by Scott Anderson, D.V.M.

Chiropractic treatment does not replace veterinary care.

Some veterinarians are open to the idea of a chiropractor. Others aren't.

Many performance-related problems cannot be diagnosed through standard physical examinations, nerve and joint blocks and other diagnostics. In these cases, some horse owners and veterinarians have used chiropractic treatment with success.

There are also cases in which medicines (anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, joint injections) and time off do not improve the horse. Some veterinarians have investigated and employed chiropractics in an effort to increase their scope of understanding of these types of problems.

Chiropractic treatment of horses is much like that for humans. It involves maintaining the proper functions of the spinal column, including providing a framework of support for the body, providing flexibility of the back and neck, and protecting the nervous system.

The spine is made up of many vertebrae which line up and move with each other through a series of articulations, or joints. When these joints are not moving as they should due to improper position of a vertebra, chiropractic treatment is called for. This improper position (called a subluxation by horse chiropractors) can lead to stiffness, discomfort and interference with normal nerve function.

Equine chiropractor treatment can address many horse health problems. Most people seeking treatment for their horses complain of performance-related problems-most commonly, a sore back. Other symptoms include head tilt, stiffness in the neck when turning, stiffness through the body when turning in a certain direction, not picking up a lead, twisting or hollowing over a jump, or a change in attitude about saddling, work or jumping.

Chiropractic adjustments usually take a series of two to five treatments, varying anywhere from one week to one month apart.

Once the original problems have been resolved, follow-up examinations are usually suggested four to six months later. Some problems will recur, depending on the severity of the original injury or other existing problems.

Some owners will have their horses examined and treated on a regular basis (monthly, semi-annually, annually), depending on how they use their horses. Many of the tasks we ask our horses to do are demanding and can contribute to their need for chiropractic care.

Some human forms of chiropractic care have been adapted to the horse.

How can you move bones on anything as large and strong as a horse?

Some equine chiropractors use forceful adjustments, while others use adjustments that seek movement of the vertebrae through motion generated by the horse. A chiropractor should be able to obtain an adjustment without severe restraint or discomfort to the animal.

Many horses will show signs of relaxation with treatment, especially if long-term pain is being relieved. Horses may lower their heads, get a glazed look in their eyes, yawn, and seem to enjoy their treatment.

How do you find horse chiropractors for your horses? Word of mouth is often a good place to start. Find someone who has a good reputation from more than one reliable source. They should have training as a horse chiropractor.

One certification course for veterinarians and chiropractors is offered by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. The course provides a good understanding for both professions of chiropractic treatment for animals.

Unfortunately, there are people without training claiming to be equine chiropractors. The potential for injury to animals is high, so stay away from untrained help.

Chiropractic treatment does not replace veterinary care. Knowing where to turn for a performance-related problem can be confusing. Consult your veterinarian first on any problem.

Veterinarians and equine chiropractors trained through the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association are listed with the AVCA at (309) 523-3996.

A number of situations can lead to a horse needing chiropractic care:

a.. A faulty or poorly fitting saddle.

b.. Trauma, such as falling, backing into a wall, or being cast in a stall.

c.. Improper riding.

d.. Leg problems causing compensation through the back.

e.. Improper shoeing.

f.. Type of performance work.

The cause of the subluxation must be considered in order to prevent the problem from recurring.

Scott Anderson, D.V.M. is a veterinarian and horse chiropractor at Woodside Equine Clinic in Ashland, Va.

copyright © 2001-2003 the Mane Points The Mane Points is a subsidiary of Southern States. This article was published Winter 1997.

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