Bruised Sole
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.
Testimonials
See All- Kentucky Derby Winning Trainer & Trainer of Horse of the Year, Zenyatta
"My Niagara Equissage is in use 4 hours every morning treating many horses for many things, including ALL horses racing that day. I find using the Niagara Equissage on tendons and suspensors removes soreness totally."
- International 3 Day Event Rider
Brandes Formula and AfterAce are incredibly useful and have shown fantastic results. The Brandes Formula gives my horses a real tonic and a huge boost when needed. They are able to cope with competition stresses and long distance traveling much better. The AfterAce has shown great improvement with soundness and joint conditions. I can see a real difference and all my top horses are on it.
- The pony was qualified for the Horse of The Year Show in England, but was ill with a virus 10 days before the show and the vet advised not traveling. 50 ml/day of Brandes Formula and a week later the bloods were dramatically improved and the decision made to travel, albeit later than intended. The pony had to be ridden by an English rider for qualification reasons, and Christie Prichard had not sat on him till 20 minutes before the class. They jumped one of only 5 clear rounds, and then won the Jump Off to be crowned Pony Of The Year. Without Brandes Formula we would not even have been at the show. As it turned out he looked great, jumped superbly, and thanks to Brandes Formula our dream has come true.
