title: Studies on the optimal temperature of flotation tanks in the management of skeletal injuries in the horse.
abstract: In order to determine optimum tank temperature, nine horses were allocated randomly to three groups and placed in a flotation tank at temperatures of 28 degrees C, 32 degrees C and 36 degrees C. Their progress was monitored by subjective and objective clinical measurements and a variety of laboratory parameters. A 'reacclimatisation crisis' following removal from the tank was observed in most horses after immersion for 21 days and it was concluded that a tank temperature of 36 degrees C provided maximum patient comfort and minimum homoeostatic disturbance.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000293:injuries*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D006736:Horses; D007101:Immersion; D009983:Orthopedic Equipment / Q000662:veterinary*; D013696:Temperature