Hamish

Report Form – 08/06/2018 -------------------------------------------------------------- Name: Beverley Name: Hamish Address: Blackfield Warbuton Farm -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- Age: Telephone:n/a Gender: Gelding Highland -------------------------------------------------------------- Subjective: Recently had some difficulty when out walking, hind-limbs have been a problem. Shoes recently removed and farrier having difficulty, unable to trim hooves as Hamish struggles holding limbs raised for a period of time. Reported muscle wastage. Session booked to aid arthritis and to make Hamish more comfortable. Objective: During gait analysis at walk Hamish displayed a good rhythm and under-tracked by approximately 1.5 hoof length. The right hind was seen to deviate from the metatarso-phalangeal joint medially, the hoof wear on this foot was uneven and there was a slight audible scuff. There was also less tarsal flexion on the right hind-limb. When travelling on an incline Hamish coped well uphill, yet when travelling down the left hind-limb looked to have a shortened stride and tarsal flexion. The forelimbs moved evenly and did have reduced range of motion bilaterally which was expected as arthritic changes had occurred in these joints, more so the right carpus. Hamish was better with his timing and rhythm when circling right, he hesitated and was more reluctant to move the hind-limbs when travelling left. Assessment: Immediate visual assessment points were that Hamish had a mass believed to be a melanoma on the left caudal rib area, this was avoided. He also has arthritic changes in the carpus joints. Range of motion of the neck was good! Sternal lift indicated that Hamish could improve his back range of motion. He did have good mobility in the left forelimb, the right had reduced carpal flexion, the hind-limbs were not fully assessed yet Hamish did pick up the left hind-limb several times and managed 3 attempts of the right hind-limb. Some tension was felt bilaterally in pectoralis superficialis. Hypertonicity was seen in the right subscapularis, lumbar epaxials and in the gluteals. More notably was the hypotrophy of Left trapezuis, rhomboideus thoracis. On the right there was hypotrophy of biceps femoris and quadriceps femoris, yet hypertrophy of Tensor fascia latae. Insertions of extensor carpi radialis did show hypertonicity. Trigger points were found on the right lumbar region. 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 trigger point. Pulsating magnetic therapy was tolerated and enjoyed thoroughly! Also used on 200 base constant to give pain relief to the joints and over the pelvis. Tapotement and stimulatory massage was used over hypotrophied areas and walking was used oppose to stretching to ensure mobility was encouraged. Laser used on joints to add heat and reduce pain. Plan: Check 1 month on with progress - Massage sheet has been sent to maintain a state of relaxation (once a week) - Aim for lifting each leg 5cm off the ground 3x a day - Tail pulls to the side to contract /relax tensor fascial latae and aid weight shifting/placement of the right hind - Long line along the route up the steep hill and down the gradual hill to avoid rider weight and to encourage muscle development and strength. - Baited stretches between fetlocks to increase core engagement and aid back mobility Notes: Hamish was very responsive and enjoyed the PMFT and Laser. He was very good at baited stretches and hope he does well with the exercises. Goals now include limb motion and muscle development.