Source: UC Davis Center for Equine Health

A hands-on therapy directed at the equine musculoskeletal system, chiropractic care for horses intends to diagnose, treat, and prevent ailments and the impact they may have on a horse's overall health. This therapy involves the application of precise force to specific areas of the horse's body, typically around the spine, to trigger a remedial result. The objective of equine chiropractic care is to establish harmonized movement along the horse's spinal column to  improve neuromuscular function of the spinal joints.

Upon evaluation of a horse, an equine chiropractor is pinpointing joints with restricted movement. The term "out of alignment" is misleading. In reality, the joint isn't "out of alignment" but rather restricted in its natural movement. Chiropractic adjustments aim to correct these restrictions, restoring the proper range of motion. By improving joint mobility, chiropractic care helps reduce inflammation and alleviate pressure on surrounding nerves and soft tissues. Just like static on a phone line disrupts communication, inflammation interferes with nerve signals. Since the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, controls every function in the body, improving its ability to communicate can significantly enhance overall health.

Because chiropractic care focuses on the spine, it is often referred to as “spinal manipulative therapy,” and can be a valuable part of your horse's healthcare routine.

What to expect during a chiropractic appointment

During the exam, the doctor will carefully palpate your horse’s joints and check their range of motion, which is commonly referred to as “motion palpation.” Particular attention is given to each joint in the spine, but limbs are also evaluated. When a restricted joint is identified, it is corrected by an adjustment, which is a very specific and gentle thrust into the joint. After the adjustment, the joint is palpated again to be certain that it is moving more freely. The adjustments usually look like quick little pushes on the 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.

Photo: Dr Dennis Eschbach/Wikipedia

Acupuncture and chiropractic treatment complement traditional lameness evaluation

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

Printed with the kind permission of the UC Davis Center for Equine Health. The UC Davis Center for Equine Health is dedicated to advancing the health, welfare, performance and veterinary care of horses through research, education and public service. https://ceh.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/

Main Photo: A chiropractor checks joint alignment on an equine patient. Horses with lameness issues not diagnosed using traditional methods are good candidates for chiropractic evaluation. Credit: iStock/Medical Occupation