Darden Equine Hydrotherapy is most often utilized to treat and prevent equine injuries.  Our treatments are extremely economical and affordable for every horse owner beginning at only $35/treatment.  Call us to arrange your horse's treatments today!  705-686-3757

Cold Salt Hydrotherapy

The success of cold salt hydrotherapy is achieved through a combination of water factors:


Temperature

The temperature of the water has important therapeutic and analgesic influences:  The colder the temperature of the water, the more anti-inflammatory influence and pain relief.  At 35⁰F, with chlorine and salt, micro-organic activity is eliminated and therefore transfers of infection from horse to horse is impossible.

           Salt Concentration

Salt concentration and the composition of the salts in the water have an effect on the tissue response: Seawater contains varying amounts of sodium chloride (approx. 25g/l) and magnesium chloride (approx. 1g/l).  Darden Equine hydrotherapy allows the introduction of higher salt levels than seawater thereby increasing its potential healing powers.  Varying levels of salt mixtures have been evaluated and a balance of 20g/l sodium chloride and 30g/l magnesium sulphate seems to have the greatest osmotic influence. This salt level also acts as a poultice to draw out heat and infectious fluids.

           Water Depth

The depth of water increases the physical pressure exerted onto tissues: the deeper the immersion of the horse, the greater the pressure.  As water gets colder, its density increases.

           Aeration

Aeration of the water increases the dissolved oxygen content and creates a massaging effect.  Dissolved oxygen content of saltwater is dramatically increased when temperatures fall below 40⁰F. When aeration is introduced, the oxygen content in the water substantially increases (4 parts per million to 9-11 per million). With the increase in oxygen content, there is a corresponding drop in the horse heart rate (about 22 beats per minute).  As is suggested with hyperbaric oxygen chambers, this heart rate drop may be indicative of skin absorbed oxygen which has been theorized to expedite wound healing.

Frequency of Treatment

Treatment regularity is based on the severity, age and type of injury.  Everyday, or twice a day, treatment is usually required and then reduced over time.  Depth of the water is altered depending on the severity and position of the injury (i.e. a hind suspensory injury requires the water level to be above the hock rather than only above the knee). Severe injuries require higher water levels to increase pressure and further aid in the dispersal of fluid.  When performing preventive treatment, daily treatments have proven effective; however, using the unit once or twice a week after breezing and racing is helpful.

We advise working closely with veterinarians during the course of treatment due to the unique characteristics of each horse.

Case #2  Finding the problem 
This 13.2 pony was exhibiting poor behavior: lifting a leg to kick, tail swishing etc,  His first Spa treatment diagnosed slight heat around the left hock,  With only three Spa treatments, he was back to the lesson and show ring performing without any issues.  The Spa is an excellent tool for diagnosing any issue below the shoulder and stifle on any horse or pony.

Case #3 When all else fails!
This 5 year old Thoroughbred show jumping mare had major back leg issues which its owner and veterinarian crew had been unable to solve for about 4 months.  They were considering shipping the horse to Florida for laser treatments.  Our Spa treated the hock and fetlock issues and within three weeks she was back home and returning to the training circuit.

See you in the jumper ring!!