Equine Bone Chip Rehabilitation

Bone Chip Rehabilitation

Bone chips found in either the knee or fetlock are relatively common in athletic horses.  They can be a result of intense training.   The bone chips are benign themselves; however,  the chips cause discomfort due to compromising the affected joints' movement.  They are usually removed surgically.

Historically, the rehabilitation program has been to keep the horse resting in his/her stall fro 2-4 weeks depending on the size and/or location of the chips.   This is typically followed by handwalks and slow return to work.  

With the HUGE advancements in human sports medicine recently, equine therapists are beginning to see the value of an active rehabilitation program.   With active rehabilitation, the patients keeps their fitness and strength levels during the rehabilitation period.  The therapists also have tools to relieve inflammation and range of motion exercises as well as deal with any compensatory problems.  As we have learned from professional athletes, the improvement in surgical techniques as well as an agressive rehabilitation program will help bring these equine athletes back strong and balanced.

Bone Chip Rehabilitation Protocal:

Post Surgery: 

 Therapeutic laser treatments on surgery site.  3x/week for 2 weeks

 five minute hand walks 2x/day,  cryotherapy (cold) 2x/day

14 days Post Surgery: 

Stitches removed,  10 minute walks 2x/day.   Vibration plate daily for 10 min at low setting.  Range of motion exercises and Cryotherapy (cold) daily.

30 days Post Surgery:

20 minute walks daily (increase 5 minutes/week) - walk over poles/cavaletti's helps increase range of motion, Introduce water treadmill - water at fetlock level 3x/week.  Vibration plate daily for 20 minutes.

60 days Post Surgery:

Begin short trot sets and increasing water level (every other day).  Vibration plate daily for 20 minutes and begin increasing work load.  

This active rehabilitation helps to improve the prognosis of the horse. Following the protocols of professional athletic trainers, the equine therapists are finding that many of their horses are returning to work stronger and better equipped to continue their careers.

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