As horse owners, the welfare of our horses is vitally important so how do we recognise if our horse is in pain?
All animals feel pain as they have the same neurological system as humans. It is important to be able to recognise the signs of pain so action can be taken to alleviate and prevent it.
There are several signs that you can look for:
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Distress and anxiety
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Behavioural changes such as napping, bucking and rearing
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Discomfort
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Poor performance
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Increased heart or respiration rate
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Sweating
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Loss of condition
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Loss of appetite
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Lameness
If you see any of these signs in your horse the vet should be called. There are two mains types of pain, acute and chronic. Acute pain is a sudden pain such as a cut, fracture or colic. Chronic pain is an ongoing pain such as from arthritis. Both these types of pain can be successfully treated by your vet. Correct management of pain is important and the stress caused by pain can actually increase the time it takes a wound to heal. On the other hand, pain can be beneficial as it will stop a horse from using an injured leg and potentially making the injury worse. This is why pain medication is carefully selected.
There are many different types of drugs available for pain management and the one your vet chooses will depend on several different factors such as the type of pain, the cause, the duration, the overall heath of the horse, how the drug is to be administered, the cost, the side effects and how long it takes to act. Analgesic to numb the pain, NSAID’s to reduce inflammation and tranquillisers and sedatives may be used to limit the stress on the horse. Complementary therapies such as Equine Sports Massage, acupuncture and Mctimoney Equine Chiropractic should also be used, with veterinary permission, to relieve pain.
Horse back problems can be hard to treat and locate as often pressure at one point can trigger pain in another. A Mctimoney Animal Chiropractor working alongside your vet can help to relieve muscle tension and restore a full range of motion in your horses spine.
Checking your horse carefully everyday and watching their behaviour will ensure that you will notice the signs if something is not right. Prompt action will ensure that your horse will remain happy and pain free.
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Areas covered in UK: Worcestershire and surrounding counties.
Book a McTimoney Equine Chiropractic Treatment or Call Emily Walters on 07983 565 438
