First off, you must identify which leg is lame. Have somebody else lead the horse at a trot towards you. in a straight line on level ground. Watch the front legs, The head will bob DOWN on the sound leg, and up on the lame leg.
If you suspect it is a hind leg, then have somebody trot the horse away from you, and watch the hips, determine which one hikes up higher than the other. That is the lame leg. If you have a difficult time determining which leg, you can use white tape on the horses buttock to help you determine which side is lifting. "Heat on one side indicates possible inflammation. To assess tendons (on the back of the lower portions of the legs), flex the leg and feel the layers of tendons (should be three) for any bumps, sources of heat or breaks." (Read more at : http://www.ehow.com/how_2165863_do-quick-effective-lameness-check.html#ixzz2loHE8hPb ).
Now for the meds:
DMSO:
DMSO is a powerful free radical scavenger that acts to remove many of the harmful byproducts of inflammation. It has great membrane permeability and passes readily through the skin. It also has the ability to carry topical drugs along with it, and is frequently used for this purpose along with topical corticosteroids. It should not be used on open wounds.
DMSO rapidly absorbs moisture and becomes diluted with water if left open to the air. When applied to the skin, it draws moisture from the deeper tissue, which explains why it is effective in treating swelling caused by contusions and hematomas. It is not an antibacterial and should not be used for cellulitis.
There are a number of ways of applying topical DMSO. The choice depends on the location of the injury and the reasons for using it. It is best to obtain directions from your vet.
Because DMSO carries other agents along with it, it should be used with caution on skin containing antiseptics, antibacterials, and other chemicals. In addition, wear rubber gloves when handling DMSO to prevent skin contact. Signs of toxicity caused by absorbed DMSO absorption include headache, dizziness, dermatitis, and an oyster like taste in the mouth"
Liniments:
Liniments are also used for “setting up” horses that experience minor stiffness after a heavy workout. Setting up involves applying an analgesic liniment on all four legs and then lightly wrapping after a hard day’s workout.
Liniments are designed to provide temporary relief for minor aches and pains often associated with arthritis and overworked muscles. Active ingredients typically generate heating or cooling effects (think Ben-Gay for horses). Poultices usually provide temporary “cold” therapy for inflamed tissues and are commonly clay-based.
Analgesics:
Antiseptic, analgesic or something in between, all topical liniments are not created equal. Generally speaking, a liniment is a liquid or semi-liquid preparation that is applied to the skin to provide pain relief. Many liniments are marketed as “topical antiseptics,” meaning they are generally safe to use on superficial scrapes and cuts to help prevent infection. Some antiseptic liniments are also designed to provide temporary relief for muscular soreness, stiffness or swelling caused by overwork or exertion. Some are even purported to benefit arthritic equines by relieving pain and swelling in the joints.
Both cold and hot therapies have their place in veterinary medicine. “Through time, a lot of veterinarians and horsemen out there have gone back and forth between hot and cold, trying to get the best out of each,” says Dr. Earl Gaughan, DVM, Diplomate ACVS, associate professor of equine surgery at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “I can’t argue with this, as sometimes a horse benefits from a little bit of both.”
References:
Liniments and Poultices for Sore Horses
The hot and cold of liniments and poultices.
By Toni McAllister | 2/18/2004http://www.horsechannel.com/horse-health/liniments-poultices-10382.aspx
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