Equine bursitis - Gustavo Mirabal Castro

It is very important to take care of the health of the horse. The optimal health of the horse allows it to perform at its maximum and gives it a better quality of life. As in humans, the best treatment for the health of horses is prevention. However, Bursitis is a disease that frequently and deeply affects horses. For this reason we are going to delve into equine bursitis, its treatment and preventive measures that should be taken in this regard.

This disease affects various species of animals including horses and humans.

The diagnosis of equine bursitis is very evident when it is performed and the reactions to the different medicated methods usually vary. In some it can become more complex to observe the evolution of equine bursitis and response to the treatment indicated by the veterinarian.

What is equine bursitis?

Equine bursitis is the inflammation of the sacs in the joints filled with fluid. These sacs are called bursas and hence the name of the disease. Bursas fulfill the function of buffers in the joints. It can be said that these sacks are of the utmost importance for the equine.

Said sacs are located in various areas of the body and function as guarantor structures to attenuate the wear of the horse’s ligaments.

Nature is so knew that to help the balance and harmony of the body of some animals placed protection mechanisms. This is how nature placed special pieces in the body to provide greater support to the skeletal system. While some experts in mammal morphology raise the presence of many bursas in the body.

Classification of forms of equine bursitis

Depending on the intensity of equine bursitis, the area of the body of the horse where it is located, among other factors equine bursitis can be classified. This is for the purpose of giving the appropriate treatment to the condition.

Bursa & Bursitis in animals

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Next we will talk about the different forms of equine bursitis.

Superficial equine bursitis

Bags that protect the joints of horses are subject to acute inflammation. This due to a single acute contusion or the permanence of a repeated microtrauma.

Equine bursitis of serous type

On the other hand the equine bursitis of serous type is the periodic blow can illustrate in the codillera, where the rub with the helmet. In effect this is due to the position of the equine horse when sleeping. This being the origin for this inflammation of the bursa to appear.

Fibrous equine bursitis

Fibrous equine bursitis usually occurs in the equinus as a harder form of palpation. Therefore, fibrin production and new tissue formation is reduced.

Hemorrhagic type of Equine bursitis

On the other hand we have the hemorrhagic bursitis is the material contained there in some occasions it is bloody, with a harder and more flexible consistency than the serous type of equine bursitis. Although not as much as those already fibrosed.

Purulent type of Equine bursitis

In some cases the hemorrhagic bursitis can suffer the contagion of the material with some suppurating germ. Also the obvious inflammation at the beginning may not be noticed. However, as the equine present difficulty to stand and do their activities normally. Most likely, it has aggravated the situation with an infection of the equine bursitis.

Equine bursitis of the cross

The origin of this pathology is the saddle, the direct contact with this according to the equine anatomy. If the case becomes complicated the best thing is to take the option of the surgery of this tissue. In a short time the horse may be enjoying his daily activities

Treatment for equine bursitis of serous type

Depending on the type of bursitis that the horse presents the way to approach it changes. This is how in serous bursitis in the mildest stage, alternative therapies such as hydrotherapy are used. Also at the level of inflammation a cream is applied that helps to lower the inflammation.

Clay can also help decrease equine bursitis. Taking into account that the minerals that the earth contains have their medicinal effects. Then when this pathology is exacerbated is to say that the inflammation caused edema. In this case the local treatment has little or no effect. In this case it is best to opt for a void.

After this, an anti-inflammatory should be applied to accelerate the healing process of equine bursitis in the horse. Of course it should be done by a veterinarian. In addition to this, it must be complemented with a special bandage to avoid the reproduction of the disease.

The time that the immobility must last and the application of the bandage lasts from fifteen to twenty days approximately. In cases where the appearance of equine bursitis of serous type is repeated, the same treatment is applied again and a thorough medical surveillance of the animal is maintained.

In the most extreme cases, infiltration with a drug that paralyzes the production of tumors is used. This will have an effect of preventing the metabolic action of the elements of the intrinsic shell of the bag.

Treatment for equine serous bursitis

Clay can also help decrease bursitis. Taking into account that the minerals that the earth contains have their medicinal effects. This is especially useful when this pathology is exacerbated, that is, inflammation has caused edema. In this case the local treatment has little or no effect. In this case it is best to opt for an infiltration or, on the contrary, an extraction of the accumulated liquid

After this, an anti-inflammatory must be applied to accelerate the healing process in the horse. Of course it must be done by a certified veterinarian. In addition to this, it must be complemented with a special bandage to avoid the reproduction of the disease.

The time that the immobility must last and the application of the bandage lasts from fifteen to twenty days approximately. In cases where the appearance of serous bursitis is repeated, the same treatment is applied again and a thorough medical surveillance of the animal is maintained.

Modern treatments of equine bursitis

One of the last generation treatments involves the use of ultrasound. Below we can see a video about it:

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The importance of health and preventive care in horses

The health of equines is important to maintain. Otherwise, the most appropriate is to go immediately to the trusted veterinarian.

With prevention or timely care prevents diseases or conditions are aggravated. Now, if a preventive check can be carried out with certain frequency it is the best thing.

For this it is of great importance to maintain the spaces where the horse and the herd live in hygienic conditions.

In case of presenting the signs and symptoms of bursitis diagnosed by the doctor.

Ideally, apply the procedure corresponding to the type of bursitis suffered by the horse. Deep in the medication prescribed by the doctor and adequate rest is the key to eliminating it at the root.

One of the preventive actions on the part of the owner of the horse is to keep the vaccination scheme up to date. With this you will be avoiding a few bacterial and parasitic diseases. In effect, the horse will be more strengthened at the time of an epidemic.

In a strict sense, health is defined as the state in which the organism normally exercises all its natural functions.

The book “Health in animals” De Gea and De Trolliet, 2001 point out the following:

“To the physiological well-being of an animal, a broad concept that not only refers to the presence or absence of infectious diseases, but also includes non-infectious diseases, overcrowding, stress, fatigue, nutrition, water availability, temperature, cleanliness, attention and care, shelter and any other factor that alters this physiological well-being “

While we can see that the basic aspects of hygiene and food are essential for the health of the equine. Therefore, the master or owner must be aware of ensuring an adequate environment for the horse, as well as its feeding, vaccines among others.

Owning an animal is a responsibility

The above mentioned not only applies to horses. Anyone who has an animal at home should have these responsibilities. In effect you will have a healthy and happy animal. It demonstrates the maturity and responsibility of humans with respect to responsible ownership of animals. And a happy animal makes a human even happier, try it.