At Winner's Circle Equine Veterinary Service in Ocala, FL, we are a mobile horse vet clinic that specializes in sports medicine for athletic equines. In order to participate and compete successfully in sporting events, it's vital that a horse is in prime physical condition. This includes being pain free.
If a horse is made to compete with an injury, it can cause permanent damage to it and potentially injure the rider as well. Our goal is to help deliver the best possible care to your horse and help build a healthy relationship between the two of you. We know the last thing you want is to see your majestic animal in pain, so we come to you with different types of pain management techniques to help manage any pain your horse may be experiencing. Keep reading for more information on pain management in horses.
What Are the Signs of Pain in Horses?
Horses may exhibit pain in a number of ways based on their individual personality and where the injury is located. Signs may include; restlessness, agitation, head shaking, change in posture and movement, limping, pawing, low appetite, and a fixed stare. Horses can also experience pain due to a sports injury, post surgery recovery, and arthritis.
Pain Management Techniques
The source and severity of a horse's injury will often determine the pain management techniques that are used. While anti-inflammatory medications are often a convenient option, we may use more natural treatments that may help promote healing rather than simply masking the pain. A few of our natural treatment options include acupuncture and chiropractic therapy.
Acupuncture is the use of thin needles that, when inserted at certain points in the horse's body, can offer anti-inflammatory effects. They may also release neurotransmitters like serotonin and endorphins that might offer quick pain relief.
Chiropractic treatments can be used to treat misalignments in the spine that may cause discomfort in your horse. We can perform adjustments to help relieve your horse’s pain and restore his range of motion.
Get Equine Care from a Horse Vet Near You
If you're in the Ocala, FL, area and need a trusted equine vet, don't hesitate to give us a call. We at Winner's Circle Equine Veterinary Service can help with your horses' health needs. Call us at (706) 202-5476 for equine care from a horse vet near you.