Natural Equine Pain Relief

Pharmaceutical products like phenylbutazone are the standard way to treat equine pain. Like many pharmaceuticals, bute can have side effects and long-term risks. For this reason, many horse owners are turning to natural methods of equine pain relief.

  1. Magnetic Therapy

    • If your horse is experiencing muscle soreness, a bowed tendon or other musculoskeletal injuries, magnetic therapy is a good alternative to anti-inflammatory drugs. Buy equine magnetic products from your local tack store or online dealer. When you use the magnets, make sure you put them on the right way. Putting the wrong side of the magnets on your horses skin can actually create trauma to your horse's muscles. You can find magnetic gear in the form of blankets, leg wraps and hock wraps.

    Ice Therapy

    • Cold therapy has long been used to reduce inflammation and control pain. The simplest way to use cold therapy to treat your horse is by running cold water out of a hose over the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes. If you want to save the mess of running a hose for a long time, buy ice boots or wraps. Put the wraps in the freezer overnight and then place them on your horse for 10 to 15 minutes. Look for wraps made of neoprene that are stretchable and formed to fit a horse's legs. This ensures the best fit and that the cold therapy will reach areas where inflammation is common, like the tendons.

    Laser Therapy

    • Laser therapy is one of the newest technologies in equine pain relief. You can purchase a laser system online or through a dealer. When you look for a laser, its best to opt for a system that uses low-level cold therapy, not LEDs. LEDs (light emitting diodes) have not been proven as effective in treating pain and inflammation because there is insufficient research on their effects. To use the laser system, place the laser head on the affected area. If you are treating an acupuncture point, hold the wand over the spot for one or two minutes. If you are treating another area, such as a muscle or joint, use the laser for five to 10 minutes.

    Herbal Therapy

    • If your horse requires long-term therapy for inflammation or pain, herbal supplements could be the most convenient option. When selecting an herbal product, look at the kind of herbs used in the formula. Herbs like arnica, buckwheat, chamomile, comfrey, devils claw, and ginseng all have anti-inflammatory benefits. Follow the instruction on the product you choose for daily feed dosing or topical uses.

    Acupuncture &Chiropractic Therapy

    • Acupuncture and chiropractic therapy work in horses the same way they do in humans. When selecting an acupuncturist or chiropractor, ask about the person's training, certifications and experience. Find out if they specialize in treating horses, and ask if they have references available.