Splints
The patient is a 5 year old large show horse who developed a split on his off fore. Initially the horse underwent a course of laser therapy with little success. He then underwent a course of shockwave which was also unsuccessful. He has surgery but once healed the split reappeared.
The horse was never lame, however, due to being a show horse his career would have been over unless it could be significantly reduced.
Treatment
Treatment consisted of 10 treatments. The first 6 treatments were carried out twice weekly. The final 4 treatments were carried out once a week.
Protocols for treatments 1 – 4
Time: 5 minutes, Power output: 5%
Time: 10 minutes, Power output: 5%
Protocols for weeks 5 & 6 (heat was added to create some inflammation)
Time: 5 minutes, Power output: Up to 15%
Time: 10 minutes, Power output: Up to 15%
Protocol for treatments 7, 8, 9 10 (less heat but kept it active)
Time: 5 minutes, Power output: 10%
Time: 10 minutes, Power output: 10%
Exercise
Exercise had been restricted as to avoid aggravating the splint, however, after session 4 exercise was re-introduced. Only walking on hard surfaces initially. Trot work could be done on a surface. Exercise increased gradually until he returned to his usual level of work.
Rear view
Front view
Cotswold horse and hound physiotherapy – Hannah Ashton BSc qualified as a Veterinary Physiotherapist in 2009. Hannah treats animals of all shapes and sizes, specialising in the treatment of race horses, show horses, dressage horses, hunters, eventers and companion horses.
She also works with competition, show and companion dogs and farm animals.
Based near Stow on the Wold, areas covered include parts of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Warwickshire.