Horse with a hoof roll? 7 tips for treatment

Laminitis in horses is a troublesome condition. It can cause a horse a great deal of discomfort and may impair its mobility. That is why it is important to choose the right treatments for your horse. In this article, you will learn exactly what laminitis is and how you can help your horse manage it. What is navicular syndrome? Navicular syndrome is actually a collective term for various conditions affecting a horse’s navicular complex. This is located at the back of the hoof and consists of the navicular bone, the bursa and the deep flexor tendon. When problems arise with the navicular complex, one of these parts is often inflamed or damaged. You can recognise navicular syndrome by the following symptoms: Lameness in one of the forelegs Altered gait and shorter strides Difficulty walking on hard ground Stiffness, particularly after rest Reduced willingness to move Frequently shifting weight onto the forelegs Can navicular syndrome be completely cured? Laminitis can be cured in some cases, but not always. This depends on the cause, the severity of the damage and exactly which parts are affected. Sometimes the symptoms can improve or disappear with the right treatment and adjustments. It is important not to ride your horse too much if it has navicular syndrome. If there is damage to the navicular bone or the deep flexor tendon, a full recovery is often more difficult. Fortunately, treatment is available to reduce pain and prevent the condition from worsening. Should a horse with laminitis be put down? Some people worry that a horse with laminitis must be put down. Fortunately, in most cases this is absolutely not necessary. In fact, in most cases the horse can still lead a very happy life, even with this condition. Of course, it is always important to have the condition checked by a vet. In addition, you can apply the treatments listed below yourself to help your horse. Source: Pexels 7 tips for treating navicular syndrome 1. Ensure proper shoeing Properly fitted shoes play an important role for horses with navicular syndrome. This can help to reduce the strain on the navicular apparatus. Consult with the farrier and vet about what is best suited to your horse. 2. Adjust exercise and training (temporarily) Prevent overuse, as this can make symptoms worse. Avoid heavy workloads and intensive training sessions, particularly if you notice that these cause pain. Complete inactivity is also counterproductive, so ensure a good balance with gentle exercise. 3. Pay attention to the ground surface The surface on which the horse walks has a major impact on the strain placed on the hooves. Hard, uneven and deep ground can cause additional strain. Ensure the ground is level and stable, and has some give. 4. Use appropriate dietary supplements Supplements can contribute significantly to your horse’s recovery process and overall health. Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and certain minerals can be a useful addition and have anti-inflammatory effects. If in doubt, consult your vet to find out which ones are best to use. 5. Monitor your horse’s weight Being overweight puts extra strain on the legs and hooves. A healthy body weight is therefore very important when treating or preventing navicular disease. Pay close attention to diet and exercise. 6. Seek guidance from a vet or physiotherapist An accurate diagnosis is essential for targeted treatment. Your vet is best placed to help with this. In addition, physiotherapy can help improve the horse’s mobility and muscle balance. 7. Use red light therapy Red light therapy can help to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain and promote the recovery process. You can apply this to your horse yourself without needing to consult a vet. How does red light therapy help with navicular syndrome? Red light therapy stimulates the mitochondria and improves blood flow in the treated area. The light is absorbed by the tissues and cells, resulting in the production of ATP. These are the benefits for navicular syndrome: Support for ATP production Support for the natural recovery process Reduces inflammation Reduces pain Easy to administer yourself to your horse PowerCure red light therapy for horses The PowerCure Pro combines red light at 650 nm with near-infrared light at 808 nm. This enables the device to treat tissues located higher up and deeper within the body, offering the benefits listed above. Find out here exactly what the PowerCure Pro can do for your horse.

If your dog has hotspots, it’s naturally distressing to see. There’s a good chance your beloved four-legged friend is suffering from pain and irritation. Fortunately, there are things you can do to treat the hotspots as effectively as possible. Read on to find out what you can do for your dog. How do I know if my dog has a hotspot? You can recognise a hotspot in a dog by several signs. It often develops within a short space of time and spreads quickly if the dog licks, scratches or bites at it. You can recognise it by these symptoms: Red, inflamed skin A wet or damp patch caused by wound fluid Hair loss around the affected area Itching and pain, which you’ll often notice as licking, scratching or biting Scabs, discharge or a foul odour You’ll often notice a developing hot spot because the dog starts licking and biting the area. It’s important to take action quickly, as it can worsen rapidly. You can read what you can do a little further on in this article. What causes hotspots in dogs? A hotspot usually develops due to irritated skin that the animal starts to lick or bite. This damages the skin, allowing bacteria to spread more quickly. This leads to inflammation of the skin. Other possible causes include: Allergies to, for example, pollen, house dust mites or food ingredients Fleas or parasites Wet or damp coat after swimming or bathing Ear infection Thick coat and tangles Licking due to stress or boredom Is a hot spot contagious? In most cases, a hot spot is not contagious. It is a localised skin inflammation caused by irritation. However, it is important to identify the cause, because if it is caused by a parasite or a flea, it can be contagious. It is therefore important not only to treat the hot spot, but also to identify the cause so that you can tackle it. Source: Pexels 6 ways to treat hotspots in dogs 1. Gently clean the affected areas Gently clean the area with a suitable skin cleanser specially formulated for dogs. It is important to pat the skin dry thoroughly afterwards. Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as these can irritate the skin. 2. Prevent the dog from licking or scratching Make sure your dog cannot lick, scratch or bite the affected area. This will only cause further damage to the skin. A protective collar or a medical pet shirt can help to keep the area undisturbed. 3. Keep the skin dry and the coat clean Heat and moisture can make skin irritation worse. You should therefore keep the area dry and ensure that the coat around the hotspot does not get wet or remain damp. If your dog has long hair, it may help to trim the coat around the affected area. 4. Investigate the cause of the hotspot and treat it Sometimes hotspots are caused by allergies, matted fur, an ear infection, or fleas and parasites. It is therefore important to investigate whether any of these are present, so that you can treat them. Of course, you must also look after the hotspot properly, but tackling the cause prevents the condition from worsening or new irritations from developing. 5. Consult your vet if necessary If the condition worsens quickly or if you notice your dog is in a lot of discomfort, it is best to visit the vet. You should also do so if you see pus, notice a foul odour, or if your dog feels warmer than usual. The vet can then determine the appropriate course of action. 6. Use red light therapy Use red light therapy to support the natural healing process. The red light affects the tissues and cells, which can help to speed up wound healing, reduce pain and treat inflammation. How does red light therapy help with hotspots? Red light therapy supports the skin’s natural healing processes. Red and near-infrared light penetrate the tissues and can thus have a positive effect on cellular activity. It also improves blood flow in the affected area, ensuring that nutrients are delivered more effectively to the irritated areas. In this way, it also helps to reduce pain and inflammation. PowerCure red light therapy for dogs The PowerCure Pro is a red light therapy device that can be used to treat your dog’s hotspots. The device is designed for self-use, on both animals and people. It can help not only with hotspots, but also with other complaints and conditions. This means you can help your beloved pet in a variety of ways!

