Am I barking up the right tree?

[samleigh]

I've posted a few times regarding my mare, firstly ridden problems then investigations/treatment into PSD & Sacroiliac resulting in a Neurectomy & Faciotomy. I've followed my vets advise, re: box rest, turnout and Diva was signed off end of November Vets comments were sound but weak behind, probably conformational, but ride her, take it slowly but stop panicking about her! (I'd insisted the vet come and visit as I was sure she wasn't sound)
Diva has been having regular 6wk Equine Physio sessions, physio had repeatedly reported that she was sore over her RH, sacroiliac area.
The vet had last injected the Sacroiliac in Aug 2015.

Hacked in walk over the Christmas holidays, 30mins max, 8/10 times over a 2 wk period, I could tell her back was becoming sorer & her walk stiff. Stopped all work.
Phoned the vet, who sent me Bute and offered to have her back in for tests. (I'd lost a bit of faith by now).

I decided to book a appointment with a BACK VET, repeatedly recommended on FB, horses with Sacroiliac Problems, who thankfully was going to be in my area early Feb. Here's his report from the 5th Feb.




"Reasonable degree of pelvic lateral excursion in led walk and trot, but minimal axial rotation. Poor tracking-up (hinds essentially trailing caudally). 1/10 lame right hind on first led trot, but not seen again in successive trot-ups. However, quarters held left of midline in trot, with lateral excursion primarily directed towards left and moving on three tracks with quarters-in to left.

Severe focal right caudal longissimus lumborum spasm, with right moderate gluteal and mild biceps femoris spasms (apparent contradiction to movement in trot); release revealed full length left longissimus lumborum spasm. Tight caudal base of withers – required distal cervical manoeuvres to release.

Successfully manipulate and mobilise lumbar region, resulting in symmetrically good hindquarters movements in repeated led walk and trot, with all movement now on two tracks. Lower head/neck carriage"



Diva has a sore & weak back, which seems was the primary cause & her PSD secondary.
I am riding/walking over poles in hand/hacking, 20mins at a time in WALK only building up to an hour over 6 weeks as advised.
I asked his advise on which therapy would be most beneficial, PHYSIO & I have contacted a couple on the ACPAT site forwarding the above report & recommendations on HHO.

Do I need to contact my vet, for permission for a Physio to treat & would you forward the report to your vet so they have it on file?

Teeth, every 6mnths, Saddle rechecked on return to work Nov 15.
She wears a BOT rug.
Carrot stretches before work to warm up Back muscles & wears a wool exercise sheet.
Turn out is approx 8 hrs at the moment, any longer & she's stood in the mud at the gate waiting to come in.

Anything else you have found beneficial when treating/Rehabbing a bad back.
Success stories always welcome

 

[Pinkvboots]

I would say your doing a pretty good job at the moment but I would do the carrot stretches after riding as her muscles are warm and stretched and less chance of her pulling something, before tacking up my physio told me to put a hot water bottle on the back under a rug while you get ready you can move it around or keep it on an area where they may be having problems, it needs to be one with a cover so as not to burn but I think it really helps one of mine as he gets tight behind the wither so I leave the water bottle there for about 15 minutes. another thing that can help blood circulation is use a rubber curry comb or a rubber dog groomer in a circular motion over the whole body my horse loves his neck and his hamstrings being done it's a bit like them having a massage.

 

[be positive]

I would say your doing a pretty good job at the moment but I would do the carrot stretches after riding as her muscles are warm and stretched and less chance of her pulling something, before tacking up my physio told me to put a hot water bottle on the back under a rug while you get ready you can move it around or keep it on an area where they may be having problems, it needs to be one with a cover so as not to burn but I think it really helps one of mine as he gets tight behind the wither so I leave the water bottle there for about 15 minutes. another thing that can help blood circulation is use a rubber curry comb or a rubber dog groomer in a circular motion over the whole body my horse loves his neck and his hamstrings being done it's a bit like them having a massage.

I did stretches after exercise for the reasons given, I also had a routine of various other stretches designed to help his specific injury, sacroiliac, given by my ACPAT physio who came out initially every 10 days or so.
I also strapped him most days and if possible did two lots of exercise, it was summer so far easier than this time of year, hacked in the morning then in hand work over poles in the afternoon, 6 days a week, I think you may find it slow going, I wondered if he would ever come sound, the best may come once the weather gets better and she can be out 24/7, mine was out at night and this winter has stayed out which really seems to help keep the muscles moving and toned.

The ACPAT physio will require consent from a vet before treating but you could ask them to contact the vet who gave the second opinion if you want to keep him in the loop rather than involve the first vets.

 

[Birker2020]

I would say your doing a pretty good job at the moment but I would do the carrot stretches after riding as her muscles are warm and stretched and less chance of her pulling something, .

I would agree. I carry out carrot stretches each and everytime I ride, but after I have ridden. I do two to each side, one under neath the girth and was told by my ACPAT physio to always finish on a stretch in front so the horses nose sticks out and down. My horse is so used to doing them now that when I have finished the second near side stretch he automatically shoves his head between his legs before I have even got the mint out of my pocket! Hilarious.

 

[Pinkvboots]

I would agree. I carry out carrot stretches each and everytime I ride, but after I have ridden. I do two to each side, one under neath the girth and was told by my ACPAT physio to always finish on a stretch in front so the horses nose sticks out and down. My horse is so used to doing them now that when I have finished the second near side stretch he automatically shoves his head between his legs before I have even got the mint out of my pocket! Hilarious.

one of my horses knows all about the stretches he knows what'scoming as soon as the tack comes off he stands there looking pretty waiting for the treats funny aren't they such creatures of habit

 

[Birker2020]

one of my horses knows all about the stretches he knows what'scoming as soon as the tack comes off he stands there looking pretty waiting for the treats funny aren't they such creatures of habit

I know. My horses stable has a chain across the door. When I have done my feeds, nets, changed his rug and put him to bed, and he feels I am about to go home, he stands with his chest light pressed against the chain, waiting to collar me (just on the off chance I should forget about him) as I always give him four mints before leaving him. God forbid I would get the chance to forget!! They don't need to talk do they?

 

[jjsblackhorse]

I have an ex racehorse who has a dodgey everything including back. I purchased a Premier equine magnetic rug for £119 on offer. It has been great I pop it on him for an hour or so and find it really helps.