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.

TREATMENT

Osteopathy relieves tension in the body by encouraging the spine and pelvis into a correct position and this philosophy works equally well with animals as it does with humans. Osteopaths use long, slow movements and may exert pressure on a body part far removed from the one they are actually treating, conforming to the Osteopathic principle - 'Structure Governs Function'.

AFTER CARE

Proper training, gradually increasing exercise programmes and appropriate schooling, use of correctly fitting tack and correct rider position all help to prevent many back problems and help in prevention of occurrences of existing ones.

Skin damage such as saddle sores should be treated and their cause removed to prevent recurrence. This may involve using saddle pads or changing your saddle completely. These measures can also help with soft tissue and particularly muscle injuries.

The rider can often be the cause of a horse's back problem; stiffness on rein, head tilt or over-collection can easily be down to the rider's style or perhaps a limp causing a faulty seat. The Equine Osteopaths at WeaverHouse are also qualified to treat the 'two legged animal', namely the rider!

CANINE OSTEOPATHY

Adam M. Tilstone of WeaverHouse is a fully qualified Osteopath registered with the General Osteopathic Council. During 1993 he took a post graduate course on Canine and Equine Osteopathy and has been treating animals since this time.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Many dog owners naturally assume when their pet becomes ill or develops any kind of musculo-skeletal problem, that the Veterinary surgeon will have the answer to that problem. This is not always the case. Animals are not able to tell you where it hurts, so becomes a matter of differentially diagnosing and eliminating the condition from being systemic or musculo-skeletal in origin. Pet owners should always consult their Veterinary Practitioner first to ascertain whether the problem is musculo-skeletal in origin and if this is the case then the owner has a number of options open to them, these being: -

1. Take the advice of the attending Veterinary surgeon, whether it be rest, medication for the pain or anti-inflammatory medication etc.
2. Further investigation by X-ray, blood tests, scans or orthopaedic referral.
3. Request a referral to a registered Osteopathic practitioner for an assesssment and treatment, if it was felt relevant.

Adam points out that Osteopathic treatment on animals can only be carried out by veterinary authorisation.

TREATMENT

Osteopathic treatment consists of a consultation and history obtained from the owner, a structural standing examination, an active walking examination on the lead, followed by a passive palpatory examination of the dog's spine and limbs. After all these investigations are performed, a diagnosis is arrived at and a treatment plan embarked upon.

Osteopathic treatment involves soft tissue stretch (massage) techniques to the affected spinal segments together with articulatory and traction techniques. Advice is also given to the owner about the animals rehabilitation program, whether it is to be rested, walked out on the lead, taken swimming etc., together with advice of homeopathic remedies to aid their recovery.

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CANINE & EQUINE THERAPISTS