Treatment & Rehabilitation Planning
Individual treatment and rehabilitation programs to support recovery and a safe return to work.
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Individual care for every stage of recovery
A clear treatment and rehabilitation plan is an important part of helping a horse recover from injury, illness or surgery and return safely to work.
At Racetrack Veterinary Services, we develop individual treatment and rehabilitation programs based on the horse’s diagnosis, clinical findings, workload, age, discipline and intended return to activity.
Our team of veterinarians work closely with owners, trainers, riders and other professionals involved in the horse’s care to create a practical plan that can be monitored and adjusted as recovery progresses.
Supporting recovery
Individual treatment and exercise recommendations.
Veterinary reassessment and diagnostic imaging where needed.
Progressive rehabilitation and return-to-work planning.
Coordination with the horse’s wider care team.
Individual treatment plans
No two horses recover in exactly the same way.
Following diagnosis, our team of veterinarians may develop a treatment plan that includes:
- Medication
- Rest or restricted exercise
- Controlled walking programs
- Gradual return to ridden work
- Rehabilitation exercises
- Repeat diagnostic imaging
- Joint or soft tissue treatments
- Bandaging or wound care
- Farriery recommendations
- Nutritional or weight-management advice
- Referral for specialist treatment where required
The treatment plan will depend on the nature and severity of the condition, the horse’s intended workload and how they respond during recovery.
Rehabilitation following injury
Rehabilitation is particularly important following tendon, ligament, joint, bone and muscle injuries.
Returning to exercise too quickly can increase the risk of reinjury, while unnecessary periods of complete rest may also affect fitness and musculoskeletal strength.
A structured rehabilitation program allows exercise to be increased progressively while the horse’s clinical signs and healing are monitored.
Rehabilitation stages may include
- Box rest
- Hand walking
- Controlled paddock or yard turnout
- Walking under saddle
- Introduction of trot work
- Gradual increase in workload
- Return to normal training or competition
The timing of each stage will depend on the individual horse and the injury being treated.
Monitoring recovery
Regular veterinary reassessment is an important part of rehabilitation planning.
Depending on the condition, monitoring may involve:
- Clinical examinations
- Lameness assessments
- Flexion tests
- Repeat ultrasound scans
- Repeat radiographs
- Assessment following exercise
- Review of swelling, heat or sensitivity
- Evaluation of response to treatment
These assessments help our team of veterinarians determine whether rehabilitation is progressing as expected and whether the program needs to be modified.
Rehabilitation for racehorses & performance horses
Racehorses and performance horses require rehabilitation plans that consider the physical demands of their discipline and the level of work they need to return to.
Our team of veterinarians understand the importance of balancing appropriate recovery time with maintaining conditioning and preparing the horse for a safe return to training.
We can work with trainers and riders to develop staged return-to-work programs and reassess horses as workload increases.
Stable facilities at Darby Lodge
For horses requiring closer veterinary observation, Racetrack Veterinary Services has access to stable facilities at Darby Lodge.
These facilities may be suitable for selected horses that require:
- Close monitoring
- More frequent veterinary assessment
- Medication or treatment that is difficult to manage at home
- Controlled rest
- Wound care
- Rehabilitation supervision
- Monitoring following injury or illness
- Short-term management while a treatment plan is established
Having horses located at Darby Lodge allows our veterinary team to monitor selected cases more closely and adjust treatment or rehabilitation plans where required.
The suitability of stabling at Darby Lodge will depend on the individual horse, their condition and the level of care required.
Working with your horse’s care team
Rehabilitation often involves more than veterinary treatment alone.
Where appropriate, our team of veterinarians may work with or recommend input from:
- Farriers
- Equine physiotherapists
- Rehabilitation therapists
- Trainers
- Riders
- Nutritionists
- Specialist equine veterinarians
A coordinated approach can help ensure that everyone involved in the horse’s care is working toward the same recovery goals.
Returning to work
The decision to increase exercise or return a horse to full work should be based on more than a set period of time.
Our team of veterinarians consider:
- The original diagnosis
- Clinical examination findings
- Imaging results
- Response to treatment
- Progress during rehabilitation
- The horse’s fitness
- Intended workload
- Risk of reinjury
For some injuries, repeat imaging may be recommended before increasing exercise significantly.
Frequently asked questions
How long will my horse’s rehabilitation take?
This depends on the type and severity of the injury, the tissue involved and the horse’s response to treatment. Some conditions may resolve relatively quickly, while tendon, ligament or bone injuries may require several months of carefully managed rehabilitation.
How often will my horse need to be reassessed?
The timing of reassessments depends on the condition being treated. Our team of veterinarians will recommend review intervals based on the horse’s progress and rehabilitation plan.
Can my horse stay at Darby Lodge during treatment?
Selected horses may be able to use the stable facilities at Darby Lodge when closer monitoring or more intensive management is required. Our team of veterinarians can discuss whether this is suitable for your horse.
Does rehabilitation always mean box rest?
No. The amount of rest required depends on the condition. Some horses need strict rest initially, while others benefit from controlled exercise. Our team of veterinarians will recommend the most appropriate approach.
When can my horse start walking or ridden work again?
This depends on the diagnosis and how healing is progressing. Exercise is usually reintroduced gradually and may be adjusted following clinical examination or repeat imaging.
Can you create a return-to-racing or return-to-competition program?
Yes. Our team of veterinarians can develop a staged return-to-work program based on the horse’s injury, imaging results and intended athletic workload.
Need advice about your horse? Contact our veterinary team.
Develop a treatment & rehabilitation plan
If your horse has been diagnosed with an injury or is recovering from illness, surgery or a period out of work, Racetrack Veterinary Services can develop an individual treatment and rehabilitation plan.
Our team can provide ongoing reassessment, diagnostic imaging and rehabilitation guidance, with stable facilities at Darby Lodge available for selected horses requiring closer veterinary monitoring.
BOOK A VET ☎ 03 5975 6586