Re: RC: using poultice

[Onefarmgirl@aol.com]

In a message dated 6/12/01 10:44:58 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
guest@endurance.net writes:

<<  As an experiment, I didn't use the poultice and wrap method after my last 
ride and noticed more swelling for a longer period of time. >>

Well, I was hoping some of you more experienced folks would respond to this, 
but since it hasn't generated a lot of replies, I guess I will jump in.   My 
issue is completely aside from the question about poultice vs. no 
poultice......

Not to flame this writer in ANY way, but I have a concern that she is seeing 
some swelling after each ride (i.e. w/o the poultice she notices more 
swelling, lasting longer).  If my horses legs were swollen after a ride, I 
consider it an indication of more micro-trauma than would be desireable to 
build/remodel/strengthen skeletal structures.   I definitely wouldn't want to 
see them swollen after every event.   Even if icing them (via the poultice) 
aids in reducing the swelling, this still seems like courting disaster, IMO.

Again, no disrespect intended - just interested in hearing from some of you 
who put a lot of miles on.....

In re:  the poultice itself, there was some research released not too long 
ago (I think it was summarized in Equus), that it takes 20 minutes for the 
cold to penetrate deep structures.  I believe they described an ideal 
protocol for off/on cold to minimize swelling and injury.   Anyone have more 
info?

pat farmer