Time may be the single most underrated and remarkable treatment of all. The body's ability to heal itself is nothing short of amazing. In all cases, the body's own efforts are the most important mechanism for healing. As veterinarians, our hope is that our contributions supplement and do not detract from the body's efforts.

If we are going to rely on time alone to help heal a condition, your role becomes even more important. You will need to determine whether things are improving or worsening. You'll need to know what to look for and how to report what you see to your veterinarian.

This treatment refers to a situation in which your veterinarian has examined the horse, has made a diagnosis and has advised NO TREATMENT NECESSARY, JUST TIME. In this case, unless your vet has instructed you otherwise, your horse's management, work level, nutrition all will stay the same.

This treatment (or lack thereof) does NOT refer to a situation in which you have guessed at what is wrong and decided to wait and see on your own. There's a big difference between the two. The key is that before you assume that time will be effective in treating a condition, that you secure a veterinary diagnosis and work with your veterinarian going forward.

Let's take an example involving your own health. If you have a cough, in most cases you will get better over time, without securing a specific diagnosis or treatment. But what is going to determine outcome is what is CAUSING the cough. If its a little dust irritation or a common cold, then you will likely improve. If it is a lung tumor, the delay as you waited for time to relieve the cough could cost you your life.

In equine practice, There are many conditions that we expect to improve but that we don't believe need to be treated further. For example: an uncomplicated body wound that has healed to a particular point and nature will likely continue to the point of full recovery.

Waiting may involve rest, or work may continue. It depends on the condition being considered.