EQUINE REHABILITATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Did you know? Many insurance policies cover rehabilitation therapies - on a case by case basis - please call or email for more information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • Post-surgical care • Soft tissue rehabilitation • Conditioning for sales and training • Conditioning after lay off • Rest or "spa" time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ““I highly recommend LLERC for any or all of your rehabilitation and conditioning needs”
LLERC is now a member of IAVRPT, the International Association of Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy |
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Medial Collateral Ligament Injuries in the Horse| Angie Hager | Back to Articles and Links The Medial Collateral Ligament in the horse attaches the hoof wall to the coffin bone. All ligaments attach bone to bone and are made up of poorly vascular connective tissue. Because of the lack of blood supply, connective tissue injuries, takes a long time to heal. In many equestrian sports, this ligament is put under great stress. It is extremely important to consider your horse's conformation, shoeing, and good footing to protect your horse's lower legs from injuries. The equine Medial Collateral Ligament or MCL can be torn or strained because of uneven hoof angles, or is ridden on uneven ground. This is very similar to a sprained ankle in humans. Many horses are not properly trained for the task and lack the musculature to support the joints and ligaments. However, something as simple as a tough landing or playing in turnout can cause a Medial Collateral Ligament or MCL tear. Symptoms of the Equine Medial Collateral Ligament Injury range from vauge lameness to total lameness depending on the serverity of the injury and your horse's tolerance for pain. After a Medial Collateral Ligament or MCL tear, the most important step you can take is to get an accurate diagnosis. The equine Medial Collateral Ligament or MCL tear can be diagnosed with either ultrasound or MRI. After the initial diagnosis, you and your horse have a few options for recovery. Stem cells can be injected into the horse's affected ligament to encourage new cell growth and speed healing. Equine shock wave therapy, which generates high intensity pressure waves to the horse's injured tissue, can help reduce inflammation and can accelerate your horse's healing process. Prolotherapy is a treatment in which a dextrose solution is injected into site and causes inflammation, which then increases blood flow to the area and stimulates the area to repair itself. If you choose any of the above therapies or simply stall rest and let nature take its course, it is vital that you give your horse as much rest as tolerated and then begin slow, controlled exercise. This usually means the dreaded – hand walking!! It is very difficult for many equine athletes – after a rigorous conditioning program, an injury and then – 30 days of stall rest to begin a slow controlled hand walk – we all know the reality of this. However, you can take some steps to make this a positive experience and continue forward on your road to recovery. 1. Always walk your horse at a quiet time of day In addition, you can provide your horse with controlled exercise using either a dry or underwater treadmill. Both have your horse walking in a straight line and give our horse mental stimulus. The underwater treadmill, in addition, adds resistance and takes the stress off the joint by reducing the weight with the water. Be careful, however, if you have had stem cell, that your stem cells are secure before using the underwater treadmill – possibly 2 – 4 weeks. With all of the technologies offered today, most Medial Collateral Ligament or MCL injuries can be properly diagnosed, treated and give your horse a greater chance for full recovery. The correct steps can greatly improve your horses’ success rate.
See the underwater treadmill - AquaPacer in Action
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