Why might horses need hydrotherapy

When might a horse be referred for hydrotherapy?

If your veterinarian feels like hydrotherapy may help your horse, they will recommend an experienced and suitably qualified hydrotherapy provider. In conjunction with your vet, they can safely and knowledgeably devise and implement a programme suitable for your horse and its lesion. This is of great importance, as improperly performed hydrotherapy could be detrimental.

Conditions for which horses may be referred for hydrotherapy-based rehabilitation are varied. They may include:

• Tendon and ligament injuries – including the superficial digital flexor tendon, suspensory ligament, the deep digital flexor tendon and the accessory ligament
• Back injuries – injuries to the muscles, supporting ligaments and even the thoracic vertebrae may benefit from hydrotherapy
• Joint injuries – chronic joint problems, such as osteoarthritis, can also benefit from hydrotherapy. It can help to improve joint stability, enhance supporting muscle strength, minimise the changes that occur in unaffected limbs that are compensating for altered weight bearing on the affected limb(s), and improve the implicated joint’s range of motion
• Return to fitness after prolonged rest – a dedicated hydrotherapy programme can be used to improve muscle tone and strength, as well as cardiovascular fitness, prior to (or in combination with) land-based exercise programmes. This can help horses return to work after long periods of rest.

When isn’t hydrotherapy appropriate?

There are some situations in which hydrotherapy should be avoided. These include where the horse has an open wound, a wound infection or a recent surgical wound. Additionally, horses that should not undergo hydrotherapy include: those with heart or respiratory problems, those with a fever, horses prone to panicking, and horses with some back or upper hindlimb problems, among other conditions. You should always consult with your veterinarian before embarking on hydrotherapy with your horse. They will be able to advise whether it’s an appropriate form of rehabilitation for him.