Equine Chiropractic

 animal. In order to be at the correct angle to the spine and to be high enough above the horse, the doctor will stand on a block. Most animals are relaxed during their appointment. Sedation is not required and is often undesirable, since it will interfere with the ability of the nervous system to respond to the treatment. Most adjustments in horses take between 15 and 30 minutes.

Acupuncture and chiropractic (AP/C) evaluation and treatment are not a substitute for a thorough lameness diagnostic evaluation, because many horses have musculoskeletal issues that are identified and managed with traditional approaches. Most practicing equine veterinarians have not been educated or trained in procedures to perform a thorough functional biomechanical evaluation of the equine spinal column and joints. Consequently, horses with lameness issues not diagnosed readily using traditional methods, or with suspected concurrent neck or back pain, are good candidates for referral for AP/C evaluation. Veterinary chiropractic and acupuncture treatments are not meant to replace traditional veterinary medicine, and instead work best when integrated with traditional approaches.

Common symptoms of horses presenting for acupuncture and chiropractic treatment include the following:

• Poor performance
• Lameness or stiffness
• Back, neck, or tail pain
• Abnormal posture, or changes in posture or topline
• Discomfort when saddled (cinchy, girthy)
• Difficulty bending to one side
• Reluctance to pick up a lead, inability to maintain a lead, and cross-cantering
• Traveling with a “hollow topline” (head and neck elevated and with a back hollow)
• Hesitating to do things they normally do, such as picking up feet, stepping down out of a trailer, turning in either direction, and jumping
• Difficulty engaging the hindquarters or traveling in a long-and-low frame
• Holding the tail abnormally
• Head tilt, or difficulty chewing
• Uneven muscle development
• Uneven pelvis or hips
• Difficulty flexing at the poll, or pulling on one rein
• Difficulty getting up and lying down
• Muscle atrophy
• Changes in behaviour or attitude