Novel dry cryotherapy system for cooling the equine digit.
Abstract: Digital cryotherapy is commonly used for laminitis prophylaxis and treatment. Currently validated methods for distal limb cryotherapy involve wet application or compression technology. There is a need for a practical, affordable, dry cryotherapy method that effectively cools the digit. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hoof wall surface temperatures (HWSTs) achieved with a novel dry cryotherapy technology. Methods: Repeated-measures in vivo experimental study. Methods: Experimental intervention at a single site. Methods: 6 systemically healthy horses (3 mares, 3 geldings). Methods: Cryotherapy was applied to six horses for eight hours with a commercially available rubber and rubber and welded fabricice boot, which extended proximally to include the foot and pastern. Reusable malleable cold therapy packs were secured against the foot and pastern with the three built-in hook-and-loop fastener panels. Methods: HWST and pastern surface temperature of the cryotherapy-treated limb, HWST of the control limb and ambient temperature were recorded every five minutes throughout the study period. Results: Results were analysed with mixed-effects multivariable regression analysis. The HWST (median 11.1°C, interquartile range 8.6°C-14.7°C) in the cryotherapy-treated limb was significantly decreased compared with the control limb (median 29.7°C, interquartile range 28.9°C-30.4°C) (P≤0.001). Cryotherapy limb HWST reached a minimum of 6.75°C (median) with an interquartile range of 4.1°C-9.3°C. Minimum HWST was achieved 68 minutes after cryotherapy pack application. Conclusions: Dry application of cryotherapy significantly reduced HWST and reached minimums below the therapeutic target of 10°C. This cryotherapy method might offer an effective alternative for digital cooling.
Publication Date: 2018-01-07 PubMed ID: 29344364PubMed Central: PMC5761284DOI: 10.1136/vetreco-2017-000244Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This study investigates the effectiveness of a dry cryotherapy system in cooling the horses’ hooves, and finds that the method significantly reduces hoof wall surface temperatures, offering a promising alternative for equine digital cooling.
Objective of the Study
- The aim of the research was to assess the effectiveness of a new dry cryotherapy method, specifically targeting equine digital cooling, and comparing the hoof wall surface temperatures (HWSTs) achieved by this unique technique. This application is particularly significant for laminitis prophylaxis and treatment in horses.
Study Design and Method
- The research used a repeated-measure in vivo experimental design carried out at a single site.
- It included six healthy horses (3 male and 3 female).
- Cryotherapy was applied for eight hours using a commercially available rubber and welded fabric ice boot. The boot covered the foot and pastern, and reusable malleable cold therapy packs were fastened against these areas.
- Temperature measures, including HWST of the treated limb, HWST of a control limb (not exposed to cryotherapy), and the surrounding ambient temperature were recorded every five minutes throughout the test period.
Results Highlighted
- The research findings were analyzed using mixed-effects multivariable regression analysis.
- It was observed that the HWST of the cryotherapy-treated limb significantly dropped compared to the control limb.
- The median HWST of the treated limb reached a minimum of 6.75°C, which was achieved 68 minutes after the application of the cryotherapy pack.
- The median HWST of the control limb was found to be approximately 29.7°C.
Conclusion and Implications
- The dry cryotherapy method demonstrated substantially reduced HWST, going below the therapeutic target of 10°C.
- This signifies that the dry cryotherapy system could offer a potent and practical alternative for cooling the equine digit and potentially contributes to devising new preventive and therapeutic strategies for horses suffering from laminitis.
Cite This Article
APA
Morgan J, Stefanovski D, Lenfest M, Chatterjee S, Orsini J.
(2018).
Novel dry cryotherapy system for cooling the equine digit.
Vet Rec Open, 5(1), e000244.
https://doi.org/10.1136/vetreco-2017-000244 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA.
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA.
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA.
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA.
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA.
Conflict of Interest Statement
Competing interests: The ice boot and packs were provided by MacKinnon Products as an in-kind donation. The company had no input in study design, execution, data analysis or manuscript preparation.
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Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Jacobs CC, O'Neil E, Prange T. Efficacy of a commercial dry sleeve cryotherapy system for cooling the equine metacarpus. Vet Surg 2022 Oct;51(7):1070-1077.
- Roszkowska K, Witkowska-Pilaszewicz O, Przewozny M, Cywinska A. Whole body and partial body cryotherapies - lessons from human practice and possible application for horses. BMC Vet Res 2018 Dec 12;14(1):394.
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