Chiropractic Manipulation in the Horse
  by Robert N. Oglesby DVM

The use of chiropractic manipulation in horses is a growing trend in spite the paucity of scientifically tested clinical data in horses to support its use. Much of the principles of equine chiropractic stem from the human practice but it should be noted that there are many difficulties when comparing the use of chiropractic in humans and equines. In human chiropractic:

• Diagnosis is based on specific first hand complaints by the patient.
• Radiography used to document lesions, guide manipulation, and rule out problems that should not have chiropractic manipulation.
• Manipulative procedure techniques based on hundreds of years of experience.

None of these key elements are present in equine chiropractic and so these human clinical studies in no way support or refute the usefulness of the practice. Besides the lack of scientific support there are physical concerns. The very long dorsal and lateral spinous processes and the thick associated epaxial musculature the equine spinal cord is sheathed in many inches of muscle from the 1st cervical vertebrae all the way to the caudal vertebrae. This makes direct observation, palpation, and potentially adjustment more difficult in the equine patient.

In spite of this, the practice continues to grow due to the many anecdotal reports of clinical improvement following manipulation. As with all anecdotal evidence many questions remain but most of all:

• What would have happened if no treatment were applied?
• What if some other treatment were used?
• If this is useful treatment what are clear indications and contraindications for manipulation?

Science is replete with examples that illustrate how anecdotal reporting of cause and effect can be wrong. Experience teaches us that it is science's strength that it is able to determine, within a statistical error, cause and effect in complicated biological systems. The lack of scientific support, at least in refereed scientific and veterinary journals, for what equine chiropractors are doing is a warning.

This article discusses principles of vertebral joint dysfunction, chiropractic theory, and manipulation techniques from the view of the chiropractor. This article represents a alternative view and helps educate about the potential indications and use of chiropractic. It also contains scientific report summaries on the current status of chiropractic manipulation. It should not be looked as a endorsement for its use but should help you decide if this is a treatment modality you wish to try.

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