LEG INJURIES

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26515, 1 September 1951, Page 4

LEG INJURIES

RADIOTHERAPY USED. IN CALIFORNIA

The successful treatment of leg troubles resulting from bowed tendons, deposits, and similar conditions affecting racehorses is being carried on by means 'arian^Myro r n%om, 8 ofePMdeAtaiost immediate relief of pain, and prompt reduction of swelling, is obtained by the use of a specially installed 220,000 volt X-ray machine. Dissipation of calcium deposits anti socalled bone growths after an injury is accomplished by the treatment. Scar tissue built up by firing or other causes to an extent where it Interferes with the mobility of a joint may be successfully dissipated by X-ray treatment. In the last year and a half a number of thoroughbreds ruhning on Californian tracks have received this treatment. A horse which had won 5800 dollars up to the time he suffered a leg injury was treated by this means, and has returned to the track to win another 47,000 dollars. A trine-year-old, after treatment, won 12 out of 24 starts, and was in the money 18 times. .. , “We do not Claim that other methods of treatment cannot accomplish the same results," explains Dr. Thom, “but we have found that the horse recovers from his injury more quickly after treatment by •radiation. In one way the treatment aay almost be said to be too quickly , ffective. With the pain relieved and swelling reduced, trainers are tempted to cut short the time that should be allowed to complete recovery.”