Lola

Report Form – 04/06/2018 Name: Sue McDougal Name: Lola Address: Lark View Farm Age: 9 Telephone:n/a Gender: Mare Part Bred Arab Subjective: Has been under the care of Chelsea (Vet) and has started Regumate due to behavioural change and altered seasons. Owner reports a difference after starting the regumate. Physiotherapy has been sought to check for any underlying musculo-skeletal issues as some lumbo-sacral pain was noted. Objective: During gait analysis Lola showed increased barrel movement to the right. The left gluteal and tubercoxae appeared to be held higher than the right in walk, in trot looked very even. Marginally hypertrophic left Gracillis, Semimenbranosus and Semitendinosus and adductors. Foot placement was good heel to toe in the hind-limbs, some marginal circumduction was present of the left hind-limb but intermittent and in walk. Moved close behind. Stride length could be improved in the hindlimbs. Foot flight and placement of the forelimbs was good and occasional lateral hoof wall landing left fore, again, intermittent. Overall moved well and straight looked slightly tense and stilted behind especially when turned sharply. Assessment: Bilateral trapezius thoracis was hypertonic and showed discomfort, range of motion in the neck was good and even both directions. Ascending pectoral on the left had scar tissue but did not look to restrict retraction. Sarcoids were known and avoided. Bilateral reaction was demonstrated on palpation of the lumbo-sacral fascia and fasciculated more on the left. Trigger points were found in this area at insertion of gluteus medialis . Lumbo-sacral epaxial musculature was visibly hypertonic. Left tensor fascia latae had some myo-fascial tension. Pulsating Magnetic Therapy was used 50Hz base 17.5 Pulse vasodilation setting to relieve tension in the shoulders, epaxials and lumbo-sacral region alongside massage. Myo-fascial release was used over areas of taught fascia and TFL. General massage was given and Laser therapy given on the left gluteal trigger point. Stretching and reflexes were used to maintain relaxation after treatment alongside sternal lifts and pelvic flexion. Plan: Reassess September (3 months)     Massage sheet has been sent to maintain a state of relaxation (once a week) Lighter saddle pad is to be used to allow for reduced pressure over thoracic trapezius Tail scratches (encourages pelvic tilt and will stretch lumbar fascia) (Once every other day) When hacking utilise the surfaces and kerbs or obstacles to get Lola stepping higher and recruiting all the musculature we worked on. The poles in the yard will be a good addition as will any uphill work, lots of transitions when hacking and focus on some bending to increase suppleness. Notes: On reassessment Lola moved much better and the left pelvic region was more supple, and noticeably less high. Reacted really well to physiotherapy and the visual tension in the lumbar region had resolved approx 85% by the end of the session.