| Poultice |
Shopping Poultice |
Information AboutPoultice |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT POULTICE | |
| medical treatments | |
| equine injury and lameness | |
| stain removal | |
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USES OF POULTICE ON HORSES A poultice is a common treatment used on horses to relieve inflammation. It is usually used on the lower legs, under a Stable Bandage , to focus treatment on the easily-injured tendons in the area. Poultices are sometimes applied as a precautionary measure after the horse has worked hard, such as after a cross-country run, to prevent heat and filling. They are also used to treat abcess wounds, where a build up of pus needs to be drawn out. Abcesses are fairly common in the foot of the horse, as the horse may treat on something and puncture the sole of its foot, allowing it to become infected. This is a particular risk if the horse pulls a shoe off and tread on one of the nails. Poultices may also be heated and placed on an area where extra circulation is desired. A hot poultice increases heat and circulation, a cold poultice decreases heat and inflammation. If a hot poultice is used, care must be taken to ensure that it is warm but not too hot as a poultice can hold in heat for a considerable amount of time and may burn the treated area. The poultice should be left on the horse for 12-24 hours. Following removal, it is best to wash off any remaining poultice with soap, and to thoroughly dry the legs. When poultice is used by itself, it will usually be completly dry. Dry poultice is much easier to remove with a curry or brush, or the fingers; it will chip and fall off. 'Poultice boots' for use on hooves are available to buy from tack shops and whilst not essential, help to keep the poultice in place. A piece of sacking used with strong duct tape will do just as well. Types of poultice - 'Animalintex' is a brand name poultice made from an absorbant material - Bran is also used as a poultice as it is so absorbant. It is packed into the wound and then covered with a piece of sacking or similar material, before being bandaged onto the foot or site of the wound. - Nappies/diapers may also be cut to size to use as a poultice as they are very absorbant and will help to draw out pus. |
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