Performance & Health Benefits

• Joint problems
• Hoof Problems
• Leg Swelling
• Skin conditions

RINGBONE IS BONE GROWTH IN THE PASTERN OR COFFIN JOINT OF A HORSE. IN SEVERE CASES, THE GROWTH CAN ENCIRCLE THE BONES – HENCE THE NAME RINGBONE.

High ringbone in horses occurs on the lower part of the large pastern bone or the upper part of the small pastern bone.
Low ringbone in horses occurs on the lower part of the small pastern bone or the upper part of the coffin bone.

High ringbone can be observed externally, whereas as low ringbone occurs in the hoof and only advanced low ringbone will create a bony bump on the coronet of the horse.

Ringbone is caused by numerous factors including;

• A direct blow to the joint
• Underlying bone disease
• Infection
• Concussion transmitted up through the limb.

Ringbone causes inflammation around the collateral ligaments of the joints and is likely to cause lameness. The inflammatory process then leads to the deposition of bone around the affected joint.

CAN NIAGARA EQUISSAGE HELP RINGBONE IN HORSES?

Yes.

Although  Niagara Equissage cannot reverse what is happening (it is a degenerative disease), it can help to prevent the condition worsening as well as ease existing symptoms allowing the horse to be more comfortable and to continue its working life.

The aim of treatment is to reduce the chronic inflammation. Niagara Equissage therapy works effectively in these instances promoting circulation to assist in the removal of waste and toxins and allow fresh nutrients to be brought into the affected area. Niagara Equissage use cannot remove the extra bone that has already been laid down, but by halting the inflammatory process it can prevent the continuation of that process. The cycloidal massage is proven to help with joint mobility and arthritic conditions which ringbone is akin to.

As rest is essential in the early stages, particularly whilst investigation is carried out as to the exact cause and whether adjustment to shoeing, etc. will be of benefit, then Niagara Equissage can help to limit the effects of box rest such as stiffness and filled legs.

APPLICATION

For ringbone, use the Back Pad on a daily basis on a No.4-No.6 setting for 20 minutes; then use the Leg Boot on the affected joint or apply the Hand Unit for 10 minutes. If using the Hand Unit be sure to fit the rubber cap otherwise the vibration may cause discomfort. The Leg Boot or Hand Unit can also be used alone for a secondary treatment later in the day.

Laminitis is the second leading cause of death in Horses.

BY DEFINITION LAMINITIS IN HORSES IS THE FAILURE OF THE ATTACHMENT BETWEEN THE DISTAL PHALANX (COFFIN BONE) AND THE INNER HOOF WALL.

When the lamellae of the inner hoof wall, which normally suspend the distal phalanx from the inner surface of the hoof capsule fails to work, laminitis occurs. The major causative factor is vasoconstriction and inflammation of the soft tissues.
Laminitis is one of the most common causes of lameness of horses and ponies in the US. It does not just affect the front feet; the hind feet may be involved, or one foot or all the feet.

The most common high risk situations leading to laminitis in horses are;

• Overeating
• Unsuitable diets

This is because it disrupts hindgut fermentation and releases absorbable toxins or overproduces certain nutrients.

Other causes of laminitis in horses include;

• Systemic infections – Particularly where caused by bacteria. They can cause the release of endotoxins into the blood stream
• A retained placenta in a mare

Laminitis in horses can sometimes develop after a serious case of colic, due to the release of endotoxins into the blood stream. Concussive laminitis (road founder) is caused by fast or prolonged work on hard surfaces. The laminitis develops as a result of trauma to the laminae, particularly if their horn quality is poor.

CAN NIAGARA EQUISSAGE HELP LAMINITIS IN HORSES?

Yes,

Modern treatments include applying warm compresses around the lower leg to help open up the constricted blood vessels. By applying Niagara Equissage to the horse, it generates heat within the body therefore, having the same affect.

As pain relieving drugs such as phenylbutazone, and drugs such as anticoagulants and vasodilators which improve blood flow and blood pressure as well as reduce the inflammation are administered, Niagara Equissage usage will help negate the toxic effects these drugs can have particularly in horses more prone to digestive upsets.

By using Niagara Equissage as part of the treatment you can only do good as the cycloid massage promotes blood flow as well as the elimination of toxins.

APPLICATION

In the case of laminitis in horses little and often is the best treatment because the foot or feet will be so congested due to the restriction of the natural swelling process imposed by the hoof wall. Whilst the promotion of blood flow to the laminae is desired to help repair the damaged cells, the amount of swelling is usually too great and the blood cannot reach its destination nor can it circulate properly.