Do you suffer from rheumatism? If so, you probably know better than anyone just how debilitating the pain and symptoms can be. Fortunately, as well as medication and treatments, there are things you can do yourself to relieve the pain. In this article, you’ll find the best tips you can put into practice yourself. What causes pain in rheumatism? The symptoms and pain associated with rheumatism can have various causes. In most cases, rheumatism is caused by inflammation in the joints, making them painful, swollen and stiff. In addition, rheumatism can be triggered by factors such as overexertion, prolonged inactivity, fatigue and muscle tension. The pain can vary from day to day, even in cases of rheumatism at a young age. You cannot prevent all causes of the pain, but there are certain things you can do to reduce or prevent symptoms. What should you avoid doing if you have this joint condition? With rheumatism and joint pain, it is important to strike a balance between rest and exercise. Overloading your joints too much can worsen symptoms, but so can a lack of exercise. Furthermore, it is best not to remain in the same position for too long, and it is important to ensure a good quality of sleep. Source: Pexels 9 tips to relieve pain caused by rheumatism 1. Get up and move around regularly Regular exercise is important for keeping your muscles and joints supple. Do, however, choose activities you can manage, such as walking, cycling or swimming. Always build up the intensity gradually and adjust your exercise if symptoms worsen. 2. Make sure you get enough rest With rheumatism, it’s important to maintain a good balance and not push yourself too hard. So spread your activities throughout the day and make sure to take breaks. 3. Use heat When you’re experiencing stiffness, applying heat can help to relax your muscles and joints. A warm shower, bath or heat pad can be soothing. But be careful: if you have active inflammation, the heat may actually feel uncomfortable. 4. Eat a varied and healthy diet Plenty of fruit, vegetables, wholemeal products, healthy fats and proteins help keep your body healthy. There is no specific diet for rheumatism, but eating a varied diet helps support your body. 5. Get enough sleep Getting enough sleep is very important for proper recovery and pain relief. Regular bedtimes and a quiet bedroom help ensure a better night’s sleep. If you experience pain in bed, a supportive pillow may help. 6. Reduce stress If you experience prolonged stress, muscle tension can worsen, leading to more pain. Pay close attention to your breathing, get enough gentle exercise, and do relaxation exercises if this works for you. 7. Use aids where necessary Reduce pressure on your joints by using aids. For example, spread heavy shopping between several bags, use aids when opening jars, and avoid repeating the same movements too often in a short space of time. Some people also benefit from special rheumatism gloves. 8. Try physiotherapy A physiotherapist can help you improve your mobility, fitness and muscle strength. A programme is usually drawn up so that you can continue to exercise safely whilst also working to reduce your symptoms. 9. Use red light therapy Apply red light therapy to painful and stiff areas to reduce pain and symptoms. These days, you can easily do this yourself at home. How does red light therapy help with rheumatism? Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, can help in various ways with pain symptoms and cellular processes in the body. Here’s how it can help with rheumatism and other joint conditions such as osteoarthritis: Reducing joint pain: photobiomodulation influences the processing of pain signals. It also affects the production of endorphins, thereby reducing pain. Influencing inflammatory processes: red light therapy can reduce inflammation. Supporting energy production in the cells: the red light stimulates the mitochondria, providing the cells with more energy to recover. Reducing stiffness: it improves blood circulation, ensuring a better supply of oxygen and nutrients. This can help keep joints and muscles supple. Red light therapy from PowerCure The PowerCure Pro is a red light therapy device that combines red and near-infrared light. This enables it to offer the above benefits for rheumatism and other joint and muscle conditions. The device is designed for home use, allowing you to treat yourself or your family members. It can also be used effectively as a complement to other treatment methods. There are many ways in which you can relieve your rheumatism symptoms!