While horses may not be as popular as dogs and cats as pets, about 700,000 U.S. households still own at least one, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
If you’re also a horse owner or plan to get one soon, one of the most crucial facts you need to know about equines is that while they’re mighty, they can still be prone to accidents and injuries. Fortunately, with proper treatment, including animal physical therapy, you can help prolong their life.
So, join us today at High Country Veterinary Services, our equine and large animal care clinic in Steamboat Springs, CO, as we share insights into equine rehab and veterinary physical therapy.
Understanding Animal Physical Therapy
As CountryFile.com points out, the average horse can live for about 25 to 30 years. While rare, some have lived to their 50s. The oldest ever recorded was for a horse named Old Billy, who passed away at the ripe old age of 62!
Many factors can affect a horse’s health and longevity, including nutrition, activity levels, and season-specific care (e.g., blanketing during winter). And like humans, ailments and injuries can also affect a horse’s overall health.
Horses can suffer from conditions like:
- Tendinitis and ligament injuries
- Osteoarthritis
- Soft tissue injuries
- Muscle strains
- Post-surgical recovery complications
Animal physical therapy, which involves a range of treatments, including horse rehabilitation exercises, can help combat and even lower the risk of such problems. Such specialized care is particularly beneficial for equines, as they often experience injuries due to their athletic nature and the demanding activities they undertake.
Benefits of Equine Physical Therapy
Some of the benefits of physical therapy for horses include:
- Improving horse mobility, flexibility, and range of motion
- Reducing pain and inflammation
- Strengthening muscles and joints
- Enhancing recovery speed after surgery or injury
- Promoting overall well-being for aging horses
Expect a personalized therapeutic regimen tailored to your horse’s unique needs to be one of the top priorities of a highly skilled and experienced horse vet in Steamboat Springs, CO, such as Dr. Taylor Karlin, DVM. With individualized physical therapy, these big animals can enjoy a more:
- Effective and supportive recovery process
- Efficient healing
- Long-term health
All those benefits can then lead to healthier, happier horses.
What to Expect During Physical Therapy Sessions
A skilled veterinarian will evaluate your horse’s physical condition, observing their movement and identifying areas of tension or discomfort. Treatments may then incorporate:
- Manual therapy techniques
- Hydrotherapy
- Massage therapy
- Strengthening exercises
- Therapeutic ultrasound
The duration and frequency of therapy sessions will depend on your horse’s unique needs and recovery goals.
Start Your Horse’s Healing Journey Today
Your horses deserve the best, and animal physical therapy is one way to provide them with excellent care. Partnering with a dedicated horse vet can ensure your animals receive the most appropriate physical therapy for optimal healing and well-being.
Let the team of professionals at High Country Veterinary Services be your partner in providing committed, compassionate care to your horses. Our large animal primary care clinic, founded by Dr. Louise Batt, has been serving the Steamboat Springs, CO, community since 2013, but our good doctors’ experiences go back years before that. We look forward to helping your equine companions achieve their full potential, health, and longevity.
Call us today for an appointment, and we’ll look after your horses like family!
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