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B O X R E S T
Veterinary Nurse
Sarah Baillie
XLVets Equine Practice
Ardene House
Veterinary Practice
NURSING FEATURE...
Sarah Baillie REVN,
Ardene House Veterinary Practice
Managing the horse
on box rest
The thought of keeping your horse on box rest is a terrifying one for most
owners, it conjures visions of a stressed, un-manageable horse but it doesn't
have to be that way. With some careful consideration to diet, stimulation,
companionship and your horse's individual likes and dislikes, the box rest
period could be hassle-free and pass more quickly than you thought possible.
Stabling
The first consideration should be stable
selection; if your horse is upset by other horses
coming and going then a quiet isolated stable
would be ideal. However if watching other
horses keeps him entertained then a stable in a
busy area may keep him occupied. As well as
being warm and dry the stable should be well
ventilated to keep dust exposure to a minimum.
Feeding
Food provision is an important consideration.
Eating from the floor is ideal as it mimics their
natural grazing behaviour but this is not always
practical and a compromise may need to be
reached. This could be feeding hay from a net
or rack but also scattering food and treats in
the bed to allow the horse to forage.
Horses on box rest are at increased risk of
colic due to decreased gut motility from lack
of exercise, reduced grass intake and provision
of a dry diet. Firstly your horse's plane of
nutrition should decrease in direct proportion
to the reduction in exercise. Most horses on
box rest will require a purely fibre based diet
with addition of a vitamin supplement or
balancer. Dry food can cause impaction colic
so wetting feed and hay and encouraging
drinking is important.
An adult horse requires 50ml of water per
kg bodyweight a day and if this is not met
drinking should be encouraged. Some horses
prefer warmed water; the addition of fruit juice
to water can make it more appetising. Access
to a salt lick or salt in the horse’s feed can also
encourage drinking.
Tackling boredom
Boredom is often the biggest issue for
horses on box rest but there are many
possible solutions.
Feeds and hay should be split into as many
helpings as possible to provide entertainment.
To slow down a fast eater try placing a clean
brick or salt lick in the feed bucket and make
hay last longer by wrapping in two small-holed
haynets within each other.
Horses usually benefit from a companion but
not necessarily another horse; some horses
enjoy the company of a goat or sheep.
Shatterproof stable mirrors are available which
allow the horse to see its reflection and think
it has company or simply leaving a radio on
can help. Hanging toys, floating toys in the
water bucket, treat balls and licks are all
very useful.
One thing not to be overlooked is grooming
and 'TLC' to stimulate and entertain your horse.
If all else fails oral calmers or sedatives can be
considered but this should be a last resort after
discussion with your vet.
One final consideration is what happens next.
When the box rest period is over and your
horse can finally be turned out do so carefully,
with sedation if necessary, the last thing anyone
wants to see is all of your hard work undone
by a gallop around the field.
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EQUINE MATTERS
1.
A period of box rest may be necessary for
recovery associated with an injury or surgery
2.
Grooming will stimulate and entertain
your horse
3.
Doubling up haynets can make food
last longer
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