Poultice

A poultice is a soft moist mass, often heated and medicated, that is spread on cloth over the skin to treat an aching, inflamed, or painful part of the body.

Uses of Poultice on Horses

A poultice is a common treatment used on horses to relieve inflammation. It is usually used on the lower legs, under a stable bandage, to focus treatment on the easily-injured tendons in the area. Poultices are sometimes applied as a precautionary measure after the horse has worked hard, such as after a cross-country run, to prevent heat and filling.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Poultices may also be heated and placed on an area where extrea circulation is desired. A hot poultice increases heat and circulation, a cold poultice decreases heat and inflammation. If a poultice is used, care must ba taken to ensure that it warm but not too hot, as a poultice can hold in heat for a considerable amount of time, and may burn the legs.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The poultice should be left on the horse for 12-24 hours. Following removal, it is best to wash off any remaining poultice with soap, and to thoroughly dry the legs.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~