News
What Temperature Causes Tendon Cell Damage?
Great article discussing in detail the temperatures and risks to cell health. It seems that in overall conclusion as temperatures reach 40 degrees and above, cells are affected. The risks are not just the temperatures but the frequency of such temperatures. When frequency is involved it seems that the smaller risks posed by not such extreme temperatures are still to be considered. Also to consider here that it's noted that skin cells are much more fragile and often forgotten, but exposed to such temperatures will affect these cells greatly. Take a read! https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/9202452/
Evidence to Show Bandages and Insulating Boots Accelerate Speed of Warming Leg Temperatures
The research keeps coming! This evidence shows that bandages and insulating boots speed time to leg warm up - the question here is if left on for longer, how much hotter to the legs get? Previous research with Katie Baxter discusses the fact that there is potentially no limit to temperature increase, demonstrated at only 15min! Take a read! https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261137365_Effect_of_a_bandage_or_tendon_boot_on_skin_temperature_of_the_metacarpus_at_rest_and_after_exercise_in_horses
“Stocking up” horse legs, or swelling of horse legs - why?
Great simple article to explain reasons as to why your horse’s legs may be swelling in the stable. Interesting also that bandaging suggested to potentially exacerbate this. Thoughts could be restriction of lymphatic flow and blood flow, over heating of legs, and infection through fungal and bacterial build up in warm damp conditions. Take a read and let your thoughts flow! https://www.thesprucepets.com/stocked-up-legs-in-horses-1885853
All Wrapped Up - Is there a purpose to bandages? Do they cause more harm than good?
Great, succinct article referencing Dr Hilary Clayton’s opnions on the lack of support from bandages and their heating ability... https://equineink.com/2009/05/05/all-wrapped-up-the-purpose-of-polos/
Do I need to keep horse legs warm in winter?
Interesting article explaining how our horses and ponies’ bodies adapt to the cold, even extreme cold! We understand now through much research that horse and pony legs have less vascularisation below the knee to minimise heat loss, hence the propensity to over heat. This also explains why in the Winter we are not helping our horses by booting them to keep warm either! Their legs have the ability to do that for themselves. Therefore, even in the Winter we must be take precaution to not over heat the tendons..... Take a read! https://ker.com/equinews/cold-weather-adaptations-keep-horses-comfortable/