Equine Osteopathy
Equine Osteopathy is used to treat such conditions as:
Cold Back
Head Tossing
Sacroiliac Lesion
Tendon Injury
Ligament Overstrain
Lameness due to Back Disorder
BACK PAIN
Back pain can cause a wide variety of signs ranging from lameness in one or both hind-limbs, loss of impulsion, reluctance to jump, reduced bend in the back in one or both directions, elevated head carriage and back stiffness at exercise to name but a few of the symptoms. Unfortunately this isn't the end of the story, these symptoms can often be related to other problems such as pelvic, stifle or hock pain, changes in temperament and so on. It isn't surprising that diagnosis can be difficult.
Pressure placed on the muscle along the saddle region should result in dipping of the back - this is normal. Thin-skinned or cold-backed horses may react to even gentle pressure, but this response should lessen with repetition of the pressure. Guarding - when the horse shows muscle spasm and rigidity when the site of pain is examined by touch or palpated - is a positive sign of back pain. This response is designed to minimise the movement of the affected area(s). Some horses may even grunt, kick or rear when the painful area is palpated.
The tips of the dorsal spinous processes will be palpated for evenness and pain. The osteopath will also observe the way the horse moves actively on the lunge, in walk, trot and canter to ascertain the animals confirmation. The Practitioner will also question the owner about the horse's previous history of musculo-skeletal and systemic problems, combined with questioning over the horses dental and foot care.
