Chiropractic for Horses Dr. XYZ 1 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

Content Introduction What is chiropractic? What is a chiropractic subluxation? How subluxations are treated? Causes for subluxations Possible symptoms 2 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

Back problems in horses Many patients with back problems have no pathological structural changes which can be diagnosed to explain the symptoms There are often few correlations between radiological findings and clinical symptoms 3 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

History Manual therapy since > 5000 years 1895 First Chiropractic College USA 1982 First postgraduate program school for animal chiropractic was founded in Illinois, USA Today there are three schools for animal chiropractic in the USA Two animal chiropractic schools in Germany 4 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

Chiropractic Manual therapy Treats dysfunction of the spine and the motion apparatus Influences function of spinal cord and nerves 5 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

Spinal column Central structure 52-54 vertebrae, about 200 joints Supportive and holding function Insertion of muscles and ligaments Protection of the spinal cord Exit point for the spinal nerves 6 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

Physiological (normal) Range of Motion 7 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

Subluxation (Fixation) Chiropractic Definition Decreased motion within the normal range of motion 8 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

Subluxation Medical Definition Displaced out of the normal range of motion, but not completely luxated Structural damage 9 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

Subluxation Decreased motion within the normal range of motion Reduced mobility of the facet joints Hypomobility uni-/bilateral Effecting of neural structures 10 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

Nervous system Function of all organs Health Performance controls 11 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

Traditional Medical Approach Diagnosis and treatment of structural pathologies Chiropractic Approach Diagnosis and treatment of dysfunction 12 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

Examination Case history Posture analysis Gait analysis Static palpation Motion palpation 13 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

Examination If necessary: Examination while being lunged or ridden Referral for other diagnostic procedures: X- Ray, dental, neurological, rectal exams, … Integrative diagnostics 14 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

The chiropractic manipulation = “Adjustment” Controlled thrust Specific in direction, low force, low amplitude, high speed As close as possible to the affected joint Mobilization of the joint without exceeding the anatomical barrier 15 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

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Chiropractic is not ... 27 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

Goals of Chiropractic Care Mobilization of joints in the spine, extremities and the temporo-mandibular joint Restore normal range of motion in joints Reduction of muscle spasm and pain Stimulation of neurogenic reflexes 28 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

Aftercare Don’t work the horse for two days. Hand walk the horse or easy lunge work is recommended When possible: turn-out on pasture or paddock if horse is used to it Horse might be muscle-sore for a few days, especially after first treatment Timing and kind of training has to be worked out individually 29 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

Follow-up treatments Chiropractic follow-up treatment if necessary after 2 – 6 weeks Consider adding other therapeutic measures to the treatment plan: Medical treatment, dental exam/treatment, saddle fit, physiotherapy, shoeing/trimming changes, trainings measures for the horse and rider 30 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

Possible Causes for Subluxations? 31 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

TRAUMA 32 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

CONFORMATION 33 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

SADDLE FIT 34 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

PERFORMANCE 35 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

RIDER 36 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

BIRTH AND PARTUATION 37 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

CONFINEMENT 38 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

TRANSPORTATION 39 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

SHOEING 40 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

AGE 41 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

Other Reasons for Subluxations Teeth//Malocclusion Clinical lameness Subtle lameness General anaesthesia 42 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

Possible Symptoms Discomfort when saddling Discomfort when riding: Extending the head, hollowing the back, wringing the tail Reluctance or refusal to jump Refusal or resistance in performing lateral or collected movements 43 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

Possible Symptoms Difficulty in flexing at the poll Problems engaging the hindquarters Difficulty in working “long and low” Stiffness in lateral flexion of neck or back 44 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

Possible Symptoms Reduced performance Oversensitive back Muscle atrophy Changes in behavior Sensitivity to touch 45 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

Possible Symptoms Lack of coordination in gaits, stiffness, decreased extension in front or rear stride, short-strided gait Subtle lamenesses Unusual body or tail rubbing Asymmetrical sweating or lack of sweating 46 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

Rider Nutrition Shoeing Medical Care Chiropractic Performance of the horse Medical Care Confinement Chiropractic Saddle Training 47 ©www.I-V-C-A.com

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