Cases

Epidural Infiltration for Chronic Pain Control in Arthritis and Orthopedic Injuries in Horses

Epidural infiltration is an effective and commonly used technique for the control of chronic pain associated with arthritis and orthopedic injuries in horses. This method allows localized administration of analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications directly into the epidural space, providing significant pain relief and improving the performance of a sport horse.

Specific Indications:

  • Chronic Arthritis:

– Epidural infiltration relieves chronic pain associated with arthritis in joints such as the spine, hips and extremities.
– It improves the horse’s mobility and general well-being.

  • Orthopedic Injuries:

– Injuries to the spine, such as degenerated intervertebral discs or spondylosis.
– Injuries to the limbs that cause persistent pain and do not respond adequately to other treatments.

  • Benefits

Localized Pain Relief: Provides more effective, localized pain relief.

Reduced Inflammation: Appropriate medications administered epidurally can significantly reduce inflammation in the affected area.

Improved Performance in Sport Horses: Relieving chronic pain improves mobility, behavior and performance.

Conclusion:

Epidural infiltration is a valuable technique for the management of chronic pain associated with arthritis and orthopedic injuries in horses. It provides significant pain relief, improves mobility and quality of life of the horse. Proper execution of the procedure and proper selection of medications are crucial to maximize benefits and minimize risks. It should always be performed under the supervision of an experienced veterinarian.