Equine Chiropractic

Every movement, from a slight twitch of the tail to the complicated piaffe in dressage is made possible by synchronizing many muscles. If the function of the nerve fibers, which supply these muscles is altered, co-ordination deteriorates.

Small disturbances are usually only caused by a slight interference; however, they can keep the animal from performing at its best in daily routine as well as in demanding exercises.

Mis-steps resulting from lack of coordination may cause injury to other joints and tendons or ligaments in the legs.

An animal with a subluxation (the functional misalignment of a vertebra or the limited mobility of its facet joints) will change its posture to compensate for the restricted mobility of its spine and to avoid pain. This triggers increased mechanical strain on other parts of the spine and extremity joints, causing secondary restrictions and deterioration of the condition.

If a subluxation exists, the animal loses normal flexibility of its spine, affecting performance and resulting in stiffness and muscular tension.

Different equestrian disciplines can cause specific subluxation patterns:

Dressage horses with subluxations in the lumbar spine have difficulty bending correctly and executing lateral movements which can lead to poor engagement of hind limbs and a lack of suppleness.

Show jumpers with subluxations in the lower thoracic and lumbar vertebrae have difficulties rounding their backs. They often land in cross canter and have problems changing the lead in canter.

Gaited horses with subluxations of the Sacroiliac joint have an unleveled gait rhythm and difficulty with transitions.

Endurance horses with subluxations in the thoracic and cervical spine often demonstrate soreness in the back and an unleveled gait rhythm and a noticable drop in performance as well as a stiff neck.

Driving horses with subluxations in the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae drop one shoulder, move on two tracks and tend to pull or show gait abnormalities.

Western horses with a restriction in the lumbar vertebrae and the sacroiliac joints have difficulty in bending laterally and show single-sided problems in turns and spins, as well as undefined lameness in their forelimbs.

Signs & symptoms

Horses with VSC’s may present with many symptoms, the most common of which is pain and often express this in their posture or in their refusal to work.

The following symptoms may indicate pain caused by a subluxation:

  • Reduced performance
  • Abnormal posture
  • Snapping and pinning back its ears when being saddled
  • Insubordination when being ridden
  • The attempt to free itself by throwing its head back or up or by hollowing the back
  • Swishing its tail and pinning back its ears
  • Disobedience when jumping
  • Difficulties with collateral or lateral gaits
  • Changes in behaviour
  • Frightened or painful facial expression
  • Sensitivity to touch
Additionally, subluxations can impair the flow of information in the nerves that innervate the skin, certain glands and blood vessels which can lead to:
  • Unusual itching at the base of the tail or other body parts
  • Increased sensitivity to heat and cold
  • Asymmetrical or reduced perspiration

Subluxations can affect muscle coordination and mobility of the horse, causing decreased performance. The following symptoms may occur:

  • Abnormal gait rhythm
  • Irregularity of gait which cannot be assigned to a particular leg or gait
  • Stiffness when the horse leaves the stable
  • Stiffness when bending and in its general posture
  • Muscular atrophy
  • Difficulty engaging the hindquarters
  • Difficulty working ‘long and low’
  • Shortened stride in one or more legs
  • Overall decreased range of motion in gait
  • Difficulty flexing the poll
  • Lameness
  • Horse pulls against one rein
  • Rider is seated off centre due to the horse
  • The back does not swing

Treatment

How can a vertebral subluxation complex be corrected?
When a chiropractor or veterinarian, professionally trained in animal chiropractic, identifies a subluxation, he or she aims to correct the misalignment of the spine and restore mobility to the facet joints.

Realignment is made via a quick, short thrust along the plane of the joint. This is called an adjustment. The adjustment is a very specific, high speed, low force manoeuvre that moves the affected joint beyond the normal physiological articular range of movement, without exceeding the boundaries of anatomical integrity. It is done by placing the hands directly on the affected vertebra (previously identified in the examination). Only subluxated vertebrae are adjusted.

Even though horses have a very large, thick muscle mass over the spine, the vertebral joints are flexible and relatively easy to manipulate with minimal force. If the correct technique is used the ligaments are not adversely affected.

Frequently Asked Questions

These are the questions that are most often asked by clients. The answers should help to better understand veterinary chiropractic.

How many treatments will my animal require?

This question must be answered on an individual basis for each patient. In most cases, a single treatment is not enough to eliminate the problem. Most animals show significant improvement after 1 to 4 treatments. Chronic problems usually take longer to resolve requiring more chiropractic treatment, whereas animals with acute problems often respond more quickly.

The goal of chiropractic treatment is to address neurological dysfunction in the spine and restore mobility. It is then the task of muscles and ligaments to support the spine and maintain this new realigned position.

This process and the role of the chiropractor is similar to that of an orthodontist. The orthodontist applies a brace to the teeth and over a period of time makes regular adjustments and corrections to realign the teeth, so that in time they will maintain their correct position. A chiropractor will also adjust and correct the animal a number of times, until the body accepts the new position of the spine as normal and the muscles and ligaments support and maintain this position.

How long will a treatment take?

The initial consultation and first treatment (usually between 30-60mins) tends to take longer than subsequent visits as a detailed case history, examination etc. is undertaken. Subsequent treatments are usually shorter (between 20-40 mins) depending on the veterinary chiropractor’s findings.

Will veterinary chiropractic treatment hurt my animal?

A chiropractic adjustment is a very specific, low force quick thrust along the plane of the joint that helps to get the joint moving again. Adjustments influence bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments. They do not hurt your animal. Only subluxated vertebrae are adjusted.

How can a veterinary chiropractor adjust something the size of a horse?

Even though horses have a very large, thick muscle mass over the spine the vertebral joints are flexible and relatively easy to manipulate with minimal force. If the correct technique is used the ligaments are not adversely affected.

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