Bemer Blanket for PSSM?

[MH_Dressage]

I have long stalked the chronicle forums and am usually so impressed about the amount of feedback and helpful advice that can be found on here. I was really hoping some of you guys might be able to help me!

I have a 13 yo dressage horse, who successfully showed the GP until we started noticing an extremely uncharacteristic unwillingness to work and dug further. My internal med vet determined her to have a myopathy of some kind (negative to PSSM1 genetic testing but clinically responds to the PSSM diet).

I’ve been able to get her back into a fair amount of work after a rehab period, strict diet with all the recommended additions (low NSC% hay, Vit. E, Magnesium, KER Releve, etc.), and ample turnout with a grazing muzzle. She’s back to her bright, worker bee self and seems happy and able to do her work. However, I am looking for something that might help her stay loose before and after her work, especially after we start to play with the more difficult things again. I think that the concept of the Bemer might be very beneficial for this mare, but I have not heard of it being used on a horse like her. I know that there are several threads about the Bemer, but does anyone have any experience specifically with a horse with a myopathy? Is there something else that I should be considering?

Thanks!

[Junebuggie]

I use a SportInnovations 3in1 blanket on my mare, who is diagnosed with PSSM2/MFM. I feel it makes a HUGE difference for her. It’s heavier/bulkier than a Bemer, but I love that it has massage and heat functions as well as the PEMF. Of course she also gets all of the MFM supplements and a RB along with hay.

[MH_Dressage]

Did you contemplate buying the Bemer versus the SportInnovations blanket? I would be curious to know if you were able to compare the effects of the blankets or if the PEMF is different? Did you invest in the neck piece as well? Thanks so much for the recommendation!

[FjordBCRF]

I have a BEMER and when shopping around, decided against the 3 in 1. He gets bodywork once a month and I massage in between. I like to feel the feedback and my gelding will also show you where he wants rubbed and the amount of pressure he prefers. I personally don’t like the people massage chairs or other gadgets and much prefer a person to massage me.

I’m going through EPM and musculoskeletal issues with my guy now. Rehab vet thought PSSM could be in play but he’s already on the diet so I’ve not tested him yet.

The BEMER is part of our routine and seems to make a difference, especially with getting him warmed up.

[MH_Dressage]

I live in FL, so I am not sure that I would ever use the heat function of the 3in1. I appreciate your feedback with the massage too, I think that is a great point! Do you use the Bemer before and after your ride or just before?

[FjordBCRF]

Depending on how much time I have both! If I only have time for one treatment, I do it before riding/groundwork.

[Junebuggie]

I didn’t try out the Bemer as I rented the 3in1 first and really felt it was the right choice. I’m in northern NE so the heat function is terrific for us in the winter.