Cold Therapy & Ice Bandages - Treatment For Horse Leg Injuries (1 of 2)

This information is presented as general guidance. It is not intended to replace the services of a licensed veterinarian, or an "on the scene" evaluation. Please remember that as with treating any medical condition, the first and most important principle is to do no harm. Do not do anything that you feel might make the condition worse or result in a new injury. If in doubt, better to err on the side of calling your veterinarian!

Help Topics :

Cold Therapy & Ice Bandages For Horse Leg Injuries
How Cold Therapy or Ice Bandages Can Help
How To Apply Cold Therapy
Ice Bandage Guidelines

Cold Therapy & Ice Bandages For Horse Leg Injuries

When a horse injures a leg, many times the first - and best - course of action is to cool the area as quickly as possible using ice packs or very cold water. This technique is commonly called "cold therapy" or "ice bandages". Your immediate goal is to try to reduce inflammation and swelling in order to minimize tissue damage and speed healing. Ice slows the inflammatory process while other treatments such as medications can begin to take effect.

Care must be taken, however, whenever cold therapy is applied to a limb. Ice wraps used incorrectly or applied for too long can potentially damage the skin and underlying tissue. To maximize the therapeutic benefits of ice or cold therapy, follow your veterinarian's instructions exactly and keep in mind the recommendations contained in this help topic.

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How Cold Therapy or Ice Bandages Can Help

Applying ice or cold therapy can improve a variety of tendon, joint, muscle and other soft tissue injuries by decreasing blood flow to the damaged area and slowing the metabolism of the surrounding tissue so it is less likely to suffer damage from swelling and constriction.

Cold therapy helps to: