Recovery Time for a Horse's Torn Muscle

A muscle tear on a horse can seem like a debilitating and time-consuming injury. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment and recovery time varies. Minor or moderate muscle tears can heal in several weeks or months with rest and a conservative walking therapy regimen. Major tears can take more than a year to heal and can possibly end a horse's athletic career. The only way to diagnose a muscle tear accurately is by performing an ultrasound. With prompt diagnosis and careful treatment, your horse can recover swiftly and with little pain.

  1. Immediate Treatment

    • In the hours following a diagnosed muscle injury, lowering the temperature at the injury site with cold water or ice will control inflammation and internal bleeding. Hot packs and heat therapy after a 24-hour period will increase circulation and encourage muscle fibers to fuse together and heal. Keep your horse in a stall or confined space to keep him comfortable and minimize further injury. Your veterinarian will likely prescribe phenylbutazone to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

    Long-Term Treatment

    • Muscle stimulation is essential to prevent muscle atrophy or seizure. Three weeks to two months after the initial injury, you will be able to begin hand-walking your horse for five- to 15-minute periods daily. Gradually extend walking time to further increase circulation and muscle development. If you notice your horse looking stiff or uncomfortable, decrease walking time until his condition improves. Keeping the muscle loose and flexible by hand-walking will give your horse's muscle a chance to rest and heal.

    Alternative Therapies

    • Alternative therapies can speed your horse's recovery by several weeks or months. There are several types. Hydrotherapy is a low-impact workout for the muscle, in which the horse exercises in a pool of water. It minimizes strain. Acupuncture incorporates needles placed in specific points; it is said to increase circulation to the injury site and encourage muscle fibers to fuse together. Laser therapy brings immediate heat and increases mobility of the muscle. Your veterinarian will recommend one of these therapies if it is a viable option for your horse's recovery.

    Exercise After Injury

    • A followup ultrasound by your veterinarian will determine when your horse is ready to be introduced gradually to exercise again. Beginning a program by walking under saddle and asking your horse to bend and stretch will lessen the occurrence of injuring the muscle a second time. Fifteen to 20 minutes of slow work at a walk and a trot will increase your horse's circulation enough to support his muscles and expand his flexibility. Always warm your horse up and cool him down slowly and thoroughly to prevent injury.