Extend-A-Cool® is an effective remedy to address sore shins, inflamed leg muscles and tendons, and reduce swelling from acute sprains and bruises. When applied to the lower leg, the temperature under the wrap may be reduced by up to 6°F or more, for up to six hours.
Clinical Study:
The Value of Transdermal Cooling Therapy
When a horse is running at full speed or jumping a fence, each leg is subjected to a load that can equal several tons of force—stretching and contracting tendons by as much as one to two inches with each stride. Given such stresses on lower leg structures, isn't it a wonder that more horses don't experience tendonitis and acute tendon fiber rupture?
Tendon Fiber Necrosis
In vitro tests have shown that, at 109°F, necrosis of tendon fibers begins to occur. In vivo tests with horses have shown that the temperature at the middle of a bent tendon—after just seven minutes of training—rises as high as 113°F. This heat rise can cause acute symptoms of tendonitis.
Tissue injury results in inflammation, which releases chemical mediators (cytokines) and increases blood flow. Cytokines and the metabolites released from tissues cause the heat, pain and swelling observed after injury. Cold limits the inflammatory response through vasoconstriction. This decreases fluid leaking from the local capillaries, thereby preventing edema in traumatized tissues.
Whether a racehorse, skilled jumper or professional rodeo roper, tendon injuries can often end a horse's career.
The
cooling capacity of Extend-A-Cool transdermal sheets minimizes the
onset of tendonitis for as long as seven hours by reducing the rise
in heat up to 8°F.
As shown in Figure 1 to the right, the temperature of the area where Extend-A-Cool is applied is lowered by more than 8°F—enough cooling relief to make Extend-A-Cool a preferred treatment option.
The convenience and flexibility of Extend-A-Cool make it the ideal choice.
Extend-A-Cool's cooling capacity is moderate, allowing additional cooling effect time compared to extreme cooling, such as that of ice or commercial (chemical) cold packs—which can be so cold as to cause nerve damage if used for extended periods of time (longer than 20 minutes).
Extend-A-Cool helps relieve sore shins, osslets and inflammation of muscles and tendons that result from strenuous activity. Extend-A-Cool can also help reduce the swelling and discomfort that come from acute sprains and bruises.
Extend-A-Cool Advantages
Offers maximum convenience anywhere, anytime—no refrigeration or freezing needed
Can provide controlled cooling relief for up to six hours or more
Conforms to horse's leg shape and cools the tissues uniformly due to its flexible design
Can be quickly and easily applied to the horse's leg
No mess is created in the use of Extend-A-Cool—no melting ice or running water
Product is compact and thin so it takes very little storage space
Convenient to use when traveling, at shows and events, or in the stable
Extend-A-Cool creates a moderate cooling effect that prevents the possible tissue damage that may occur with frozen products when they are used for extended periods
Gentle to the horse's legs
When one considers Extend-A-Cool's convenience and ability to be applied immediately following a workout, Extend-A-Cool is the cool winner.
Extend-A-Cool Test Results
Various in vivo tests were conducted to determine the efficacy of Extend-A-Cool according to real-life application situations. Following are the findings from these tests.
Application In Resting Horses
Methodology
Extend-A-Cool was applied to resting horses to measure the cooling action when body heat was normal. This was conducted in order to see how body heat might impact the longevity of cooling action. The cooling sheet was stored at room temperature before application.
An Extend-A-Cool sheet and wrap were applied to the right lower leg, with the left leg uncovered (control). A temperature sensor placed between the right leg surface and Extend-A-Cool captured temperature changes at one-minute intervals for approximately eight hours.
Results
As shown in Figure 2, the area where Extend-A-Cool was applied cooled the area initially by 6°F. The cooling effect varied over time with the greatest effect in the first three hours.
Application Following Pleasure Horse Riding
Methodology
In this test, a pleasure horse was taken for a brief ride. Five minutes later, an Extend-A-Cool sheet and wrap were applied to the calf and shin of the right leg, with temperature sensors attached as in the prior test. An Extend-A-Cool wrap was placed on the left leg as a control, and temperatures of both legs were measured for two and a half hours at one-minute intervals.
Results
As shown in Figure 3 to the right, immediately after Extend-A-Cool was applied to the area, a temperature difference of approximately 8°F was measured for the first half hour.
For the remainder of the test, temperature differences were 6°F or more.
Additional Technical Data
Extend-A-Cool may not be enough for more serious cases of tendonitis
where hematomas exist; however, when used in conjunction with ice
massages and other regimens established by the equine medical community,
Extend-A-Cool can extend cooling therapy up to seven hours for each
transdermal sheet used.
Extend-A-Cool sheets work by heat vaporization of water content.
Refrigerating Extend-A-Cool will increase its cooling capacity for the first 10 minutes; however, temperature changes after that point equalize with the research results obtained in non-refrigerated tests.
Extend-A-Cool contains no harmful chemicals or residues. It is for external use only and should not be applied with external ointments, creams or salves.
The
cooling capacity of Extend-A-Cool transdermal sheets minimizes the
onset of tendonitis for as long as seven hours by reducing the rise
in heat up to 8°F. 
Results
