Bursal Strains & Injuries
A bursal is an isolated fluid-filled sac. Some occur naturally at potential pressure points (e.g. point of hock) whereas others are acquired due to repetitive low grade trauma.
Bursal strains in horses occurs when damage to the bursae (sacs) around bony areas causes an over-production of the lubricating synovial fluid contained within the joints, and this shows as soft swelling or a bursal enlargement.
Bursal strains can cause;
- Bog spavins
- Wingalls
- Thoroughpins
They are not very serious but may, at the onset, be painful and cause lameness.
Treatment includes rest, cold hosing and massage. Capped hocks, elbows and knees are injuries caused by bursal strains and are often painless, although treatment is often advisable.
Can Niagara Equissage help with bursal strains?
Niagara Equissage can help considerably with all bursal strains and injuries.
Application
For Bog Spavins, please refer to the Bog Spavins page.
For Windgalls treatment, targeted daily use of the Hand Unit or use of the Tendon Boot, ideally in conjunction with the Back Pad, will keep the fluid up under control. The setting for the Hand Unit should be higher rather than lower so as to really move the fluid out of the joint capsule or tendon sheath as the case may be; a 5-10 minute treatment will be sufficient. If using the Hand Unit, try and keep it still rather than moving it around.
For thoroughpins, the Hand Unit should be used daily as part of the management routine on and around the site of the swelling for 5-10 minutes on a medium to high speed. As with other bursal swellings, try to avoid constantly moving the Hand Unit around.
Testimonials
See All- Champion British 3 Day Event Rider, Coach & Journalist
After 2 months on Brandes Formula and AfterAce, bill's wind which had always been thick since a nasty virus 3 years ago, has so improved that he took a mere 15 minutes to recover from going his fastest at Highclere's intermediate event. He also has dapples in his coat for the first time ever!! The sign of a healthy horse.
- "We use the Niagara Equissage pad on the horses every day, they are all much more supple, it is a very important part of their daily healthcare routine."
- Olympic Eventing Silver Medalist
“An excellent piece of equipment which undoubtedly improves the horse’s performance.”
