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- World Equestrian Games Reining Gold Medalist
"The Back Pad is part of our daily maintenance for all of our show horses and we have found it to be an invaluable part of our program. With regular use, our horses start out much softer throught their bodies; we have fewer incidents of back soreness and are much happier overall. I love that the unit is so portable and that it is very easy to use. Thank you for this quality product and for your support!
- “We use the Niagara Equissage a lot. The horses really like it and it helps to loosen them up before we ride and show.”
- "I use the Niagara Equissage on a regular basis at home and would not dream of going to a show without it. Our horses are athletes and we expect tremendous fitness and performance from them. The Niagara Equissage helps prevent injuries so we can have healthy, comfortable, riding partners. It aids tremendously in the warm up and cool down phases of work. The horses always look forward to their massage time!"
