osteopath, physio or chiropractor?

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lucky7

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I need some help. Finding it very hard to get my horse straight. When i ask for a contact she does come onto the bit but has a turn in her neck to the left and her quarters swing out :confused: i noticed whilst hacking on a straight piece of lane and i was trying to get her to bend to the right but she just moved her quarters furthur out untill we where on the other side of the lane :confused: she is a baby so i appreciate it could just be green-ness as she never does it when were just plodding about or could be physical. She is 4. She had her wolf teeth removed approx 6 weeks ago and her mouth was fully checked out by the dentist as was the bit i use (snaffle, lozenge - loose ring - fits fine) she had her saddle fitted by saddler 3 weeks ago - all fine, so not a teeth or saddle problem. She doesn't do it in the field and carrot stretches don't seem difficult on either side, she bends right round both sides with no problems. She is not lame and is generally forward going and willing, generally a happy girl.
Could it just be a case of schooling it out correctly OR something like a misaligned poll??
I have a very good physio i could contact but not sure whether its a job for the osteopath or even a chiro??
ideas??
 
I use an absolutely first class Osteopath, Pippa Cossens, has a website but I'm not sure what it is. She's great, can pin point any problems very quickly, usually treat less significant stuff in the first session and doesn't charge you if your horse doesn't need treating. I've had many months of problems with my cob which now seem to be coming down to navicular, but she's helped us all the way. I'd definitely get a fully qualified equine osteopath to take a look. I've tried physios and they've never been able to explain exactly whaat they'[re doing, or treat the problem so effectively. I used to be told "now we've sorted that problem this needs doing" or "I'll have to see him several times over the next month" etc. Always worth having someone who knows what they're doing check your horse out. I'd also suggest going by word of mouth too. Good luck. :)
 
Its a job for a vet first and foremost, then if they think it needs it, they will refer you to the correct person. No Physio/Chiro/any form of therapist who is worth their salt will treat your horse without a vets referral - its the way the law is set out for the animals welfare - also, if you get someone to look and they then send you to the vet, you may find that your insurance for that condition is void, because a vet didnt see the animal first. (this has happened to three people who use where I work recently - its not something that we can do anything about either - its quite clear on the forms and in the rules!!)


Its annoying (believe me, a lot of vets get fed up with it too!!!) but vet consult first is the law..... you might be fine with a phone consult though if you wanted someone to go out - but be prepared for any complimentary therapist (for want of a better description!) to refer you back to the vet (which is how its meant to work and why the vet goes first - only a vet is allowed to diagnose a problem !!)

good luck :)
 
I have always used McTimoney chirporactors as they are trained in all aspects of equine anatomy rather than just bones/ muscle- they have a website to find ones locally. Even better find a therapist who holds several qualifications (the lady i use is actually a physio and a chiro) and then you cover all bases :)
 
I would contact the vet for advise first and then go with a physio depending what said.
Physio comes out to my horses once a year for a yearly check and as and when required during the rest of the year. My physio always chats with vet once she done etc so they are always on the same page if either are needed to come out.
 
I would with any of the above if you can get a good reference from other horse owners - it is more about the skill of the person doing the treatment than what they are called. I am a human osteopath but my dog and ponies see a Mctimoney chiro because she is the best local manual therapist for animals in my opinion (and there are osteopaths around too).

Most vets are happy to agree to treatment as long as you ring them and ask, but there are still a lot of vets who won't suggest it of their own accord depending on their own beliefs.
 
Racergirl said:
Its a job for a vet first and foremost, then if they think it needs it, they will refer you to the correct person. No Physio/Chiro/any form of therapist who is worth their salt will treat your horse without a vets referral - its the way the law is set out for the animals welfare - also, if you get someone to look and they then send you to the vet, you may find that your insurance for that condition is void, because a vet didnt see the animal first. (this has happened to three people who use where I work recently - its not something that we can do anything about either - its quite clear on the forms and in the rules!!)


Its annoying (believe me, a lot of vets get fed up with it too!!!) but vet consult first is the law..... you might be fine with a phone consult though if you wanted someone to go out - but be prepared for any complimentary therapist (for want of a better description!) to refer you back to the vet (which is how its meant to work and why the vet goes first - only a vet is allowed to diagnose a problem !!)

good luck :)
Click to expand...

I have recently had my dog (that does flyball) treated by Emma Hustler in Bassingham. She asked for a vet referral (which is the law). I am very, very satisfied with her treatment (or should I say my dog is very happy!!!)
 
Racergirl said:
Its a job for a vet first and foremost, then if they think it needs it, they will refer you to the correct person. No Physio/Chiro/any form of therapist who is worth their salt will treat your horse without a vets referral - its the way the law is set out for the animals welfare - also, if you get someone to look and they then send you to the vet, you may find that your insurance for that condition is void, because a vet didnt see the animal first. (this has happened to three people who use where I work recently - its not something that we can do anything about either - its quite clear on the forms and in the rules!!)


Its annoying (believe me, a lot of vets get fed up with it too!!!) but vet consult first is the law..... you might be fine with a phone consult though if you wanted someone to go out - but be prepared for any complimentary therapist (for want of a better description!) to refer you back to the vet (which is how its meant to work and why the vet goes first - only a vet is allowed to diagnose a problem !!)

good luck :)
Click to expand...

I'm going to throw a curve ball here and say I disagree.

Yes any practitioner should ALWAYS seek the vet's permission prior to treatment, but I wouldn't be going to them as first port of call. If they are only going to refer the horse to another practitioner you could potentially be wasting time and money. I would use an ACPAT Veterinary Physiotherapist first, they will be able to pinpoint a specific location better than a vet, then you can go back to the vet with their report and investigate further if needed.

I actually use a Equine SMT routinely, but have a physio coming next week to get even deeper. I wouldn't request my vet (no matter how amazing he is) to come and assess a problem at this point.

But that is just me.

Whoever you go for, make sure they seek your vets permission, and they have good credentials behind them. Maybe even go as far to research the qualification the obtained as there are a few variables. The RAMP register is a good place to start.
 
A hoarse that can’t straighten needs a vet and then a acpat Physio who will work with the vet .
Eta
Oh vampire thread I hate that
 
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