Common problems in the rein back include hollowing, which is usually caused by having rein aids which are too strong. Remember that the seat and leg are what ask for the rein back, the hand aids just ‘close the front door’ to stop the horse going forward. How do I Read more…
The most sensitive form of diagnosis is a bone scan (nuclear scintigraphy). The SI joint can also be anaesthetised (blocked) and if there is pain at this site an improvement maybe seen or felt. How do I know if my horse has SI pain? Common signs of sacroiliac joint pain Read more…
SI pain is a consequence of a change in the mechanics of the horse’s back and hindlimbs. Therefore conditions such as suspensory ligament desmitis or kissing spines (impinging spinous processes) can be a precursor or sequel to SI pain. Xray and ultrasound of the SI region is limited due to Read more…
Girthiness may also be caused by active pain, improperly fitting tack, other health conditions, or the anticipation of physical pain based on past experience. If your horse shows signs of girth aversion, have them assessed by a veterinarian to determine if a health problem is causing the issue. How do Read more…
Intense leg cramps when sleeping is another common symptom of high cholesterol levels damaging the arteries of the lower limbs. The cramps or spasms are mostly felt in the heel, forefoot, or toes. The condition gets worse at night while sleeping. Can high cholesterol cause leg cramps? This is known Read more…
Causes of muscle cramps include: Straining or overusing a muscle. This is the most common cause. Compression of your nerves, from problems such as a spinal cord injury or a pinched nerve in the neck or back. Can a pinched nerve feel like a charley horse? A pinched nerve can Read more…
Heat will relax the muscle at first. Ice may be helpful after the first spasm and when the pain has improved. If the muscle is still sore after heat and ice, you can use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines to help with pain. In more severe cases, your health care provider can Read more…
“Charlie Horse” is a slang term, not a technical diagnosis. Most of us know what it means though. Whether a kick, knee, punch or elbow to a muscle, a Charlie Horse is a painful blunt force trauma that can be very intense at the time of injury. What is a Read more…
Straining or overusing a muscle. This is the most common cause. Compression of your nerves, from problems such as a spinal cord injury or a pinched nerve in the neck or back. Dehydration. Why do I get charley horses every night? Leg cramps at night, or nocturnal leg cramps (NLCs), Read more…
Soak in an Epsom Salt Bath Another way to relieve a Charley horse is to take an Epsom salt bath. For the best results, relax your whole body with a 20- to 30-minute soak. Does salt help with leg cramps? Sodium is vital to regulate fluid balance in the body, Read more…