There seems to be a lot of interest in whole-body cryotherapy for horses at the moment. And why not? Many of the adverts promise that it will treat a huge range of problems from laminitis to colic to arthritis to respiratory disease. But you might want to save your cash before rushing to find the nearest “treatment” centre.
Sure, there are lots of centres offering whole-body cryotherapy for people. But whole-body cryotherapy isn’t a recognised medical treatment. And those offering it claim it can help with Asthma, Alzheimer’s, Anxiety, Chronic pain and fibromyalgia, Depression, Migraines, Multiple sclerosis, Weight loss, Insomnia and different types of Arthritis. Some also claim it can improve your circulation, boost your metabolism, and ease pain after a workout or competition.
In the United States, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not tested any of the medical claims about whole-body cryotherapy and warns people to “use caution when trying it”. The agency has not approved the use of tanks as a treatment for any health conditions. The FDA has examined a few studies on the effects of whole-body cryotherapy and decided that they don’t show “real evidence of the therapy helping with any medical conditions”.
Is it safe? We don’t really know. In people, exposure to extreme cold can cause frostbite or cold-induced rashes after whole-body cryotherapy and these are reported on a fairly frequent basis. Extreme cold may also aggravate other health conditions, including – High blood pressure, Heart disease, Lung disease (note it is claimed to improve asthma), Poor blood circulation, Allergy symptoms triggered by cold (e.g. asthma) and Neuropathy in the legs or feet.
WBC research in horses? Only one original research study that I can find. 3 minutes exposure to -140°C. The authors found no measurable effects.
Bottom Line
- Is whole-body cryotherapy new? ……Definitely not.
- Is whole-body cryotherapy for horses new? ……Fairly.
- Are the benefits of whole-body cryotherapy for horses known? …….Definitely not!
- Are the risks of whole-body cryotherapy for horses known? …….Definitely not!
- Do vets and physios recommend whole-body cryotherapy for horses? ………Not any I have spoken to
- Would I put any of my horses in one? ……..DEFINITELY NOT!
- Should I believe all the “HYPE” about whole-body cryotherapy in horses on social media? ………DEFINITELY NOT!
Final word – Some of the videos of horses, after they have had whole-body cryotherapy circulating on social media, raise serious causes for concern. Horses are shivering violently, potentially in pain and distress. And remember, this is NOT a proven veterinary treatment. Owners submitting their horses to this treatment could potentially be prosecuted, i.e. not just those providing this. If you are considering WHOLE BODY CRYOTHERAPY for your horse or pony, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE speak to your vet or physio first!
The full article on Whole Body Cryotherapy is in our Members Only area along with a range of other resources on local /regional cryotherapy e.g. for laminitis, etc. https://askanimalweb.com/whole-body-cryotherapy-for-horses/
