How to Care for a Sprained Leg in a Horse

A horse suffers what we call a sprained leg when the horse damages a suspensory ligament. It's a common injury among racing horses. The suspensory ligament holds the leg in place and supports the fetlock joint; it starts under the horse's knee and splits in half before attaching to either side of the sesamoid bones at the horse̵7;s ankle. A sprained leg swells quickly, radiates warmth and appears tender. If you suspect your horse has sprained a leg, seek veterinary assistance immediately. Healing your horse̵7;s leg properly requires the medical guidance of a licensed veterinarian.

  1. Swelling Prevention

    • The most urgent issue regarding your horse̵7;s sprained leg is reducing inflammation. Immediately applying a cold pack to the horse's injured ligament helps prevent future complications by acting to minimize swelling. By reducing the blood flow to the sprained leg, you reduce the chances of hemorrhaging and internal bruising. Keep cold packs on your horse̵7;s injured leg for 30 minutes at a time, up to four times each day until the swelling ceases. Call the veterinarian while applying the first cold pack treatment to the horse's leg.

    Rest

    • The exact amount of rest your horse needs depends on the location and severity of the horse's sprain. According to Dr. Ruth Davis, equine consultant to Vetsearch International, your horse must rest comfortably inside a stall for at least 48 hours immediately following the injury. Depending on the specific conditions surrounding the sprain, the horse will need to continue resting until the swelling and fluid buildup stop completely. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the amount of rest your horse requires.

    Temperature Therapy

    • Once swelling stops, your horse will benefit from alternate applications of hot and cold, also known as temperature therapy. Placing a cold pack on the sprained leg for 30 minutes constricts the blood vessels, forcing any fluid away from the horse's injury site. Applying heat immediately afterward helps restores proper circulation and infuses the ligament and surrounding tissue with vital nutrients. Apply this cycle of temperature therapy at least three times a day once the sprained leg stops swelling. Speak with your veterinarian about the frequency and duration of temperature therapy as related to your horse̵7;s specific sprain.

    Bandaging

    • Two types of bandaging help treat a horse̵7;s sprained leg: Applying firm, but not constricting, pressure bandages between temperature therapy helps prevent swelling and fluid accumulation; and sweat bandages warm the horse̵7;s leg while preventing excess fluid accumulation. Unlike regular pressure bandages, which contain no ointments, you must soak the gauze of a sweat bandage in a solution of healing substances, including epsom salts and mineral oil. Speak with your veterinarian regarding the best method of bandaging for your horse.