Horse Health Care
Horse Therapy
Explore Valley Vet's selection of horse therapy and recovery care products. Our selection of products are designed to ease recovery, support joint health and muscle maintenance. From red light therapy wraps to all-in-one ice boots, we have the therapy products needed to get your horse back to peak performance.
Types of Horse Therapies
Choosing the right method may depend on your specific needs.
- Cooling Therapy: Great for reducing heat and swelling in the legs after exercising for long hours or to help prevent soft tissues injuries.
- Ceramic & Heat Therapy: Designed to reflect natural body heat and increase circulation to soothe stiff joints and prepare muscles for work.
- Red Light & Vibration: Uses certain wavelengths of light that are delivered to sites of the body that have injuries.
- Magnetic & Ionic Therapy: Helps promote relaxation and healthy blood flow in high-tension areas like the poll, back, and hocks.
Want to learn more about our horse therapy products? Check out our article on Horse Health.
Common Uses For Horse Therapy Gear
- Injury Recovery: Any inflammation, ligament strains, or post-surgical healing.
- Muscle Soreness: If muscles and tendons are tight or tense.
- Warmup: Before long rides to increase blood circulation, loosen tight fibers, and prepare the body.
- Post-Workout: Used for heavy exercises to \"draw out\" heat from the legs and prevent swelling.
Benefits of Horse Therapy
- Faster Healing: Technologies like red light therapy and vibration boots stimulate cellular repair and lymphatic drainage.
- Natural Pain Relief: A non-invasive way to manage discomfort without relying solely on medications.
- Improved Mobility: Helps maintain flexibility in aging horses or those with stiff joints. Reduced Stress: Helps soothe nervous horses by promoting a sense of relaxation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can therapy products replace vet treatment?
A: No. Therapy products are a great way to support your horse with common injuries or muscle soreness, however always consult with your veterinarian about your horse's condition, especially in cases of sudden lameness or severe injury.
Q: How often should I use therapy products on my horse?
A: Frequency depends on the product type and your horse's needs. Some therapies, like cooling gels or poultices, may be used after intense activity, while others (wraps, liniments, or massage tools) can be used daily or as part of a recovery routine. Always follow the manufacturer's directions and consult your veterinarian for horses with injuries or chronic conditions.
Q: Do I need to clean my horse before applying therapy products?
A: Applying therapy products to a clean coat helps ensure better absorption and effectiveness. Dirt, sweat, and oils can create a barrier that prevents products like liniments, gels, or poultices from working properly. Gently brush or rinse the area and allow it to dry before application.
Horse Pregnancy & Foaling Aids
Foaling time is exciting, but also stressful! With Valley Vet's horse pregnancy and foaling aids, you can ensure you are prepared for a safe delivery. From mare foaling predictor kits to life-saving Seramune Oral IgG for immune support, we provide the essentials for every stage of labor. Shop our full selection today and get the reliable equipment you need for a healthy mare and foal.
Stages of Foaling Care
Successful breeding requires careful monitoring through every phase of the mare's pregnancy and delivery.
- Pre-Foaling: Track your mare's gestation and monitor changes in her milk to predict labor within 12 hours. This saves you from endless nights of waiting and ensures you are present when she begins to foal.
- During Foaling: Be in a clean, quiet environment and monitor the delivery to make sure the foal's airway is clear immediately upon birth.
- Post-Care: A foal's survival depends on the first few hours of life. If a foal cannot nurse to receive natural colostrum, providing immediate Seramune Oral IgG protection is critical to prevent immunodeficiency.
Key Pregnancy & Foaling Products
- Foaling Kits: Be prepared for your mare's foaling with Vet Foaling Kits. Recommended most by veterinarians to assist in a successful delivery.
- Predictor Kits: A simple kit that allows you to predict within 12 hours when a mare will foal. You can monitor the changes in her milk as she progresses closer to foaling, to save you endless nights waiting up for your mare to foal.
- Milking Systems: If the foal is having trouble nursing, you can safely collect the mare's colostrum using a hand-held, trigger-operated vacuum pump. These systems are designed to be the safest and most effective way to collect essential milk without harming the mare.
Preparation & Usage
Whether you are a first-time owner or an experienced breeder, it's important to prepare for delivery:
- For New Breeders: Start with an all-in-one foaling kit and a predictor kit.
- For Large Operations: Use a high-capacity milking system and professional breeding supplies when managing multiple mares.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What do you need for foaling?
A: At a minimum, have a kit with sterile sleeves and antiseptic, a labor predictor, and supplemental IgG in case the foal has trouble nursing.
Q: What are signs a horse is in labor?
A: Common signs include waxing, (beads of colostrum appearing on the teats), a dropped abdomen, and enlarged udders. Behaviorally, the mare may become restless, pace, or sweat. Testing her milk calcium levels is the most accurate way to confirm if labor will occur within 12 hours.
