Horseteopathy :: Equine Osteopathy, Osteopath Treatment for Horses

Passive examination
The passive examination and the treatment approach that follows was formulated by Stuart McGregor D.O. M.R.O., founder of the Osteopathic Centre for Animals (OCA), Wantage, Oxfordshire, and head of Osteopathic Services to Racing (OSR). He has some 40 years’ experience around horses.

 
 
 
           
 
 
       
Examination of the forelimb and shoulder begins with observation of the sole and hoof capsule, noting any abnormalities in size, shape, symmetry and condition.

The mobility of the short pastern on the pedal bone is tested, lateral cartilages are palpated and the pastern and fetlock joints observed and articulated. The condition of the suspensory ligament and deep and superficial flexor tendons are observed, and the check ligaments and any splints are palpated The knee, elbow and the shoulder are articulated to check for any restrictions. This sequence is repeated in the hind limb and then exactly the same is done on the other side.

The mobility of the thoraco-lumbar spine is checked on both sides, noting any sidebending restriction.

The cervical spine is examined in rotation and sidebending, with particular attention paid to the occipito-atlanto-axial area i.e. the poll.

An appraisal of tension in the muscles, in particular the long back muscles either side of the spine, concludes the passive examination

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