Louis

Report Form – June 2018 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Name: Diane Name: Louis Address: Broad Lane Titterington ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- Age: 18 Telephone:n/a Gender: Gelding Welsh D ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Subjective: Physiotherapy was booked to keep Louis comfortable in his semi-retired state. Previously competed at high level dressage. Was seen to take a shortened stride with a hind-limb prior to visit. Objective: During gait analysis Louis showed increased barrel movement to the left. The right Tuber coxae was intermittently dropping when compared to the left in walk. Foot flight was straight and fetlock drop was equal on the left and right. When viewed from the side Louis tracked up and no shortened strides were seen. In trot the Tuber coxae on the right was seen to drop very slightly again but again intermittently. Louis was seen on the hard surface to land bilaterally on the lateral aspect of the hoof in walk and trot. On the turn to the left, good timing and placement. When turning right a shortened stride with both hindlimbs was present and normal striding returned when straight. On the soft surface Louis had slightly reduced flexion in the right hindlimb. Assessment: Some hypertonicity was felt in the left superficial pectoral and there were trigger points in the left lumbar region and proximal caudal ribs on the right hand side. Range of motion of the left forelimb was better than the right potentially due to arthritic changes in the carpus on this side. Range of motion in the hindlimbs was better in the left hindlimb. The range of motion of the back could be improved and the follow up plan addresses this. Pulsating Magnetic Therapy was used 50Hz base 17.5 Pulse vasodilation setting to relieve tension in alongside massage. General massage was given and Laser therapy given to aid mobilisation of the right carpus, which Louis tolerated very well. Plan: Reassess October (3 months) - Continue having lessons and doing flatwork – lateral work and sweeping turns will aid maintenance of the arthritis and muscle bulk. Make notes of any one sidedness. - Baited stretches (Carrot Stretches) – To chest, carpus and fetlock. Also to the side of each hoof. - Polework – This will maintain and hopefully improve flexion of the limbs and joints. Even using a couple in corners or down the centre will be invaluable in activating the core and strengthening Louis’ back.