Pin firing

Pin firing, also known as thermocautery,[1] is the treatment of an injury to a horse's leg, by burning, freezing, or dousing it with acid or caustic chemicals.[1] This is supposed to induce a counter-irritation and speed and/or improve healing. This treatment is used more often on racehorses than on other performance horses. It is sometimes used in the treatment of bucked shins or splint, curb, or chronic bowed tendons.[2] There was also the theory that it would "toughen" the leg of the horse. This treatment is prevalent in equine veterinary books published in the early 20th century; however many present-day veterinarians and horse owners consider it barbaric and a cruel form of treatment.[3] It is not generally taught in veterinary schools today.[2]

For the mechanism used in a gun or explosive, see firing pin.
A horse with bowed tendons showing marks from recent pin firing treatment
Main article: Treatment of equine lameness ยง Counterirritants

See also

References
  1. "Pinfiring proves obsolete", Thoroughbred Times, Brian Nielsen and Jessica Fattal, November 21, 2006
  2. "Pin Firing". Your Guide to Equine Health Care. Retrieved April 4, 2007.
  3. "Pin firing: A needless pain". Thoroughbred Times (October 2000). Retrieved April 29, 2009.
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