Vet or back specialist?

Crazycob06

Crazycob06

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Sorry you'll have to excuse my lack of knowledge.. I'm a first time horse owner and I have decided to get my mares back looked at as she is showing signs of pain when ridden now.

Would I get the vet out or a back specialist? Sorry can't think if the right name! :o

Any advice welcome.
 
OK, so also a newbie giving an answer but just as in my short time as pony owner I've also been in your position! I initially had the vet out who couldn't pinpoint the problem and recommended a good chiropractor (am always tempted to say chiropodist...). The lady we got out had actually been a vet previously so probably best of both worlds, but she was brilliant and spot on and proved amazingly helpful. But I think initially the vet would be your best option and take it from there...:)
 
IMO a back person first. There are numerous you can try but ask around your yard for any recommendations. Some will ask you to inform your vet that they are being treated by them. You can have McTimmony, Bowen, Sports physio etc each specialise in different types of treatment.

If you have not had the pony long it is always nice to start with a clean bill of health whether you have them vetted or not. My new lad had a full MOT within two weeks of being at the yard, teeth, saddle and back that way I knew he would be happy in his work from the off.

Also it is nice for a back person to give them a good look over and work on any other issues that you might not have noticed otherwise.
 
Spot on - vet first who can recommend a 'back person' be it chiro, osteo or ACPAT physio who they work with if appropriate. It's actually illegal for anyone but a vet to diagnose a problem, so any 'back person' diagnosing and treating without a vet's permission is on dodgy ground.
 
Ok so I will call my vet in the morning and see if they recommend a back person or if they want to check her over first. How does that sound?
 
Sounds good. Back pain can be secondary to other issues, for example lameness, dental problems or poor foot balance; whatever therapist you choose will need the vet's permission to treat anyway and if they suspect underlying issues will refer you straight back to the vet for diagnosis. I'd also consider getting a qualified saddle fitter out, especially if the problem is occuring when ridden, but ask around for recommendations in your area as I've had awful service from a qualified fitter in the past :mad:
 
Always go to the vet first. It could be anything and might need x=rays if KS is suspected. The vet will recommend a good program for you id muscular:D:D
 
Ok, I will call first thing and not ride until I know she is sound. I have only had her 3 months and she came with no tack so she had the saddle we bought her professionally fitted about 2 1/2 months ago. She has lost weight tho so I might still get it checked.
 
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