Bursal Strains & Injuries
A bursal is an isolated fluid-filled sac. Some occur naturally at potential pressure points (e.g. point of hock) whereas others are acquired due to repetitive low grade trauma.
Bursal strains in horses occurs when damage to the bursae (sacs) around bony areas causes an over-production of the lubricating synovial fluid contained within the joints, and this shows as soft swelling or a bursal enlargement.
Bursal strains can cause;
- Bog spavins
- Wingalls
- Thoroughpins
They are not very serious but may, at the onset, be painful and cause lameness.
Treatment includes rest, cold hosing and massage. Capped hocks, elbows and knees are injuries caused by bursal strains and are often painless, although treatment is often advisable.
Can Niagara Equissage help with bursal strains?
Niagara Equissage can help considerably with all bursal strains and injuries.
Application
For Bog Spavins, please refer to the Bog Spavins page.
For Windgalls treatment, targeted daily use of the Hand Unit or use of the Tendon Boot, ideally in conjunction with the Back Pad, will keep the fluid up under control. The setting for the Hand Unit should be higher rather than lower so as to really move the fluid out of the joint capsule or tendon sheath as the case may be; a 5-10 minute treatment will be sufficient. If using the Hand Unit, try and keep it still rather than moving it around.
For thoroughpins, the Hand Unit should be used daily as part of the management routine on and around the site of the swelling for 5-10 minutes on a medium to high speed. As with other bursal swellings, try to avoid constantly moving the Hand Unit around.

Testimonials
See All- “The Niagara Equissage has become invaluable to us in the recuperation of our training horses. Its advantages are too numerous to mention, and the horses seem to enjoy the luxury. We also use it on stallions, mares, and yearlings.”
- The pony was qualified for the Horse of The Year Show in England, but was ill with a virus 10 days before the show and the vet advised not traveling. 50 ml/day of Brandes Formula and a week later the bloods were dramatically improved and the decision made to travel, albeit later than intended. The pony had to be ridden by an English rider for qualification reasons, and Christie Prichard had not sat on him till 20 minutes before the class. They jumped one of only 5 clear rounds, and then won the Jump Off to be crowned Pony Of The Year. Without Brandes Formula we would not even have been at the show. As it turned out he looked great, jumped superbly, and thanks to Brandes Formula our dream has come true.
- International 3 Day Event Rider
The Brandes Formula really helps to keep my horses feeling 100% on long journeys, and I have also noticed a big improvement in their stamina and focus when I have given it to them before the cross country phase. The AfterAce has improved the freedom of movement in all of my horses this year, and has really aided in their recovery from the stresses of eventing - both products are an important part of competition and daily maintenance for my horses.