Box Rest

It is common in human medicine, especially in the case of limb injuries, to confine the patient to bed for a period of time in order that the damaged tissues can be immobilised while healing takes place.

Unfortunately this is not possible with horses so the next best thing is box rest.

Uncontrolled movement significantly impairs the healing of tissues. Wound edges move, leading to opening of the wound and the formation of exuberant granulation tissue which can delay healing for months.

Tendon and ligament healing is disrupted leading to large unstable scarring of the affected structure which then has an increased likelihood of breaking down when the horse returns to work.

Bandaging, especially of the foot, becomes loosened and dirty leading to contamination of the bandaged structure.