ECB Cold Saltwater Spa

Circle Oak Equine has one of the 30 ECB cold saltwater spas in the United States, although there are several hundred in use in Europe. The ECB Spa is a self-contained unit that uses very cold salt hydrotherapy to treat and prevent lower leg injuries in horses.

What does the cold water do?

  • The saltwater in the spa is aerated and chilled to a constant 35° F. The hyper-cooled saltwater reduces limb temperature (and hence inflammation) far beyond traditional icing techniques, thereby inhibiting enzyme degeneration of tendons and ligaments post-injury.
  • Saltwater at this temperature is denser, which allows a far greater concentration of oxygen, which, combined with the aeration, greatly increases the overall oxygen content of the spa solution, which is believed to promote healing in the same way a hyperbaric chamber does.
  • Exposure to this low temperature results in a significant, drug-free reduction of pain.
  • As the legs re-warm after treatment, blood flow is greatly increased to the injury site.
  • The aeration massages the horse’s legs, increases oxygen content, stimulates blood flow and cleanses open wounds.

Why salt water?

The Epsom and sea salt solution acts as a hypertonic poultice, which means that it draws inflammation out of the horse’s limbs far more effectively than fresh water. The salt also aids in wound cleansing.

What is it used for?

The spa is a drug-free* therapy used to treat all forms of lower leg inflammation and injury, including:

  • Tendonitis (e.g. injury to the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons)
  • Desmitis (e.g. suspensory ligament injuries)
  • Laminitis
  • Hoof bruises and abscesses
  • Splints
  • Bucked shins
  • Arthritis
  • Bursitis/synovitis
  • Open wounds and skin infections
Most fundamentally, the spa speeds injury recovery by dramatically lowering the leg temperature, thereby reducing inflammation and thus minimizing the damaging effect of fiber-deteriorating enzymes.

Can the spa be used to prevent injuries?

Yes! Regular use of cold hydrotherapy immediately after rigorous exercise removes many of the stressors within tissues before inflammation develops. The cold water also significantly improves surface bone density, which reduces the opportunity for bone-stress related injuries to occur.

Will my horse adapt easily to use of the spa?

The spa is easier for a horse to enter and exit than a trailer, and ours is located in a large, well-lit area with non-skid pavers on the floor and ramps. The water is introduced gradually after the horse is standing in the spa, and the vast majority of horses find the cold water soothing and the experience pleasurable. We always have two handlers to ensure safety. Most sessions are approximately 10 minutes in length and results are observable immediately.

Specifications:

The spa is a drug-free* therapy used to treat all forms of lower leg inflammation and injury, including:

  • 530 gallon capacity
  • Rugged non-slip flooring, entry and exit ramps
  • Full filtration for water cleanliness
  • Designed without grooves that can harbor bacteria
  • Epsom and sea saltwater solution maintained at 35° F by continuous circulation
For more information, including scientific research, testimonials and case studies, visit ECB Equine’s website at www.equinespa.com

*Mild sedation is sometimes advisable when first acclimating your horse to the spa.