment to sutures or staples. Post operative spa will reduce inflammation thus aiding the wound healing and preventing breakdown.
A spa treatment last approximately 20 minutes. Once the water is emptied back into the tanks, the doors are opened and the horse led from the unit. Limbs are then rinsed off and the faecal collection bag removed. Treatments can vary from daily to once weekly depending on the injury. Once a week the referring veterinary surgeon assesses each case, and discusses the following weeks treatment programme.
Tendon injuries are usually scanned every three weeks, which can be done on site. The type and severity of tendon injury dictates the length of stay. Some injuries need an exercise programme alongside the spa treatments, which can be either in hand or on the horse walker.
All spa treatments are carried out with veterinary referral, in accordance with the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966). The referring vet will normally dictate length of stay and progression of rehabilitation programme.
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