Shorter, more frequent applications will guard against even more over stimulation of the blood supply feet. If possible as well as using the Back Pad also use the Hand Unit held on the underneath of the foot – both on a medium setting. With the feet being distal from the heart, the Hand Unit will help overcome the effects of gravity.

MUD FEVER IS ESSENTIALLY A FORM OF DERMATITIS WHICH AFFECTS THE SKIN ON THE HEEL, FETLOCK AND PASTERN.

It can affect all horses, but particularly those with long hair around the fetlocks. In more severe cases it can lead to inflammation and infection and spread up the legs.

Mud Fever usually occurs during the wet winter months and is primarily caused by the bacterium Dermatophilus congolensis that also causes rain scald. The bacterium forms spores that are capable of surviving for many months, even years. If not effectively removed, the condition can recur at any time.

The hind legs are more prone to mud fever than the front legs and usually white socks and stockings tend to be worse affected.

The skin and underlying tissues become inflamed and leads to the skin swelling, stretching and weeping; the skin starts to crack, hair falls out and hard scabs form.

Generally, horses that are exposed to a muddy environment or which are kept in a dirty or unsatisfactory condition are liable to develop mud fever. Also horses with cracked heels are at high risk from mud fever.

CAN NIAGARA EQUISSAGE HELP WITH MUD FEVER?

Yes it can.

The bacterium responsible for mud fever cannot invade skin that is healthy hence it is more often seen in wet weather when the skin is more liable to become chapped thus allowing the bacteria to enter. Some horses are more susceptible than others because their skin is a less efficient barrier to the infection.

A horse with healthy skin and a healthy immune system can more readily “fight off” this infection. If the bacteria are able to penetrate deeper into the skin, then that is when swelling occurs and the classic signs of thickened skin are seen. Once a horse has suffered from mud fever it is then prone to further outbreaks.

For the affected horse, use of Niagara Equissage helps to reduce any associated swelling and by promoting healthy circulation of blood and lymph, waste materials are readily eliminated and nutrients to aid healing are brought in. Thus keeping the skin and coat in good condition.

APPLICATION

For mud fever, a daily session with the Back Pad on a medium setting will readily promote healing in the distal regions. If the infection is particularly severe i.e. has penetrated deeper or there are large numbers of scabs, then a twice-daily treatment can only do more good.

As it is often necessary to clip the legs in order to effect scab removal, the legs may well then be too sensitive to accept the Leg Boot or Hand Unit; however use of the Back Pad alone will still be effective.

Use Niagara Equissage as a regular part of the management routine to boost the immune system so that the horse is more readily prepared for fighting off infection.

A COUGH IS IN INVOLUNTARY REFLEX INITIATED BY SENSORY CELLS LOCATED IN THE LINING OF THE TRACHEA AND BRONCHI.

There are numerous causes of a horse cough;

• Viral infections
  - The respiratory virus Equine Influenza
  - Bacterial infections such as Strangles
• Common allergies – Allergen particles (dust, mould spores etc) enter the lower respiratory tract and cause inflammation. Occasionally foreign objects also irritate the respiratory tract for example, a small piece of hay
• Parasites – Roundworm infections may cause coughing in foals and weanlings due to the larvae migrating through the lung tissue as part of their life cycle
• Exercise Induced Pulmonary Haemorrhage (EIPH)
• Epiglottic Entrapment
• Laryngeal Hemiplegia - Paralysis of the left vocal cord of the larynx

Such conditions are usually accompanied by abnormal breathing.

CAN NIAGARA EQUISSAGE HELP TO RELIEVE A HORSE COUGH?

In certain cases it can.

The cause of the horse cough needs to be established in order to determine whether Niagara Equissage can help. For example if the cough is worm related or a foreign object is present in the respiratory tract, then Niagara Equissage can do nothing to assist. However it can help in situations where there is inflammation i.e. allergic reaction.

EIPH – Veterinary science is still trying to unravel the exact cause of this and find a reliable solution. However, given the properties that Niagara Equissage has in helping to tone and strengthen muscles and tendons, there is every reason for believing that its use can also assist the mechanism of the lungs. Using Niagara Equissage to help manage this condition certainly cannot do any harm as it will help in opening up the airways and promote good lung hygiene.

Laryngeal Hemiplegia – A Hobday or Tie-Back Operation is required depending of the severity of the individual case. Massage is proven to help in reducing scar tissue as it stimulates sensation. As a general rule, the earlier and more consistently scar tissue is exercised, massaged and warmed, the less possibility of developing any long-term concerns.

