Equine Ultrasound Therapy

Horses are large, athletic animals whose bodies are often put under a lot of stress. This can lead to many problems with their muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Ultrasound therapy can be used in horses to help heal their body tissues, reduce pain, and help them move more smoothly.

  1. Ultrasound Therapy

    • Ultrasound therapy is the use of ultra-high-frequency sound waves in order to have a heating and vibrating effect on body tissues. It is not audible, as the sound waves are not in the human's sound range. The head of the ultrasound equipment is placed directly on the skin, over the area to be treated. A special gel must be used to work as a conductor for the ultrasound waves. This will help the ultrasound travel more deeply into the tissues without heating up the skin.

      As a form of heat therapy, it has benefits over traditional forms of therapy such as heating lamps or hot packs. The waves can travel much further than those methods can without heating the skin.

    Usage in Horses

    • Ultrasound therapy can be used on horses for a wide variety of issues. According to River Meadow Farm, LLC, Animal Rehabilitation Center in Windsor, Connecticut, this therapy has proven to help increase both circulation and cellular activity in horses, and can be used on ligaments, tendons, and muscles that have been damaged. If combined with stretching exercises, ultrasound therapy can help reduce the restrictions experienced as a result of scar tissue.

      Horses that receive ultrasound therapy may have improved joint mobility, fewer muscle spasms, and less pain. It can also reduce the effects of scar tissue and calcium deposits.

    Precautions

    • While equine ultrasound therapy can be a beneficial form of treatment, it is not without its dangers. Work closely with your veterinarian to make sure your horse is a good candidate for this therapy. Ultrasound waves can damage bones, so it is best used over places that are not close to bone. This is especially important if a horse has a healed fracture; the ultrasound waves can break down the mineralization in that area, which may put the fracture at risk.

      Only allow a veterinarian to administer ultrasound therapy to your horse; this is a requirement of the Veterinary Surgeons Act of 1966. The only exception would be if a qualified physiotherapist is recommended---and supervised---by your veterinarian.