WHY CET EQUINE SPA?

                         

Equine hydrotherapy is the premier drug free hydrotherapy treatment for the most common causes of lameness in horses. It has rapidly established a reputation for resolving lameness much faster than normal and works effectively in conjunction with, or as an alternative to conventional treatments.

Beside its therapeutic qualities, equine hydrotherapy is used as a preventive therapy before and after competition with impressive results.

Typical conditions which respond well to equine hydrotherapy include:

• Tendonitis
• Suspensory ligament desmitis
• Soreness
• Stiffness
• Arthritis
• Hoof problems
• Joint conditions
• Soft tissue damage
• Sore shins
• Cuts
• Bruises

 

Equine Spa hydrotherapy relies on four basic factors: temperature, salt concentration, depth of water and aeration.

 

1. Temperature

The application of cold triggers three basic reactions.

First, at a cellular level, the metabolic response of the cells is reduced, so the cells need less oxygen to function and thereby suffer less hypoxic injury.

Second, the permeability of the blood vessel walls is decreased, thus reducing the amount of fluid that accumulates in the injured area.

And third, the cold numbs the area to a certain degree, acting as a topical analgesic.

One of the best things about cold is that it does not override the beneficial effects of the healing process. Since the application of cold therapy should never be overdone, especially with ice, as tissue damage can occur, Therapeutic Advantage’s treatments are controlled, thereby always offering the optimum conditions for your horse.

 

2. Salt Concentration

The salt concentration of the water has a positive impact on the healing process. Higher salt concentration has a greater drawing effect, thereby influencing the dispersal of fluids accumulated around the injury.

Additionally, the proportion of the various salts we use has been found to influence the resolution of the injury.

 

3. Depth of Water

The greater the depth of the water, the greater the physical pressure exerted on the tissues which, again, aids in the dispersal of accumulated fluids.

 

4. Aeration

Aeration of the water has a two fold effect: the dissolved oxygen level of the water is increased and the soft tissue is subjected to a gentle massaging action.

The increased oxygen levels aid the healing process much as hyperbaric chambers do for humans, while the massaging effect influences dispersal of fluids.

In addition, horses tend to relax more than in still cold water, as is evidenced by their reduced heart rates.

 

Technical Information.

Running Costs

The running costs are minimal. The Spa, the water reservoir and the pipes are fully insulated to minimise heat gain, therefore the cost of chilling is kept to a minimum.

The water is filtered and recycled, so you do not need to constantly replace the water. Some spa owners never replace the water but simply top up as required any water lost through evaporation and absorption by the skin of the horse. However, we do not recommend this approach as the concentration of salts will gradually be altered.

Despite regular chlorination, more important is the possibility of the gradual build up of unwanted micro-organisms in the water. Consequently we recommend that the water is periodically changed and the system thoroughly flushed to minimise this risk. Also, this is one of the important reasons that we selected stainless steel for the body of the spa.

Constructing a base for the Equine Spa

The Equine Spa must be sited on a level and solid base of approximately 2.4 metres square. It is also advisable to construct entry and exit ramps to facilitate the ease of loading and unloading the horse. We normally advise making the ramps the same size as a standard rubber stable mat e.g. 6 feet by 4 feet. In addition, a level surface of some 18" or so in width at the front of the spa makes it easier for the operator than standing on slope.