Pin firing is a treatment used for decades until the 1980s when vet schools deemed it abusive and it rapidly lost favor. Yet some vets today still pin fire cannon bones, hocks and other limb areas. These older vets believe the results are worth the temporary pain that is no more harmful than the treated lesion (bucked shins, hock pain).
In essence, pin firing is applying heat through inflammation. Humans apply heat to sore muscles and joints with good results. Unfortunately, there are few good studies comparing pin firing with other thermal-inducing therapies, nor studies to prove the effectiveness of heat in any form. The controversy widens between ice and heat therapies.
Yet again, there are no studies to prove that chronic protein deficiency may play a role in the breakdown of these tissues that, if prevented, would eliminate the need for heat therapy. Also, there are data correlating poor training (overwork) with these injuries. Training horses more effectively would preclude the use of pin firing too.
⬇︎ Click or tap on any image to fully open it. Swipe or click the arrow to move through the gallery. ⬇︎
Recent pin firing of both front cannon bones was a common treatment for bucked shins (inflammation of the periosteum covering the front of the cannon bone from overtraining young horses. It is no longer taught in vet schools because it is considered a harmful treatment.Pin firing marks at the back of the hocks to treat curbs (inflammation of the tarsal ligament). The skin was burned in multiple focused areas to cause inflammation and stop the pain.Pin firing marks at the back of the hocks to treat curbs (inflammation of the tarsal ligament). The skin was burned in multiple focused areas to cause inflammation and stop the pain.Pin firing marks at the back of the hocks to treat curbs (inflammation of the tarsal ligament). The skin was burned in multiple focused areas to cause inflammation and stop the pain.
Pin firing is a treatment used for decades until the 1980s when vet schools deemed it abusive and it rapidly lost favor. Yet some vets today still pin fire cannon bones, hocks and other limb areas. These older vets believe the results are worth the temporary pain that is no more harmful than the treated lesion (bucked shins, hock pain).
In essence, pin firing is applying heat through inflammation. Humans apply heat to sore muscles and joints with good results. Unfortunately, there are few good studies comparing pin firing with other thermal-inducing therapies, nor studies to prove the effectiveness of heat in any form. The controversy widens between ice and heat therapies.
Yet again, there are no studies to prove that chronic protein deficiency may play a role in the breakdown of these tissues that, if prevented, would eliminate the need for heat therapy. Also, there are data correlating poor training (overwork) with these injuries. Training horses more effectively would preclude the use of pin firing too.
⬇︎ Click or tap on any image to fully open it. Swipe or click the arrow to move through the gallery. ⬇︎
Recent pin firing of both front cannon bones was a common treatment for bucked shins (inflammation of the periosteum covering the front of the cannon bone from overtraining young horses. It is no longer taught in vet schools because it is considered a harmful treatment.Pin firing marks at the back of the hocks to treat curbs (inflammation of the tarsal ligament). The skin was burned in multiple focused areas to cause inflammation and stop the pain.Pin firing marks at the back of the hocks to treat curbs (inflammation of the tarsal ligament). The skin was burned in multiple focused areas to cause inflammation and stop the pain.Pin firing marks at the back of the hocks to treat curbs (inflammation of the tarsal ligament). The skin was burned in multiple focused areas to cause inflammation and stop the pain.
Report
There was a problem reporting this post.
Block Member?
Please confirm you want to block this member.
You will no longer be able to:
See blocked member's posts
Mention this member in posts
Invite this member to groups
Message this member
Add this member as a connection
Please note:
This action will also remove this member from your connections and send a report to the site admin.
Please allow a few minutes for this process to complete.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Navigating to another page also accepts the use of all cookies.To revisit your preferences and to read the cookie policy, click on "Cookie Policy" in the footer menu.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
If you are a member, THANK YOU for supporting my effort of Helping Horses Thrive In A Human World™. Please forward this website to everyone you know. Membership is a way to get more from this site and also supports the maintenance and updates. Thanks, Doc T!
Responses
You must log in to post a comment.