From the Inventor
About Equiflexsleeve
The story of Equiflexsleeve and and how this great product came to be.
Equiflexsleeve was invented by Mary Leibold out of a need to simplify and advance the treatment of her own horse’s lameness issues. In her own words, she tells how Equiflexsleeve began.
In early 2009, while treating my own horse’s degenerative suspensory ligament lameness, I set out to develop a product that would provide him with the support of a traditional standing wraps without any of the negative side effects associated with long-term use of those wraps. Working closely with physicians and equine veterinarians, I was able to produce such a product.
After more than three years of testing and development, the result is a joint support/compression sleeve that is comfortable for the horse, can be used instead of standing wraps and can be used for longer periods of time than standing wraps.”
From the Doctors
Mary Leibold consulted with Drs. Ken Keckler and J. Larry Agle of Buckeye Veterinary Service during the lengthy development process to ensure correct and consistent pressure would be delivered to speed healing and provide proper support. Both graduates of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, they have been instrumental in the success of Equiflexsleeve.
Dr. Keckler writes:
“There had to be a better way. After spending hours wrapping her horse’s hind legs, washing and re-rolling the polo bandages and quilts, Mary Leibold started designing one. Equiflexsleeve is the result.
Does your horse have swelling around acute or chronic suspensory injuries? Does he have a ”big leg” from episodes of cellulitis/lymphangitis? Does he just “stock up” from standing in the stall overnight? Are you concerned about “bandage bows” from inexperienced leg wrappers pulling bandages too tight? Which direction do you wrap the leg, clockwise or counterclockwise? Equiflexsleeves are a better way to keep down swelling and prevent fluid accumulation in the skin and underlying tissues of your horse’s legs.
Equiflexsleeves are carefully designed to put constant, consistent pressure from the upper cannon region to below the fetlock. Your horse can have his own “compression hose”. Human athletes have seen the benefit of compression fit stockings and sleeves at work and at rest. Venous blood flow is improved by counteracting the forces of gravity. Skin is protected from small nicks and cuts. And Equiflexsleeves come in a variety of colors to match your horse’s individual personality.
I have seen Equiflexsleeves used for all the problems listed above, and have been impressed at the results. Legs retain more normal shape and size, and the horses do not mind them at all. I have not seen any skin irritation or tendon damage with consistent use of Equiflexsleeves. They do not sag or fall down the leg as swelling dissipates. If the Equiflexsleeve is not wet, it can be worn for an extended period of time before washing. I recommend Equiflexsleeves to clients who have horses with suspensory ligament issues, lymphangitis/cellulitis (after infection is cleared and swelling has improved), and older horses that just “stock up” overnight. Equiflexsleeve is a better way than bandaging legs.”
Ken Keckler DVM
What Our Customers Are Saying
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