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| Special Update: FD |
You are here: Newsletters > Special Update: FD
by Kate Kase
We knew from the beginning that FD was going to need more than ordinary care if he was going to have a chance at a productive life. We began by investigating a wider range of treatment options than we might need for a horse with a healthier history. We don’t know exactly what FD has been through, but from his days on the track it seems that he has had several broken bones and was left with associated nerve damage and decreased blood circulation to the muscles in the affected areas. Most notably, FD exhibited stifle problems, throwing his left hind leg out in an exaggerated swing and dragging his toe when he walked. Since we have personally experienced the benefits of chiropractic care for ourselves, the first thing we did was to find FD a vet who is also a certified equine chiropractor.
Dr. Linda Taylor responded immediately and enthusiastically when we called. We explained that we had a “challenge” on our hands – 6 months to rehabilitate a horse who was previously thought to have no chance. She arrived at the farm prepared to serve FD in her dual capacities as an equine vet and as a chiropractor. Her initial examination confirmed that we had a lot of work ahead of us.
FD’s first chiropractic adjustment went well, though his mobility was restricted due to his old injuries. By the time Dr. Taylor finished, she had worked out a series of exercises for us to have him perform every other day. Two weeks later when she returned, we were all amazed at the progress he had made. His second adjustment went even better and his great progress has continued, thanks to Dr. Taylor’s healing hands.
Since chiropractic techniques are used to treat vertebral subluxations, which may alter neurological function, adjustments often are successful in relieving pain when all else has failed. But as vets become more familiar with chiropractic’s potential benefits, they are beginning to see the usefulness of applying chiropractic in a wider variety of situations. For example, equine chiropractors are becoming a standard at the racetrack. And chiropractic is being recommended more and more to enhance the performance of any equine athlete. Dr. Kevin Haussler, DVM, DC, points out that chiropractic comes from Greek words literally meaning to use the hands to diagnose and treat. Chiropractic, he goes on, works by stimulating “the body’s inherent healing ability as affected by and integrated through the nervous system.” A chiropractor often can detect abnormalities that may affect the horse’s potential for success in a chosen endeavor. This is exactly the reason that Dr. Sharon Willoughby, DVM, DC sometimes recommends chiropractic evaluation as part of an equine prepurchase exam.
Probably the most important consideration in selecting an equine chiropractor is making sure that he or she has the proper credentials. There are only a handful of equine vet-chiropractors in the Maryland-Northern Virginia-Pennsylvania area right now but the number is growing. The American Veterinary Chiropractic Association, headquartered in Hillsdale, Illinois, is the certifying entity. Drs. Hausser and Willoughby, mentioned above, are both on the AVCA Board. But closer to home, Dr. Judith Shoemaker of Nottingham, PA is on the Board as well. To locate an equine chiropractor near you, contact AVCA at 309) 658-2920, or you can reach Dr. Taylor at 301-973-4095.
For additional information about equine chiropractic adjustments, you may want to review the following book, which is available from Amazon.com.
Order Now!