Studies on the optimal temperature of flotation tanks in the management of skeletal injuries in the horse.
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.
D000818:Animals; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000293:injuries*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D006736:Horses; D007101:Immersion; D009983:Orthopedic Equipment / Q000662:veterinary*; D013696:Temperature