RECOVERY from surgery or a significant injury or illness often involves a period of box rest or confinement in a stable-sized pen. This may be for as little as 24 hours following a routine joint injection, or six months or more in the case of a fracture.
Uncontrolled movement greatly impairs tissue healing. By restricting movement, box rest reduces the strain on wound edges, allowing healing to occur. Excessive movement disrupts tendon and ligament healing, making reinjury more likely when the horse returns to work.
The types of box rest are:
Simple confinement to a loosebox (or pen) - this is the most common form.
● Confinement to a loosebox and tethering in the box - this stops the horse lying down and now is used only very rarely, for example for pelvic fractures.
● Confinement to a small yard or very small paddock. This allows limited movement by walking only and is useful in the rehabilitation stage.
● Box rest followed by in-hand walking this allows controlled mobilisation and loading of healing tissues, in turn allowing gradual strengthening.
Horses are highly social animals accustomed to being able to move freely, and unhappy horses can become ill due to confinement. However, most resign themselves to box rest quickly, if well managed.
MANAGING BOX REST
Feeding
●Reduce hard feed to a minimum. The best option is low-calorie chaff with a handful of nuts or coarse mix added. Feed chaff generously - the act of feeding seems to provide some psychological comfort for the horse. Half a bucket of chaff two or three times a day is ideal. However, check with your vet if a specific diet or supplement is appropriate.
● Ensure constant access to hay or haylage. Natural foraging behaviour can be mimicked by giving different forages in different areas of the box haylage in one; hay in another.
Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin November 02, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin November 02, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
