Mini

Horses to Hounds Physiotherapy Becky Black BSc (Hons) AdvCertVPhys MIRVAP Signalment Name of Animal Mini Breed/Type Arab Age 21 Gender Mare Use Retired Medical History Previous injury Kick to left carpus resulting in very arthritic joint and lack of extension Treatment and Referral n/a Medications On pain relief daily Subjective Owner would like Mini to feel more comfortable and to gain more range of motion. Mini is retired so will no longer be ridden. Objective- Gait and Palpation Walk Ribcage movement was equal, Undertracked by 2 hoof lengths and had a wide gait in the hindlimbs. Bilaterally in the forelimbs Mini moved toe in and on the left forelimb extension of the limb in stance and swing phase was restricted. Reduction in hock flexion bilaterally. Trot n/a Palpation Trigger points were seen along caudal rib insertion on the left side and tight fascia was also palpated in the lumbar region bilaterally and was reactive. Hypertrophy of the left common digital extensor muscle was seen and the tendon associated was shifted laterally. The left subscapular musculature was hypertonic and restricted some shoulder movement. Other Not shod, struggled with circling either way, large circles were done. Left hindlimb was reluctant to step through. Objective-Range Of Motion On protraction of either forelimb Mini would shift to the hindlimbs to prevent loading the contra lateral forelimb. The hindlimbs had restricted retraction. The range of movement in the back was good despite a weak core musculature from not being in work. Problem list • Trigger points • Hypertrophic left shoulder • Tight fascia •Tension in the lumbar region Goals To maintain range of motion in the back, to resolve some trigger points and tension, and to relax the compensations in the shoulder. Physiotherapy Treatment Plan Mini received a massage, pulsating magnetic therapy on vasodilation setting to encourage warming of the muscles, LASER for the trigger points and passive range of motion to circulate joint fluid and aid balance and flexibility. Mini reacted extremely well to the massage and enjoyed the session. Most trigger points were resolved, however the lumbar tension and spasming was not fully resolved. For this, Mini was advised to do carrot stretches to the chest, carpus and between the forelimbs 5 times a day in the hope of recruiting the abdominals and elevating the spine. This stretch will also maintain some of the release from the massage giving longer lasting effects. Also, it was advised Mini does forelimb raises when her hooves are cleaned (suspend the limb and slowly lower it) this will allow some relief to occur in the shoulders and keep the fascia supple. Myofascial release and massage were not able to fully resolve the tension and tight fascia around the ribs, however a massage sheet has been attached to continue this until a resolution occurs. After the session minis gait had improved slightly by half a hoof with her over track. It is advised that Mini may be sore the day after treatment, but if any issues occur for more than 3 days, to get in touch.