PEMF and Hoof Abscesses

December 7, 2018

Hoof abscesses are one of the most common causes of acute onset lameness in a horse.  Wet weather, extreme dry conditions, sudden changes in moisture can all make the hoof more susceptible to the formation of an abscess. Even with the most diligent prevention techniques including frequent hoof cleaning and routine farrier care, abscesses can still form as bacteria finds a way into the interior hoof structure through tiny cracks, puncture wounds, misplaced or close horseshoe nails and more.

Once formed, the goal for treatment is to get the abscess to open up and drain the infection out. Many time the abscess will travel up to the coronary band searching for an exit pathway that provides the least resistance, and this is the scenario presented in the case detailed below.

PEMF therapy is renowned for three main benefits:

– Reduce pain and inflammation

– Increase circulation

– Accelerate Healing

Day 1 of IronFoot PEMF Treatment of Abscess

A major benefit for horses from PEMF is the ability for the pulsed electromagnetic field to penetrate the hoof wall promoting circulation not only in the laminae but also deep inside the hoof.  Respond Systems’ IronFoot uses a proprietary blend of power and frequency to gently yet effectively induce micro-circulation on the cellular level to force movement of ions, nutrients, oxygen, waste and fluid into and out of the cell. In addition to the physical stimulation on a cellular level, additional biochemical mechanisms are stimulated into action to increase the formation of macrophages to help further combat pathogens.

 

The following case uses the IronFoot to help treat a diagnosed hoof abscess: 

 

 

Day 3 and Rupture of Abscess while on IronFoot PEMF Treatment

Day 1- Horse diagnosed with abscess and was running a temperature. Treatment on IronFoot for 30-minutes

Day 2- Treatment on IronFoot for 30-minutes

Day 3- Treatment on IronFoot at which time the abscess ruptured during the treatment

The horse was also on an antibiotic during this time as well.

 

Accelerating the healing process with PEMF can help to reduce stall rest time and aid in preventing compensatory issues and conditions.

 

For more information on PEMF, the IronFoot or other PEMF and laser therapies, visit respondsystems.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laser & PEMF / Suspensory Ligament

January 18, 2016

Presentment: 10-year old dressage horse with desmitis at the origin of Suspensory Ligament.

Treatment: Treatment 3x week with laser for 8 weeks (24 total treatments), Luminex Ultra 5W probe (808nm), dosage was 6 joules/cm.sq for first 4 weeks, 8 joules/cm.sq. for last 2 weeks.

This horse was also treated 3x weekly (24 total treatments) with Maxi Pulse PEMF legging for 30 minutes each treatment. PEMF therapy continues twice weekly for conditioning and maintenance.

Results: Horse was evaluated by thermography, and again 25 days later. Note how the inflammation pointed at the arrow is gone. Horse returned to competition (show jumping), and owners reported no recurrence of the condition as of December 2015.

case_2_img_1 case_2_img_2


Dr. Solange Mikail, DVM
Sao Paolo, BR
September 2015

PEMF / Equine Bone Cyst

January 18, 2016

Case Study Courtesy of Dr. Heitor Scholl, DVM, Sao Paolo, BR. (July, 2015)

Presentment: 3 year old mare with a bone cyst on the medial femoral epicondyle. Mild to moderate pain, cyst appeared 2 months prior, was large and was non-responsive to traditional treatment. Owner’s daughter unable to ride her favorite horse.

Treatment: Respond Maxi-Pulse legging was applied for 60 minutes a day, 5 times a week.

Results: After 9 weeks, the cyst had greatly reduced in size and pain was reduced such that horse could be ridden normally.

cyst_1 cyst_2 cyst_3
Bone Cyst After 60 Days                                     Bone Cyst First Day After Surgery                      PEMF Wrap During Treatment

 

Dr. Heitor Scholl, DVM
Sao Paolo, BR
July 2015