Massage options for obese mare

[Tansy]

I have a 14 year old welsh cob who has had two major attacks of lamminitus. With exercise and food restriction she has lost weight, has a normal fat covering and is sound. However she still has a very thick lumpy crest that we can not seem to reduce. Sometimes massage is used to help reduce cellulite and I wonder if it might be appropriate to try it in this case? If so can anyone give a brief description as to how to do it? Or does anyone else have any ideas as to what might help to reduce her crest?

Best wishes Tansy UK

[MelanieD]

Supplementing with magnesium oxide can help reduce a crest and is good for laminitics. Edited to add - salt might help as well.

[doris]

I don't know of any massage techniques or even ttouches that will actually reduce a cresty neck. Long term weight managemenat along with exercise will eventually reduce this, but it could well be the last place that your pony loses weight.
Grass restriction will do a lot to reduce the crest, or at least, it did in my own pony, but it did take time.

[Dinsarsio]

the crest is always the last place to go.You will have to take weight right down to really get rid of it or the neck can be wrapped in cling film when she is exercised.I have seen this method used on ridden stallions when they are being shown and ar too cresty.I would prefer the first method then at least you will keep her from laminitis.