Exceptional Equine Retirement
Equine Spa Therapy Case Studies
The efficacy of Equine Cold Spa Hydrotherapy can be verified by using ultrasound scanning.
Harry, a thoroughbred racehorse, was rescued from slaughter having sustained a very bad tendon injury due to a fall in a race in spring 2003.
Following his injury Harry was given box rest for five weeks prior to being brought to the Centre of Equine Therapy in Dromore, Co. Down on the 10th April. His rehabilitation has been filmed by the BBC and was broadcast at the beginning of August 2003.
The first scan, on the left below showing longitudinal and cross sectional views, was taken on 11th April 2003 prior to commencement of Equine Spa Hydrotherapy treatment and despite 5 weeks of box rest the tendon is still showing over 90% damaged tissue i.e. virtually anechoic. The scan on the right was taken on 1st May 2003 following 20 days of treatment. The two smaller pictures underneath are expanded sections of the same scans.
Scan of foreleg before treatment (11/04/03)
Above is the expanded longitudinal view of the same foreleg. The two "x's" show the superficial digital flexor (SDF) or tendon which is just below the skin. The SDF is black in color showing over 90% tendon damage.
The right hand"+" is located just on the inside of the layer of skin i.e. there is a gap of approximately 2mm between the skin and the tendon which is filled with peri-tendinous fluid.
Under normal circumstances this horse would probably not race again.
Scan of foreleg after 20 days (Ol /05/03)
The picture above shows the same leg after just 20 days of hydrotherapy treatment.
The peri-tendinous fluid has dissipated and the tendon is showing good parallel alignment of healthy tissue i.e. much whiter in appearance.
This horse might race again subject to continued treatment combined with a slow and steady reintroduction to training.
Doug on arrival.
Doug after treatment.
Doug
Bentley was completely lame on his leg and was not given a very positive diagnosis. Injury was due to barb wire fence.
Bentley after 90 days of cold saltwater spa treatments. Bentley left the facility 100% sound.
Bentley
Willow arrived at the facility after having surgery several times to remove proud flesh from her leg.
After just one day of cold saltwater spa treatments the wound is already improving.
Willow
Rio on arrival.
Rio mid term.
Rio after treatment.
Rio
Jericho 2 days after injury.
Jericho after stitches.
Jericho
Jericho after 5 weeks of treatment.
Jericho after treatment.
Before treatment.
After stitching.
After 4 weeks of treatment.
Wispa
Before treatment.
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This 16 year old polo pony, Poppy, had a number of long term problems in each leg. Before treatment, on the near fore you can see a distinctive wind gall and no distinctive tendon visible due to swelling of the leg.
The result.
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After 9 days of treatment with the CET Equine Spa, the wind gall is considerably reduced and the tendon is showing near normal definition.