Owner's Information:

Contraindictions to Massaging a Horse:

The term contraindication is used to describe specific situations in which you should not massage a horse and in which you should seek the advice of your veterinarian.

• Do not massage when the horse’s temperature is over 102 degrees Fahrenheit. A horse’s normal temperature is 100 degrees Fahrenheit. An increase in temperature occurs during serious illnesses; feverish conditions call for complete rest. Massage will only render the situation worse by increasing blood circulation, which is already rampant. Cover your horse with a blanket to keep him/her warm and avoid a chill. Check with your veterinarian.

• When there is an open wound (broken skin) or healing wound (bleeding) anywhere on the body, avoid that area.

• When there is acute trauma (a torn muscle or an area with internal bleeding, such as acute hematoma), use ice for the first few hours.

• When severe forms of functional nervous disease (tetanus, etc.) are present, do not massage the horse. The nerve stimulation can make the horse uneasy.

• Acute nerve problems or nerve irritation (neuralgia) in a particular area (following a wound or a bad stretch) is a contraindication to massage.

• During colitis, diarrhea, pregnancy, or hernias.

• Acute rheumatism and arthritis are too painful to permit massage. Massage would worsen the inflammation.

• Calcification around the joints or within soft tissue should not be massaged; it would only increase inflammation. Check with your veterinarian for possible surgical removal.

• An inflammatory condition such as phlebitis would be worsened by direct massage. Check with your veterinarian.

• If cancerous tumors and cysts are present, do not massage. Massage could spread them. Check with your veterinarian.

Massage is absolutely contraindicated in the following conditions since it would contribute to their spread.

• Skin problems of fungal origin, such as Ringworm.

• Infectious conditions of fistulous origin, such as Poll-evil or Fistulous withers.

• Infectious diseases, such as Strangles, Tetanus, and Pneumonia.

• Acute stages of viral diseases, such as Equine Influenza or Herpes.