|
|
Post by HokieThea on Jan 20, 2010 19:32:52 GMT -5
I've never been one to use a chiropractor, human or otherwise. But something has been NQR with Zak for a couple of months, and it seems to be getting worse. He started by pinning his ears in the crossties, especially when being saddled. It has progressed from pinned ears to nipping at us, shuffling, and now an occasional cowkick. He has also been giving Shelby increasing trouble riding. She just told me tonight that she has trouble keeping him trotting lately. He also likes to slam on the brakes 2 or 3 times during her ride, and refuses to move. He's not moving lame, though, and he still willingly pops over low crosspoles. With the holidays and everything, I kind of just chose to push the increasing problem to the back burner, but now it's bothering me. Tonight when he was in the crossties I pressed my fingers down his spine, and low and behold, he has some tender spots in the back half of his spine area. I feel like such a bad horse mom. I guess my question is, should I contact his vet first, or should I just move right to the chiro? Unfortunately, the chiro people use in my barn (Dr. Weaver) is not scheduled to come back until Feb. 18. Do any Michigan/Ohio people know of another chiropractor? Sometimes I wish I was into ATVs instead...  |
|
|
|
Post by animaldoc on Jan 20, 2010 21:55:56 GMT -5
How's your saddle fit?
|
|
|
|
Post by HokieThea on Jan 20, 2010 22:10:31 GMT -5
Well, it seems to fit well, and it is sat in by my 80 lb daughter, so not much significant weight on his back, I rarely ride him anymore, and when I do it is in a western saddle, with full QH bars. (BTW, he's not an OTTB, he's a paint.)
|
|
|
|
Post by picasso on Jan 21, 2010 9:53:22 GMT -5
I swear by chiro and get my guys done a couple of times a year.
But, I agree with the saddle fit too. I doesn't matter how light the rider is if the saddle is pinching or rubbing somewhere, which is what it kind of sounds like.
|
|
|
|
Post by niaru on Jan 21, 2010 10:41:30 GMT -5
You could borrow a different saddle and see if it makes a difference.
I used a chiro for Charm a few times when I first had her, and it made a big difference in her until she was muscled properly. What I love about both chiros I've used is that they are also vets, so I felt really confident they wouldn't miss something or screw up something else. Charm loooved her chiro sessions, she'd be all over the guy and sigh and lick her lips and follow him around like a puppy! He said he wished all his patients were like her, lol.
MTA, changes in behavior and grouchiness are often associated with Lyme disease, might be something worth looking into...
|
|
|
|
Post by HokieThea on Jan 21, 2010 13:00:52 GMT -5
I am hesitant to blame to change on the saddle fit, since Shelby has been using this saddle on Zak for over a year. But I am an admitted idiot when it comes to saddle fit, so who knows.
I have an appointment with the chiropractor/vet, and his secretary said he can also check saddle fit when he is there. Unfortunately, the earliest he can come out is February 19. So I guess we'll be taking it easy with Zak. Luckily it's off-prime riding season!
|
|
|
|
Post by TeachU2Ride on Jan 24, 2010 12:38:59 GMT -5
Horses will often put up with poor saddle fit for quite a while before they get sore enough to start complaining. Saddle fit can also change as the horse loses/gains weight and condition. From your description, it would be the first thing I'd look at. I think www.countysaddlery.com still has an excellent guide to english saddle fit, but I've never seen anything for western. I can tell you though, I've seen some sore backs on horses that are relatively short in the back but wearing a western saddle with a skirt that pokes them in the croup region. If you're comfortable with it, ride bareback or with a bareback pad until your chiro visit. |
|
|
|
Post by adcooper on Feb 7, 2010 13:41:10 GMT -5
Can your vet do chiropractic work on your horse? Of the chiropractic work I've seen done on animals, the most legitimate seemed to be done by good veterinarians. A vet consult makes sense in any case.
Don't switch to ATVs! The animals who suffer in that pastime are human!
|
|
|
|
Post by Goalie on Feb 7, 2010 14:08:11 GMT -5
My vet had me use another vet that was only doing chiro work. I am having her come back on the 18th of this month to see how he is. I know it was worth it to see my horse start to get better almost immediately.
|
|
|
|
Post by HokieThea on Feb 7, 2010 20:40:44 GMT -5
Actually this Chiro is also a vet. I have been riding so rarely lately , just relying on Shelby's inexperienced observation, so i got in him yesterday to see what's up. There is definitely something NQR about his movements clockwise. He slams on the brakes going around the corners, and it's quite an effort to get him going again. Turn him the other way, and he is much more willing to go. I'm really looking forward to seeing what the chiro has to say and do.
|
|
|
|
Post by adcooper on Feb 9, 2010 10:51:56 GMT -5
Sure sounds like something hurts! Maybe an adjustment will help. My mare benefited from accupuncture, also. Instantly! Again, my vet did it, and I have no idea how it worked, but what a transformation, and a lasting one, too. Here's hoping your Zak gets quick relief, too.
|
|
|
|
Post by ZenRider on Feb 14, 2010 9:40:29 GMT -5
February 18th isn't that far away now. As for saddle fit, it can change over time. Check for any lumpy spots in the padding if it's wool flocked.
Otherwise, love and massages for the ponee. ;D We know he's a good ponee, but when one is sore there is only so much that can be taken. And no you are not a bad Mom, it happens and now you are making it right.
|
|
|
|
Post by gerskie on Apr 23, 2010 15:46:11 GMT -5
If you're looking for highly trained doctor's (either DC or DVM), I recommend going through the AVCA (American Veterinarian Chiropractic Association). The classes/schooling is rigorous and they all have to take board exams afterwards to be listed and certified... (not just a weekend class to learn how to adjust or learn animal anatomy) Chiropractic is a separate entity that isn't taught in most vet schools. Vets have to go to seminars to learn true adjusting techniques (not manipulation- there's a BIG difference). www.avcadoctors.com/ |
|
|
|
Post by Zimmers on May 8, 2010 1:02:35 GMT -5
A friend of mine had a wonderful event prospect who was just starting to "get serious" in his training, when he started to kick out at the canter one day. It was unlike him, and they did a series of tests and eventually discovered he has an SI issue. They have used chiro & injections and he has come sound (I say sound- he was not lame, but you know what I mean- not sound), but they are unsure of his limitations.
As for a personal story, I never bothered with or thought about chiro's for myself, but I did think they helped horses a lot- I guess I see the horse as a superior athlete who does more with its body than the average human, and also, is likely to get in a funk due to its activities. BUT, someone close to me is a chiropractor (human) and I got talked into it. This chiro rehabbed a sprained ankle on me resulting in such a minimal amount of scar tissue that you can't tell there was ever an injury. I told him if he could do the same thing for a horse, the sky would be the limit to his career, lol!
|
|
