Chiropractic Examination and Treatment
Expertise in equine chiropractic is a unique and important difference in the racetrack services provided by the Oakey Veterinary Hospital. Chiropractic examination and treatment is offered as a regular or integral part of a horse's preparation if a trainer requires, rather than just a last resort therapy.
With a recognised Post-graduate qualification in Animal Chiropractic from the RMIT Melbourne, Dr Glen Laws combines many years of experience with current theory into equine manipulation. Many performance-limiting problems have a chiropractic origin. Appropriate identification, treatment and management of chiropractic problems can have a considerable impact, improving both the performance and well-being of the horse.
Conditions which may respond to chiropractic care include back pain, girth sensitivity, and irritability around the head, difficulty putting the bridle on and stiffness of the neck, back or hindquarters. Other conditions with a likely chiropractic basis include behavioural changes, hanging in races, bucking, hard pulling, difficulty shoeing hind feet, and reluctance to jump or a failure to finish races off.
Accidents, falls, pulling back when tied up, becoming cast and birth trauma can all contribute to chiropractic problems. Other causes include poor fitting saddles, shoeing and hoof imbalance, dental problems and other musculoskeletal injuries.
The aim of therapy is to restore joint movement and treat muscle spasm. This is done through mobilisation, adjustments when appropriate; trigger point therapy as well as stretching exercises and specific exercise programs.