This article is a follow up to the articles on Bandaging and Treating Leg Swelling in Horses. They should be studied first. Counter irritation is common treatment in both horses and humans. Liniment and topical arthritis treatments are examples. These type treatments when applied correctly will bring increase mobility and pain relief. They may also increase circulation to help in the repair of chronic disease and injured tissues.

Following injury (usually 72 hours after the initial injury) heat may aid healing in several ways. It may help reduce stiffness, increase blood supply, and reduce pain. Over aggressive use of heat may result in injury so care must be exercised. Heating pads, hot water, and hot water bottles have all been used but the use of liniments, massage, and bandaging is the most common techniques. Extreme care must be exercised with these products as sensitive individuals may react to any product and excessive use or strength may cause any individual to react. It is best that these techniques are learned directly from someone familiar with them.

In general most of these products are not really active pharmacologically, but the physical effects of heating, massage and bandaging that go with them probably are. As long as the product does not cause pain to the horse and irritation to the skin, no harm is done. The effect is very temporary and must be repeated once or twice daily for any beneficial effect at all. A region of muscular soreness or joint soreness that is massaged will show pain relief following application of this type of drug. The result is temporary and plastic sheeting applied to the limb after application of these drugs enhances their effect but also increases the irritant effect and could damage tissues.

These agents produce redness and mild heat by increasing circulation. They are commonly present in various braces and liniments. Many terms are applied to products used for their rubefacient effect. The terms "liniment," "tightener," "brace," and "sweat" are often used. In reality there is very little difference among them.