Equine Soft Tissue Injuries

03/21/2024

03/21/2024

Hock OCD is quite common and can range from non-threatening and not cause any lameness in the horse, to particular scenarios where it can become quite destructive. Specifically with one form of hock OCD referred to as “joint mouse” where the OCD dislodges, moves around, and causes damage and fragmentation to the cartilage in the joint. This can eventually lead to arthritis in the horse. Learn more at equinearthritis.info

03/21/2024

𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗶𝗽 - 𝗦𝗹𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗺 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘀
A great exercise that can be done in-hand or ridden to stimulate the thoracic sling muscles.

Make sure you repeat this exercise on both reins.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼 𝗶𝘁
Place 5 poles end to end and raise them up a little (this makes the more stable and less likely to roll if your horse knocks them)
Walk your horse so he steps across the pole sideways and then back again - in an 'S' shape
Your horse should step over the pole with his leg closest to the pole first

03/21/2024

The mechanical relationship of the kidneys within the body is vast, and includes:
The diaphragm, the spleen, Psoas, adrenals to name a few.
In the image shows the immediate SPINAL correlation Th17,18 (thoracics) right under the edge of the saddle,

The 2 kidneys also sit slightly differently and are of a differing shape as shown in the image. The right kidney is securely held surrounded by other organs, but the left has the spleen coming off it via a ligament

The kidneys are a major part of your horse’s urinary system, responsible for the extraction and removal of waste products from the blood.
Each kidney weighs on average around 680g but the right kidney is shaped like the heart on a playing card whereas the left is a more conventional kidney shape. The left kidney sits slightly further back than the right and due to its vascular connections with the spleen also hanging from it/pulling, this is often the one found to be under tension and in restriction. Creating a pull on the thoraco-lumbar region and often when riding pushing the saddle off to the right. Add to this the psoas relationship and you will eventually have a restricted left hind limb.
During respiration the diaphragm moves caudal so the kidney needs to move also.

So maybe you ride a lot of horses with the same feeling in the saddle, like your left stirrup feels shorter?the saddle moves off to the right? so presume its you, or maybe actually you are riding a few horses with this common restriction!

Take home message: the WHOLE horse approach is invaluable when dealing with ridden horses!

More to come 😊

Repost.

03/21/2024

🐴 Happy Foal Friday, everyone! 🌟 Today, let's bring attention to a vital aspect of the new foal exam: rib fractures. Understanding these injuries is vital, and early detection is key. That's where the comprehensive new foal exam plays a pivotal role.

One important aspect of the new foal exam is assessing for fractured ribs, which can occur as the foal is being squeezed through the mare’s pelvis during delivery. This evaluation is critically important as the rib cage overlaps numerous critical internal organs, including the heart and lungs. The sharp edges of fractured ribs can puncture these important structures, resulting in internal bleeding and rapid death.
During the new foal exam, the veterinarian will carefully palpate the ribs and evaluate for swelling, pain, and crepitus (crunching or clicking) associated with broken ribs. Ultrasound imaging, as seen in this picture, can also aid in diagnosing and assessing the severity of the fracture.
The majority of simple rib fractures can be managed by maintaining the foal on strict activity restriction/stall rest until the fracture has stabilized, typically one to two weeks. Occasionally, if the fracture is severe and the broken edges are actively threatening internal organs, surgical stabilization may be warranted.
We typically recommend that newborn foals be evaluated within a day of birth and before turnout in order to detect and manage complications such as rib fractures!

03/21/2024

03/21/2024

We're pleased to be uniting with member bodies to endorse the highest standards of equine welfare, wellbeing and ethics 🤝

The new British Equestrian Charter for the Horse outlines actions we all must observe to ensure individual mental, physical and behavioural needs of our horses are met.

Read the full charter here 👉 https://bit.ly/3TJXY8j

Support the charter by sharing the poster on tackroom walls, noticeboards and social media 🙏

03/21/2024

Empower your horse to find its own footing and confidence, deepening the trust between you with SURE FOOT!
Shop now:
https://shop.surefootequine.com/

03/21/2024