Specialized Horse Services - Chiropractic
Chiropractic is indicated for many conditions, primarily those involving orthopedic or neurological pain or dysfunction.
Chiropractic may be indicted for any of the following conditions
• Trauama
• Laminitis
• Navicular disease
• Ringbone
• Sidebone
• Tendon or ligament problems
• Abnormal posture: limbs held underneath the body, cannot stand square
• Not comfortable lying down or rolling
• Performance problems: refusing to go forward, won't take a particular lead, stiff to one side, loss of power
• Behavorioral issues: girthyness, bad attitude, won't stand still, nervousness
• Back or neck pain
• Obvious or subtle lameness
• Neurological disease
What to do next and what to expect
As with any veterinary visit, your horse's appointment with me begins with a physical exam. Chiropractic may be indicated after a physical exam if there are no further questions for investigation. My services do not include xrays, ultrasound or other diagnostics that require equipment. Therefore you may wish to have your horse examined first by your general practice equine veterinarian so that complete diagnostics can be conducted.
Some owners worry that chiropractic may be rough and could harm their horse. Be assured that your horse will be treated gently, with care and respect! I use safe, low motion chiropractic treatments. As I have training in both manual and instrument assisted adjustments, I offer a combination of these approaches to provide your horse with the most appropriate technique. Some horses are afraid of the sound made by the adjusting tool. For these horses I use my hands, combining massage techniques with chiropractic adjustments. In some cases I start with acupuncture, which can relax the horse, making the chiropractic treatment more effective.
The first appointment takes up to 1 1/2 hours, sometimes longer. For many animals, acupuncture and chiropractic are indicated together. The appointment may be a little longer if I treat your horse with both therapies. If you are able to fill out the new client form before your appointment, this will save some time. Follow up treatments can often be done in half the time. Some problems are solved in just one treatment, others take repeat visits.Many conditions respond the best after 2 to 3 treatments, approximately one week apart.
Feel free to call or email if you have questions. Common questions:
• Your horse has a condition you do not see listed here
• You are not sure what diagnostics your horse might require
• Your primary care vet has made a diagnosis and you are not sure if chiropractic is indicted alone or in conjunction with drugs, medicine or surgery