Natural Horse Care Tips and Equine Laser Technology

Learn to save time, money and frustration with your horses. Cold Laser Therapy or Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is world renouned.

Cold laser Equipment has been used and studied worldwide for over 35 years. It is prized and coveted by the most dedicated therapists, veterinarians, horseman and animal care specialists.

An equine laser is highly effective for pain, injuries, swelling, inflammation, muscular skeletal treatments, broken or fractured bones and for laser acupuncture. Cold laser therapy is being used widely among the various Sport Horse communities in particular because of the competitive advantages that it offers. This includes thoroughbred racing, dressage, jumping, three day events, endurance, rodeo and stunt horse recuperation, healing and rejuvenation. It has been used at the last few Olympic games as a non-invasive health tool with great success. Some equine laser devices are reputed to offer astounding results in the winning, recovery, healing and rejuvenation programs of sport horses and athletes.

A Veterinary Laser, Cold Laser or Equine Laser accelerates healing of:
*Muscles *Tendons *Ligaments *Articulations *Bones *Nerves *Strain & Stress *Pain & Inflammation *Spasms & Knots *Bruises & Contusions *Blisters & Hematomas *Swellings & Tears *Open Wounds *Scar Tissues *Arthritic Pain *Muscle Atrophies *Cartilage Wear and *Minor Fractures

Got Fleas?
Prevent your horse from scratching, itching or rubbing themself raw. You can do this by using a potion containing Derma-Smooth Flea Spray, which can be mixed and wiped on the affected areas. In severe cases there is a shot that can be administered, which helps tremendously. Be careful about its use with pregnant mares!

Mosquito Proof your horse for better health:
Mosquito Proof Potion for Horses: 1/3 Adams Flea Spray, 1/3 Sho-Sheen, 1/3 Skin-So-Soft. Spray or wipe down, especially in the evening.

Prevent "Rain Rot":
When wet weather hits "rain rot" can present itself on the top of the horse, the back, rump, and croup. If you run your hands over these areas, you may feel many small, raised bumps. When you brush or pull at the hair on these areas, small flecks of hair and skin can come off. A simple treatment of this condition is to rub mineral oil onto the affected areas every other day until gone, which may take three or more treatments.

Horses Cold:
"El Nino" is causing colds and snotty noses in horses. If you have horses with snotty noses and/or coughing, give 1 oz. Tritussin (equine) two times daily until the discharge disappears. Antibiotics are not necessary if the horse doesn't have a temperature.

Equine Emergencies:
What do you do for your horse while you are waiting for a veterinarian during an emergency?
The most common medical emergency in the horse is colic or abdominal pain. Colic may be the result of any of a variety of intestinal disorders, ranging from gas to a life-threatening intestinal torsion or twist. Walking your horse may help alleviate some discomfort and encourage intestinal motility, however be careful not to overdo the exercise. It is possible to exhaust a horse with colic. Avoid allowing a horse to roll, but it is fine to let them intermittently lie down quietly. Treatment with a cold laser over the stomach and abdominal cavity can give relief from pain, gas and inflammation thus relaxing musculature and assisting peristalsis.

Fever is another common medical problem with horses. Normal rectal temperature in the adult horse is 99-101 degrees F. Be prepared by having a large animal thermometer in your first aid kit and know how to take your horse's temperature.

If your horse's temperature is higher than 104, call your veterinarian. Aggressively spray cold water on your horse to cool him down. An alcohol bath using 70% rubbing alcohol will further drop surface body temperature. Consult your veterinarian who may suggest administering a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as phenylbutazone ("bute") or banamine.

Prevent eye injuries: Horse's eyes are susceptible to injuries due to its protruding anatomy and the horse's inquisitive nature. Eye injuries, especially corneal injuries can become serious very quickly. Always consult your veterinarian. Avoid using any ointment that contains a steroid, such as hydrocortisone until you have talked to your veterinarian.

Another common concern is injury due to lacerations or wounds. Remember to always keep clean bandage supplies in your first aid kit. Keen evaluation of your barn and fencing may help prevent these occurrences. Nostril and eye lacerations can be caused by open hooks, used for hanging buckets, tools and towels. Beware of barbed wire for horses, especially foals, which are not compatible.

If an injury occurs, treat immediately with a cold laser, apply an antibiotic ointment and call a veterinarian if necessary. Wounds that need to be sutured need to be seen while they are still fresh and clean. If the laceration is bleeding, direct pressure may be applied using clean gauze or towels.

A cold laser may be applied to all wounds and can even be applied over dressings daily to reduce pain and inflammation and accelerate healing. Apply cold water to the area to clean the wound and decrease inflammation. Application of an antiseptic solution such as betadine, may improve outcome. Do not apply topical medication without first consulting your veterinarian as some dressings, particularly caustic dressings, may be harmful.