Objective: To compare core temperatures of superficial and deep digital flexor tendons (SDFT, DDFT) during application of a compression cooling system versus ice boots and during subsequent lower limb bandaging.
Study design: Experimental study.
Animals: Paired forelimbs of six sedated horses.
Methods: Thermocouples were placed in the core of SDFT and DDFT of both front limbs of each horse. A compression cooling system was applied to one front limb and an ice boot was applied to the other front limb for 60 min and then removed for 60 min. Standing bandages were then applied to both front limbs for 60 min and removed. A random coefficient regression model was fitted for cold therapy data and two-way ANOVA with repeated measures was performed to compare treatment effects of time and cold therapy method (p ≤ .05).
Results: The compression cooling system resulted in greater drop in core temperatures from baseline of both tendons than ice boots (p = .04) (decreased by 10.8 ± 4.0°C SDFT, 9.8 ± 3.6°C DDFT in compression cooling system limbs; 7.5 ± 3.1°C SDFT, 6.5 ± 2.4°C DDFT in ice boot limbs). Standing bandages significantly increased core temperatures of the SDFT (4.1° ± 2.7) and DDFT (3.7° ± 2.5) from baseline during the treatment period (p < .0001).
Conclusion: The compression cooling system provided superior cooling of the SDFT and DDFT than ice boots, when applied to normal horses in an experimental setting. Bandaging increased flexor tendon temperatures but remained within physiological limits.
Clinical significance: The compression cooling system is recommended rather than ice boots for more rapid and consistent cooling of tendons.
© 2025 American College of Veterinary Surgeons.