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Though infrequent, musculoskeletal injuries in horses may require cast immobilization. While immobilizing a limb helps the primary injury heal, prolonged casting can be problematic for the patient.

Healthy bones in the affected limb undergo a process called “disuse osteoporosis” in which the bone loses mass and density secondary to reduced forces on the bone during immobilization. When the cast is removed, a period of remobilization must ensue to help the bones and soft tissues regain strength. Even with a remobilization period, some horses may never fully recover their pre-injury strength and soundness.

According to one group of veterinarians, cast immobilization of the fetlock resulted in either permanent or semipermanent bone, joint, and soft-tissue degeneration.* These changes occurred after eight weeks of cast immobilization and resulted in persistent lameness, joint swelling, decreased range of motion and bone density, and other degenerative changes found on radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging.

After a 12-week remobilization period, the degenerative changes had not reversed. In fact, the veterinarians observed degenerative changes were more extensive than they originally predicted. Because of this, they recommended that casting should be used judiciously, with the cast removed as early as possible as normal motion and weight-bearing is critical to recovery.

Any horse that is suddenly stall-bound will undergo some decrease in bone mass and density even if they are not fitted with a cast. Nutritionists at Kentucky Equine Research recommend offering nutritional bone support for any horse that has a sudden decrease in mobilization and weight-bearing, such as what might occur with limited turnout or stall rest.

DuraPlex provides vitamins and minerals necessary for strong bone development, including a special protein that stimulates bone collagen production while suppressing bone destruction. This supplement also prevents bone loss in situations that cause bone demineralization,” explained Catherine Whitehouse, M.S., a nutrition advisor for Kentucky Equine Research. “Research demonstrated that DuraPlex attenuates the natural demineralization of bone that occurs when horses are stalled without turnout or exercise.”

Another research-proven supplement called Triacton supports bone health and reduces bone demineralization during confinement. Triacton improves bone density in working and young horses, and supports digestive health by buffering the stomach and hindgut. Triacton is available to Australian horse owners. In addition to Triacton, Bone Food Plus is available to Australian horse owners. Check out all of Kentucky Equine Research’s bone-health products.

*Stewart, H.L., N.M. Werpy, C.W. McIlwraith, and C.E. Kawcek. 2020. Physiologic effects of long-term immobilization of the equine distal limb. Veterinary Surgery 49(5):840-851.

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