stabling a horse on a concrete floor

[skipper6265]

I am trying to get some opinions on stabling a horse in a stall with a concrete floor.    The floors have rubber mats on top of the concrete and then a thick bed of shavings on top of that.    The horse will be out about 8-10 hours a day.    This horse has been diagnosed with OCD in his front pastern and is currently taking Adaquin injections once a month He is 100% sound.   Thanks for your time.

[Sharon1023]

I was wondering if you have tried any natural healing methods like Silver Lining Herbs?  I have a couple horses with different issues and opted out of the injections (and Western medicine for the most part) and am going a different route.  My 14 yo gelding was diagnosised with navicular but then a different vet said no he isn't.  I decided to have a chiro look at him and get that part working and now he gets two herbs daily.  One to cleanse his kidneys of all the toxins (yes, the injections ar toxic) and another for feet and bone support.  He is doing better and it is much less expensive.  Just a thought - as I know there are so many you will encounter on your journey.

Another option is to use infrared lights on his pasturn for relief and to promote the healing process.  The body will do amazing things when given the right tools.

[skipper6265]

Linda,

Thanks for responding to my question regarding the concrete floors.    Someone has recommended that I put an additional layer of mats on top of the mats that are already there.    They said that this would for sure give him plenty of padding.

You also inquired as to what treatments were suggested for the OCD.    The vet at UGA recommended either injecting his fetlock joint or surgery.     I chose the injection and so far things are going well.    I am riding him again and he appears to be mostly sound at all three gates.   In addition to the Adequin shots, I have put him on an herb called Devils Claw.    This aids in inflammation of the joints.

[lindasp62]

Stall mats over concrete are really ideal (better than over dirt, really)...given  that the concrete is level underneath. I have found out that over dirt, it becomes a swampy mess under the mats as water, urine, etc find its way through the seams and buckle the mats. (I am assuming your mats are the solid rubber ones...not the ones with drainage holes).  So, this will give a nice, solid but cushioning base in the stall.  Stall mats really  make things better for any horse, especially one with health issues.  A thick bed of shavings will additionally help.....I would make sure there is about 5" of bedding on top of the mats.  Your horse should be very comfortable with this bedding set up!  Now, all he needs is a pillow and a teddy bear!!

I remember when you first posted and your horse was just starting out on  his treatment program....how is it going?  It seems if he is 100% sound, it is working!  What treatment ideas did your vet suggest?  Is your horse on a daily joint supplement in addition to the montly Adequan injections?

Thanks for posting! Keep us updated!