Advice please - is it safe to...

[spanisheyes]

leave Thermatex leg wraps on all night?

If you dont know what they are here is a link
www.thermatex.co.uk/thermatex-quilted-cordura-leg-wraps-set-of-4-737-0.html

My 14 year old mare will not wear a rug and is stabled at night on a thick bed. She is not cold but has had leg ligament injury in the past and I thought they might help keep her legs warm and this would be good for her?

But I remember that some people feel boots and bandages make a horse more susceptible to tendon / ligament problems?

They are not tight like bandages.

[melissa1787]

I'd think they are ok to leave on overnight.
Have you got any magnetic boots?
They are good to use.
But not to leave on for too long, or ride with them on.
Just an idea.

[julz]

I think i'd be more inclined to make sure the bed was deep and warming, rather than leave wraps/boots/bandages on all night (bandages - unless they were for medical reasons)

Also, if her legs were to fill up, the thermatex things might restrict the fluid and make it worse.

[gem]

Sky has bandages and gamgee on at night as otherwise her legs fill - I would imagine that it would serve the same purpose wouldnt it? though I cant open your link

[jennyb]

Shouldn't be a problem. I leave Veredus magnetic stable boots on all night because of a ligament injury and the vets were perfectly happy for me to do so. In fact, applying wraps or stable bandages is well known to reduce the risk of filled legs, if your horse is susceptible.

[ella19]

Should be fine unless they slip so make sure they fit snugly. Tendon damage comes from the tendons being heated up to extremely high temperatures. This is done through extensive exercise for prolonged periods eg eventing. Leaving her overnight with them on should be fine.

[mollymoo]

They are designed to be able to be left on for up to 14 hours apparently. I have used them for years and leave them on at night in the winter to help with leg filling. ;D

[steve]

I have the Thermatex leg wraps, they are good for keeping legs warm, therefore improving circulation and reducing swelling. They are good for mud fever, as you can wash the legs and the leg wraps dry the legs by wicking the moisture away and safe to leave on overnight. They cost a lot but I've had mine for about 5 yrs and they wash up as new.

[spanisheyes]

Thanks for replies and putting my mind at rest

It sounds like a good idea, I think she would like it in this weather.

She does have a nice deep bed and the thickest EVA mats you can buy underneath.

I just know from my own aches and pains that extra warmth can help you and that old injuries play up in this weather. We are becoming old crocks together!

I have some magnetic wraps but this dont dry the legs like Thermatex if she comes in wet....

[melissa1787]

I want some thermatex wraps now.
Anyone got a secret recipe to winning the lottery.

[Azrael]

I used to put them on all night and never had any problems.

[Amanda Seater]

I have magnet boots on my oldie all night and he is fine.They improve his arthritis no end.
I some times use far infra red wraps which also improve circulation and reduce swelling - great for all sorts including traveling long distances.

[june]

I think that's an "it depends" question. Heat denatures protein, and tendons and ligaments are made of protein. They also have a relatively poor blood supply so they don't dissipate heat easily. You certainly wouldn't want to heat them up prior to fast work but if your horse simply gets turned out in the morning and doesn't have a tendency to gallop around then it won't be a problem.

If you ever watch a high goal polo match the very last thing that will go on the horses before they play are the bandages and they are removed immediately the horse comes off the pitch. That's purely to keep the tendons as cool as possible.

[melissa1787]

that is interesting june.
I wondered why bandages are used in polo.
Someone on the yard bandages her pony's legs up for the night when really cold.
I wonder if it is a good idea?

[Deleted]

Where I work several horses wear thermatex leg wraps all night, I'm not sure of the individuals reasons.

They were recommended to me to prevent mud fever as they dry the legs but when I told my vet this he said he is uneasy about anything that covers up wet legs and would rather they were towel dried and if possible hair dryered (the horse in question was a doll and would let us do ANYTHING to him!).

I was under the impression heat in the legs is generally not a good thing, except clearly if a horse is arthritic and stabled then stopping them getting too cold could help ease the arthritis.