Animal Ostepathy
What is Animal Osteopathy?
Animal Osteopathy is the application of osteopathy to animals, predominantly horses, though dogs and cats have been treated successfully.
There is now an osteopath who specialises in zoo animals.
Animal Osteopathy is holistic, it does not just focus on backs! During a consultation the animal is checked from the feet upwards and from the nose to the tail, so it is all encompassing. In many cases an animal has learnt to compensate from an old injury in the leg for example and over time this manifests itself into pain elsewhere i.e. along the spine. In such cases the area of pain and the root cause is treated. The Osteopathic treatment consists of a variety of techniques, including articulation of joints, soft tissue work, stretching, facial release and manipulation is used if appropriate.
What can Animal Osteopaths treat?
Osteopathy can be beneficial for a wide variety of conditions and problems within the animal. Below are just a few examples that have been treated successfully. Before a consultation can take place, permission must be sought from the Animals’ Veterinary Surgeon; this can either be carried out over the phone or in writing.
At the beginning of the consultation a detailed case history will be taken in order to find any previous injuries, illness etc that may be having a bearing on the presenting complaint. With a horse, a visual examination will be carried out which involves walking, trotting and circling the horse In-hand.
A dog is normally viewed at walk.
An examination will then take place which involves evaluating the whole animal including joints and muscles.
Treatment will then follow which consists of using a variety of techniques to restore and improve the function of the restricted areas.
With horses it is normally advised that they are turned out or just have light exercise for a few days after treatment, although this may vary.
Advice is also given, on how to manage the condition or problem between treatments. For example a horse may improve faster if it is ridden ‘long and low’ into an outline rather than in side reins.
It is usual to have a follow up treatment after approximately two weeks. Maintenance treatments are also advised which is where the animal has a treatment twice a year as part of their routine care.
This can help stop any problems manifesting too far and causing serious problems in the future.
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