Osteopathy derives its name from “osteo,” which means bone, and “pathos,” which means illness or suffering. Osteopathy, however, encompasses much more than problems with the bones. The fundamental principle of osteopathy is mobility and the osteopath considers that everything has to move to have proper function. The goal of the osteopathic examination is to evaluate the quality of movement on a local and systemic level and treatment is designed to return or improve proper motion to an affected area.
The horse has to adapt and defend himself against lifelong internal and external influences and his only tool is his own vitality. If his vitality is not sufficient to overcome internal influences such as congenital bone or organ anomalies, or external influences such as trauma, microorganisms, drug or environmental toxins then pathology occurs. Osteopathy is not only concerned with what actually caused the problem but also how the individual animal’s vital force responded to the insult. The horse’s vitality will respond and react to influences with a variety of systems:
- Musculo-ligamentous system
- Visceral (internal organ) system
- Emotional system
The bones of a horse tell a story, and the osteopath follows this story to determine which systems are affected, eventually deducing the primary cause of the insult to the horse’s system. By locating and removing these primary insults, as well as the horse’s attempt to cope with those insults, motion is restored to all parts of the body and vitality can return to its maximum state. For instance, a mare with an inflamed ovary may show tension in her lumbar vertebrae. While a chiropractor will address the tension in the lumbar area, the osteopath will first attempt to relieve the inflammation in the ovary and then address the resulting lumbar tension.
Here I would like to offer an example of a thorough osteopathic examination. First, the osteopath walks around the horse to get a sense of the horse’s vitality, posture, conformation, and condition. The horse’s gait is briefly evaluated as he is being walked up for examination. The
osteopath then starts at the hindquarters by holding the horse’s tail and pulling gently back on it. This offers a sense of the tension in the connective tissue of the meningial covering of the spine, which can often indicate a problem with one or more internal organs.
The osteopath again uses the tail to check the position of the sacrum. He then checks the pelvis and each joint in the hind legs for the ability to flex and extend as well as adduct (move toward the midline) or abduct (move away from the midline). He also checks each individual vertebra from the withers and thoracic spine to the lumbar spine. Any area where two or more vertebrae are fixated together tells him that internal organs are involved. Based on which vertebrae are fixated, and because each organ is connected to a specific area of the spine by a network of nerves, the osteopath is able to determine which organs are affected. According to osteopathic theory, 80% of spinal fixations are caused by systemic problems. After very carefully evaluating the spine, the osteopath examines the front legs, cervical (neck) spine, and head in the same manner.
After this full evaluation only about half the horses are actually given structural adjustments. Many horses are referred for further veterinary tests such as blood work or radiographs. Additional osteopathic procedures may include releasing adhesions from gelding scars or inflammation of the ovaries or uterus. If the osteopath feels the pattern suggests a traumatic accident, he often applies low force adjustments using cranio-sacral principles. For horses with uncomplicated bony fixations, the needed adjustments are done by starting at the hind end and moving forward. Using speed, correct technique and leverage from the horse’s own body, the osteopath is able to adjust without excessive force. The horses respond very well to these treatments.
Case Study: Millie
Visual examination of Millie showed a mare who seemed depressed. She had a significant dip in her neck in front of the withers and her back was roached in the lumbar area (lower back).
Hands on evaluation revealed a depressed sacrum, fixation on both sides (bilateral), and all joints in the lower legs turned outwards and unable to rotate in. Her fourth, fifth, and sixth thoracic vertebrae were all fixated to the right, indicating a problem in her lungs or diaphragm. The pulling down of her neck in front of her withers also indicated a problem with her diaphragm. Her pectoral muscles were tender, indicating that she was using those muscles to help her inhale. Both front legs were also rotated outwards and the base of her skull was fixated in extension.
The osteopath in this case believed that all of these findings pointed to a traumatic injury similar to whiplash in a person. This kind of injury occurs when a horse sits back or flips over backward. Cranio-sacral techniques were used to gently release the diaphragm and meningial tension. The mare appeared greatly relieved and much brighter after her treatment. No structural adjustments were done and an appointment for a recheck was made for a month later to allow her body to release all compensations.
Homeopathy, acupuncture, network chiropractic, and osteopathy are all alternative treatments that work with the energy of the body. With acupuncture, network chiropractic, and osteopathy improvement should be seen in two to four sessions. Excessive force is not needed for effective chiropractic or osteopathic adjustments.
About the Author
Madalyn Ward, DVM, owns Bear Creek Veterinary Clinic in Austin, Texas. She is certified in Veterinary Homeopathy and Equine Osteopathy. Memberships include American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, Texas Veterinay Medical Association and the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy. She has authored several books and publishes the monthly newsletter, “Holistic Horsekeeping.”
Contact
Madalyn Ward DVM
11608 FM 1826
Austin, TX 78737
303-575-1170
www.holistichorsekeeping.com
www.horseharmony.com
www.horseharmonytest.com
www.yourhorsebook.com
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