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Discussion on Back problem
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Member:
Roberts
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 30, 2003 - 12:41 am:
I have a problem with my 15 year old Arab--he runs up hills and down hills in his pasture fine. He has not been ridden much for the last year--I was pregnant--and he isn't lame. When I pick up his hind feet, sometimes he has a little trouble, like he is "stifled." That's what my farrier said. The last couple of times I've ridden him he's acted as though he's very uncomfortable. Today I didn't ride him, but just rubbed the rear part of his back briskly and he really, really flinched! But, he didn't move away. He just sunk down under my hand. He has always had a "wry tail," which I understand is an Arab genetic thing. He lunges with his saddle on without lameness, but he sometimes gets very excited and really goes. I'm puzzled. I don't think the saddle is the problem, I'm thinking perhaps he was running up or down the hill in the pasture and hurt something. Should I get a chiropractor?
Thanks for any ideas--this is my first posting.
Sharlene
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 30, 2003 - 6:42 am:
Hello Sharlene,
The problem with equine chiropractic medicine is that it is not founded in any research of their diagnostic or therapeutic methods. Based loosely on human chiropractic techniques, the lack of ability to radiograph the spine (a cornerstone diagnostic requirement in human chiropractic medicine), the significant difference in anatomy, and the use of nonspecfic owner complaints and untested diagnostic and therapeutic techniques makes this more of an "art" than a science.
Your post could be describing a horse that simply has fallen out of the groove of being ridden regularly, or a horse with serious lameness or back issues. I suggest you have the horse evaluated by a veterinarian and a trainer before you resort to chiropractic medicine.
DrO
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