joosie
13th Oct 2007, 07:37 PM
One of the liveries I look after has had recurring back problems for several years, various vets have tried various treatments to no avail, and he has been retired and brought back into work several times. However, about ten weeks ago we tracked down a German vet - a back specialist - who tried a few things before asking if he could use the horse in a trial of a treatment called mesotherapy. It basically involves the systematic injection of cortisone into the tissue alongside the spine, which the vet is using in conjuction with traditional chiropractic treatment. The change has been absolutely amazing, after two treatments and several weeks he is so much better, not just when moving but just seems happier and more relaxed in himself.
He is being double lunged for 20 minutes a day - with a second line around his back end to encourage him to lift his hindquarters and round his back, which previously was causing him pain but now he is trotting freely and comfortably and even seems to be enjoying the work. We are also doing a variety of muscle stretches recommended by the vet. He is confident that in another month or so we can try getting someone up on the horse again, although with a thick pad rather than a saddle.
Mesotherapy is used as a cosmetic procedure for humans - it gets rid of cellulite apparently - but I can't say I've heard of it being used on horses (though I'm sure it probably has). All I can say is that for this particular horse, it has been a godsend.
He is being double lunged for 20 minutes a day - with a second line around his back end to encourage him to lift his hindquarters and round his back, which previously was causing him pain but now he is trotting freely and comfortably and even seems to be enjoying the work. We are also doing a variety of muscle stretches recommended by the vet. He is confident that in another month or so we can try getting someone up on the horse again, although with a thick pad rather than a saddle.
Mesotherapy is used as a cosmetic procedure for humans - it gets rid of cellulite apparently - but I can't say I've heard of it being used on horses (though I'm sure it probably has). All I can say is that for this particular horse, it has been a godsend.