blog

The American Veterinary Chiropractic Association trains and certifies veterinarians in the art and science of animal adjusting. Veterinarians with certification in animal chiropractic may be called to see your horse without a referral.

When selecting a chiropractor for your horse, be wary of exaggerated claims. Performance horses often have many problems and many compensations. Some problems are permanent and some diseases are progressive despite the best health care. Have realistic expectations. Do not expect that the veterinary chiropractor will solve long standing or multiple problems with one adjustment. Healing takes time.For more information on animal chiropractic and certified animal chiropractors, follow this link:

American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA)
623 Main
Hillsdale, IL 61257
Phone: 309-658-2920

Chiropractic care can be a cost effective way to maintain the performance ability of the horse. Chiropractic works to eliminate the source of the pain or problem potential.

If you believe that your horse may benefit from the services of an animal chiropractor, how do you choose a practitioner?

Always have your veterinarian examine the horse first to determine if problems exist that require medical or surgical attention.

Horses are more prone to subluxations and spinal trauma when soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons and muscles are not conditioned for work Interval training, adequate warm-up periods, and varying the type of activity will help with conditioning the equine athlete.

Massage therapy is an excellent way to restore the body to its natural state and increase its healing capabilities. Benefits that result from massage include increased blood circulation, relief from joint and muscle pain, as well as help reduce levels of stress and depression. It has also been proven to aid in detoxifying the body, helping to rid it of waste and toxins. Massage therapy has been used over many years to help treat a vast number of conditions.

When used in addition with exercise and good nutrition, massage therapy helps insure that your body stays in top form. Regular practice of these activities helps minimize stress and pain, also making it easier for your body to fend off disease. Massage therapy is an excellent resource in maintaining optimal health.

Massage and muscle therapy is beneficial in the continued spinal health of a horse. Massage increases blood supply that brings nutrition to muscles as well as carrying away waste toxins. Massage relaxes tight, tense muscles allowing for better function. Massage is helpful in the healing of tissues to remove adhesions and speed removal of fluid.

The conformation of the horse should be considered when selecting a horse for a particular use. Horse breeds have been selectively modified to function best in a variety of performance types. Selection of breed or halter conformation is not a guarantee of successful athietic function. Study those horses that are winning consistently. What are their characteristics? Horses with long backs are more prone to muscle and ligament injuries, and straight shoulders predispose to front leg problems.

Range of Motion

The horse should move freely in all ranges of motion with no tension both under saddle and from the ground.

1. Ask the horse to bend his head and neck to touch its nose to cinch area on each side. Does the horse resist more on one side? This could indicate a subluxation of the neck.
2. Test the lateral bend of the horse’s back by pulling on the tail with one hand as the other hand rests on the tops of the vertebra. Is one side stiffer than the other?
3. Apply moderate downward pressure on back. The back should flex and dip slightly and not feel tight and rigid.

Muscle Palpation

Examine the major muscles of the horse for pain, tone, and symmetry. Horses in condition should display muscles of good tone that are symmetrical from one side to the other. The muscles should be firm without being too hard or too soft. Muscles should not be painful to moderate pressure of palpation.

Bone Palpation

Palpate down the spine for prominent elevations or bumps. Compare the two prominences at the top of the hips; they should be level. Notice any bumps in the neck.

Subluxations of the spinal column may produce many symptoms. The most common problem is pain. Animals in pain will compensate in gait or posture and may resist or refuse to perform. Compensatory movements may cause other problem such as added stress on joints. The following is a list of symptoms that may indicate pain from a subluxation.

1. Abnormal and varying posture when standing
2. Discomfort when saddling
3. Discomfort when riding
4. Evasions such as extending head and neck or hollowing back
5. Wringing tail and pinning ears
6. Refusal or unwillingness over jumps
7. Refusal or resistance in performance such as lateral or collected movements
8. Development of unusual behavior patterns
9. Facial expression of apprehension or pain
10. Sensitivity
11. Stiffness, resistance to move

Subluxations may cause changes in muscle coordination and flexibility that affects the performance ability of the horse or dog.

These symptoms may be:

1. Lack of coordination in gaits
2. Clnusual, perhaps indefinable gait abnormalities which var from limb to limb and change depending on gait
3. Stiffness when coming out of stall
4. Stiffness in lateral movements of neck or back
5. Muscle atrophy
6. Shortened stride in one or two limbs
7. Inability to engage rear quarters
8. Inability to lengthen top line
9. Improper frame
10. Decreased stride length
11. Difficulty flexing at the poll
12. Lameness
13. On line or pulling on one rein
14. Rider cannot sit centered on horse
15. Not using the back in movement (leg movers)

Subluxations may cause problems in the nerves that supply other cells such as those of the skin, glands, and blood vessels. Some of the symptoms that result may be:

1. unusual body or tail rubbing
2. increased sensitivity to heat or cold
3. asymmetrical sweating or lack of sweating

Chiropractors are trained to locate and correct subluxations. However, trainers, riders, or owners may check to see if their horses have problems with the spinal column. Examination of the spine before purchase is just as important as examination of the extremities.

Gait and Performance

1. Has the horse recently changed behavior or working below its ability?
2. Does an obscure or shifting lameness exist?
3. Is the rider having difficulty staying centered?
4. Is the rider or trainer noticing subtle shifts or difficulties in gaits without apparent lameness?
5. Is the horse dragging toes or showing unusual shoe wear?

The following may cause subluxations:

1. Trauma
2. Conformation Traits
3. Trailers
4. Birth
5. Confinement
6. Performance Type
7. Rider Ability
8. Equipment
9. Age
10. Shoeing