How to Recognize Problems

How to Recognize Back Problems

Qualified chiropractors are trained to recognise and treat subluxations. However riders, horse trainers and owners can monitor whether or not their horses have spinal problems. Dog handlers, trainers or owners can look for signs of VSC in their pets. Inspecting the spine before purchasing is just as important as inspecting the legs.

Your own observations of your horse

  • Consider your horse’s recent performance and demeanor:
  • Has your horse’s behavior or performance changed recently?
  • Does unusual or fluctuating lameness exist?
  • Does the rider have difficulty sitting straight on the horse?
  • Has the rider or trainer noticed changes in the various gaits?
  • Does the horse drag its feet or are the shoes worn down on one side?

Examining mobility in your horse

The horse should be able to move freely in all directions without tension, with or without a rider.

  • Using a treat if necessary, ask the horse to turn its head and neck to the side so that it touches its flank with its nostrils.  Less mobility on one side compared to the other could indicate a problem in the cervical vertebrae.
  • Test the lateral movement of the spine by placing one hand on the spine and with the other pull the horse’s tail carefully towards you so that its back bends around your hand.  Is one side stiffer than the other?
  • Place slight pressure on the back from above. The back should easily and evenly, spring and swing. It should not feel stiff and hard.

Your own observations of your dog

Consider your dog’s recent performance and demeanour:

  • Has your dog’s behavior or performance changed recently?
  • Does unusual or fluctuating lameness exist?
  • Is the dog reluctant to move?
  • Has the handler or trainer noticed changes in motivation of the dog?
  • Does the dog drag its feet or are the nails worn down on one side?

Examining mobility in your dog

Your dog should be able to move freely in all directions without tension.

  • Using a treat if necessary, ask the dog to turn its head and neck to the side so that it touches its flank with its nostrils. Less mobility one side compared to the other could indicate a problem in the cervical vertebrae.
  • Test the lateral movement of the spine by placing one hand on the spine and with the other pull the dog’s tail carefully towards you so that its back bends around your hand.  Is one side stiffer than the other?
  • Test the lateral movement of the spine by placing one hand on the spine and with the other pull the dog’s tail carefully towards you so that its back bends around your hand.  Is one side stiffer than the other?

Feeling The Muscles

Examine the animal’s main muscle groups for pain, tension and asymmetry. The muscles of a healthy animal should be symmetrical; feeling firmly elastic but not too hard or too soft. If you place the muscles under moderate pressure, the animal should not show signs of being in pain.

Feel the spine from the withers to the tail, paying attention to any elevations and protruding areas of bone. Compare the two sacral tubercles (the bony points of the pelvis which protrude from the croup on both sides of the spine) these should be level. Look for any protruding areas of bone in the neck.