1. Chiropractic for Horses
Dr. XYZ 1 ©

2. Content Introduction What is chiropractic?
What is a chiropractic subluxation?
How subluxations are treated?
Causes for subluxations
Possible symptoms 2 ©

3. 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 ©

4. 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 ©

5. Chiropractic Manual therapy
Treats dysfunction of the spine and the motion apparatus
Influences function of spinal cord and nerves 5 ©

6. 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 ©

7. Physiological (normal) Range of Motion7 ©

8. Subluxation (Fixation) Chiropractic Definition
Decreased motion within the normal range of motion 8 ©

9. Subluxation Medical Definition
Displaced out of the normal range of motion, but not completely luxated
Structural damage 9 ©

10. Subluxation Decreased motion within the normal range of motion
Reduced mobility of the facet joints
Hypomobility uni-/bilateral
Effecting of neural structures 10 ©

11. Nervous system Function of all organs Health Performance controls11 ©

12. Traditional Medical Approach
Diagnosis and treatment of structural pathologies
Chiropractic Approach
Diagnosis and treatment of dysfunction 12 ©

13. Examination Case history Posture analysis Gait analysis
Static palpation
Motion palpation 13 ©

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

15. 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 ©

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27. Chiropractic is not ... 27 ©

28. 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 ©

29. 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 ©

30. 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 ©

31. Possible Causes for Subluxations?31 ©

32. TRAUMA 32 ©

33. CONFORMATION 33 ©

34. SADDLE FIT 34 ©

35. PERFORMANCE 35 ©

36. RIDER 36 ©

37. BIRTH AND PARTUATION 37 ©

38. CONFINEMENT 38 ©

39. TRANSPORTATION 39 ©

40. SHOEING 40 ©

41. AGE 41 ©

42. Other Reasons for Subluxations
Teeth//Malocclusion
Clinical lameness
Subtle lameness
General anaesthesia 42 ©

43. 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 ©

44. 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 ©

45. Possible Symptoms Reduced performance Oversensitive back
Muscle atrophy
Changes in behavior
Sensitivity to touch 45 ©

46. 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 ©

47. Rider Nutrition Shoeing Medical Care Chiropractic
Performance
of the horse
Medical Care
Confinement
Chiropractic
Saddle
Training 47 ©

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