Epiglottic Entrapment – This also involves a surgical procedure to remove the excess tissue which “traps” the epiglottis so that is cannot function properly. 

APPLICATION

In the case of Laryngeal Hemiplegia, following the operation, use Niagara Equissage as part of the horse’s daily physiotherapy and also to help keep scar-tissue to a minimum. On a daily basis, in conjunction with the Back Pad (medium setting), use the Hand Unit (on a low setting) to gently massage the neck to encourage healing and prevent tightening of the neck muscles which is a natural consequence of the operation.

HORSE ENDOMETRITIS CAN BE FUNGAL OR BACTERIAL. THE MOST COMMON FUNGI IN FUNGAL ENDOMETRITIS IN HORSES INCLUDE THE CANDIDA (YEAST) AND ASPERGILLUS (MOLD).

Mares are particularly susceptible when their immune systems have been weakened following antibiotic use.

Bacterial Endometritis is a common cause of infertility particularly in older mares that have foaled previously. Acute infectious endometritis may be the result of several factors including impairment of the normal uterine defence systems and degenerative fibrosis. Scarring of the uterine lining results in infertility and inflammation caused by urine pooling (retained urine) may also prevent conception.

Horse Endometritis may result directly from a covering with a stallion (particularly in maiden mares and those that have recently foaled); this is termed Breeding Induced Endometritis.

CAN NIAGARA EQUISSAGE HELP WITH HORSE ENDOMETRITIS?

Yes.

Niagara Equissage actively promotes one the activities of the lymphatic system – that of being the body’s defense mechanism.

A significant proportion of the lymph is made up of lymphocytes and macrophages which are, in essence, the immune system. So an active, healthy lymphatic system works relentlessly to combat any invasions from alien organisms. By working in harmony with the immune system and at the same time promoting circulation, the structures and cells of the body are continually supplied with nutrient rich blood to restore and replenish, thus helping to fight the infection. As an infection it is vital that resultant waste products are eliminated as rapidly as possible, therefore acting as a good form of Horse Endometritis treatment.

APPLICATION

Use the Back Pad on a medium setting for 20 minutes each day until the infection has cleared. Thereafter routine use of Niagara Equissage will help promote the immune system.

A BRUISED SOLE OCCURS FOLLOWING DIRECT TRAUMA TO THE SOLE OF THE HOOF.

A common cause of lameness in both shod and unshod horses, bruised soles are often caused by stones or work on hard surfaces.

The sensitive structures that lay beneath the sole (soft tissue between the sole of the hoof and coffin bone) are damaged as tiny blood vessels underneath the sole haemorrhage (bleed). If the damage to blood vessels is minimal bruising usually disappears within a few days.

However, such damage may result in the formation of a haematoma (blood blister) between the sole and sensitive tissues.

Even if a haematoma does not develop, there may be sufficient damage to the laminae of the sole to result in clinical signs such as;

• Mild or severe sudden lameness localized to the foot
• Increased foot warmth
• Increased digital pulses through the digital arteries.

If the bruised sole reoccurs owners should consult their vet and farrier as chronic sole bruising may indicate an underlying problem such as an abscess, which if left untreated infection may spread to the coffin bone resulting in osteomyelitis.

Pedal osteitis is another problem that might develop; this is a chronic inflammatory condition of the coffin bone that results in bone resorption and weakening of the bone.

CAN NIAGARA EQUISSAGE HELP WITH BRUISED SOLE?

Yes.

However slight the bruise, there is still some damage to the tiny blood vessels within the foot. The body’s reaction to any form of injury is to increase blood flow to the area to provide vital nutrients to heal the damaged cells, but this does not help too much as it is the little blood vessels that are damaged. The increased blood flow has nowhere to go except to accumulate and add to the discomfort therefore, the horse’s foot is unable to swell to relieve pressure.

By using Niagara Equissage as part of the treatment for bruised sole, the inflammation will be reduced so that a more normal flow is restored thus relieving the pressure within the foot. Once more comfortable the horse will begin to bear more weight on the foot which will help normal circulation to resume.

APPLICATION

Apply the Hand Unit to the underside of the foot. While a medium setting would be of more benefit, the horse may be too tender to allow this; if the horse is very sensitive then hold the Hand Unit directly on the hoof instead. Even on the low setting a 10 minute treatment will suffice, ideally twice a day. If used in conjunction with the Back Pad, then the beneficial effects will be more long lasting, helping to continue with the healing process.