Horse that has back soreness?

Question

My horse has a really sore back at the moment (were working on the problem no worries) and I'm already putting linement gel on his back to soothe it. But is there anything else I can do to make his back feel better? Warm water? Anything?

Thanks

Answer 1

It's probably been long enough so that you have used up your window of using ice or cold water, but you could use a combination of a couple of those microwavable jell heating pads that stay warm for 6-8 hrs and massage...if you will "tune" into your horse when you begin, you would be surprised to find that you will instinctively to to the place that needs massage and will know what pressure to use...use the heat for a little while, then the massage, then the heat again.  You can actually put a couple of them on his back and use a bare back pad, (the kind with the one little surcingle that dumps you on the ground if you really try to ride it) to hold the heating pads on.

Answer 2

Back in the 1980's I had a TB gelding that one of my kids sored up his back.  The vet suggested that I "swim" him in the river.  If you've got a good pony horse and your injured horse ponies, then take him down to a riverbed near your stable and swim him!  It's a GREAT water therapy!  I also used to use the ocean when I lived on the coast for legs and backs.

Answer 3

Back pain in animals and humans normally takes time to heal.  I have limited faith in linement, although it shouldn't hurt.  I really doubt it does much good, except perhaps it slightly increases blood flow.

The theory behind injuries is - ice or cold for the first 24-48 hours, and then heat afterwards.  I don't know if your horse will tolerate cold hosed on his back too well, anyhow.  You could try heat packs to his back briefly, just really monitor how hot they get.

I would put this horse into pasture turn-out 24/7 for the next week or two.  You do NOT want them in total rest, studies have shown that both animals and humans do poorly on bedrest type situations when having a back injury.  You need to keep moving to heal.  

You should consider an equine chiropractor, they can do alot of good.  If the injury is chronic you might want to consider accupuncture as well.

You could speak to your vet about putting your horse on an oral suppliment such as Glucosamine.  This would be on a long term basis as it takes at least 3 weeks for Glucosamine to do any good.

What caused your horse's back injury?  Is saddle fit part of the problem?  I would want to have that evaluated before going further.  Also, if its your horse's conformation (such as along back, or a sway back) you are not going to be able to do much except allow them to heal, and then to slowly try to get them back into good condition.  i would avoid high stress things such as quick stops and turns, and jumping with that sort of horse.

Good luck.  My current show mare has had some chronic back problems.  I have tried alot of things - chiropractic, saddle fitting, Glucosamine, time off, magnetic therapy, all with some help.  Right now she is performing well, but with back problems you never know when they are suddenly going to appear again!  Curses!

Answer 4

Icing, or cold water the first 24 hours. Not warm water!

Acupuncture by someone who is very experienced and knowledgeable.

Eventually, massage, and light stretching.

Time off.  Lots of time off.

Answer 5

lots of treat stretches make him reach his ribs and between his front legs daily to loosen him up.

Answer 6

Personally I've not had a horse with a sore back, but the boarding stable I worked for a while at had a horse who frequently had a sore back.  They had acupuncture treatments regularly and had me run cool water on her back for 15 minutes or so each day.

Answer 7

Very often a good AVCA certified equine chiropractor can work wonders.

Answer 8

1.make sure your saddle isnt pinching!

2.make sure his/her hooves are trimmed properly.. you wouldnt think this would effect their backs but it does!

3.try some heat-thearopy.. my farrier does this on horses for $, you could google or use your phone book for local ones..

4.try to get a equine chiropractor out to check his/her back!

Answer 9

In humans, alternating heat and cold is used, but never dry heat.....warm, moist compresses alternated with cold packs.  I would guess it is similar for horses.