Can you use icy hot on horses legs?

Question

my horse has hock arthritis in her right hind leg. i am planning on icing and heating her leg. so i thought icy hot would work. i don't have hot running water at my barn. so mainly, i am looking for a way to heat her leg.

Answer 1

You could try a heat pack (the kind used for people, you can buy at most drug stores or make your own by heating a wet towel in the microwave, and then wrapping it in a plastic bag - since you have no hot water, if you have no microwave, what about a kettle?  Heat the water in the kettle, pour over the towel, put it into a bag, and use) to apply heat, and ice packs or cold hosing  for the cold, and alternate these, only hold on the legs for a few minutes at a time (about 3 minutes) to stimulate blood flow.  This is safe and cheap!  A little time consuming but I've done this before.  As mentioned, always consult your vet before treating your horse!  There may be better treatment options available to you.  In my experience,  a lot of arthritic horses do better on 24/7 turnout.  I have a horse with severe arthrtis in both front ankles and he is one of these.  I hope this helps!  Good luck with your horse!   I am a certified equine massage therapist.