The osteopathic treatment of somatic dysfunction causing gait abnormality in 51 horses

Abstract

Summary Over a 19‐year period, 51 horses showing chronic lameness or gait abnormality that was not fully responsive to veterinary treatment at other referral clinics were referred to us for further treatment. All had either failed to have a diagnosis made, or treatment for the diagnosed conditions had shown only partial response. After further examination, we concluded that they showed abnormal function of the neck or back, but there was no obvious pathological cause. A diagnosis of ‘somatic dysfunction’ was made, characterised by altered muscle tone, tenderness or subtle changes in gait, similar to the condition recognised in human medicine. These cases subsequently underwent osteopathic treatment under sedation. Forty‐six cases (90.2%) responded to treatment in the short term (6 months after treatment). Seventeen (53.1%) were working at the same level or better than previously at least a year after treatment. Ten (31.2%) worked at a reduced level for between 1.5 and 10 years. Nineteen cases were lost to long‐term follow‐up. The findings of this study suggest that neck and back problems may be overlooked when investigating chronic lameness. When no pathology can be pinpointed as a cause of lameness, a diagnosis of somatic dysfunction as a primary problem should be considered. The presence of somatic dysfunction as a secondary complicating factor should not be overlooked. Stiffness and/or low grade pain in the spine of horses can result in persistent abnormal posture, gait, or behaviour, similar to ‘somatic dysfunction’ seen in the human patient. The cause is neuromuscular in origin, rather than resulting from tissue pathology. The diagnosis made clinically can be confirmed with thermography. This study confirms that osteopathic manipulation of the spine of horses can be a valuable treatment for cases of lameness that do not respond fully to standard veterinary treatments.

A Systematic Review of Musculoskeletal Mobilization and Manipulation Techniques Used in Veterinary Medicine

“…In contrast, the spinal manipulation studies were mostly randomized, controlled clinical trials (6 of 8). Objective outcome parameters were used to assess treatment efficacy in 11 studies and owner surveys were used in the three equine spinal mobilization studies [20][21][22].…”

“…The overall quality scores were graded low (n = 4), moderate (n = 7), and high (n = 3) across studies. The three equine osteopathy studies were judged to be of low quality due to their retrospective design and the sole reliance on unspecified owner questionnaires collected 6-18 months after treatment [20][21][22]. The randomized, controlled clinical trials that used objective measures provided the highest quality evidence regarding clinical efficacy [26,27,29].…”

“…The canine study evaluated the experimental effects of carpal immobilization with remobilization [19]. The equine mobilization studies included three osteopathic reports on the treatment of axial skeleton pain and stiffness [20][21][22]. Medical histories often included behavioral or temperament changes, apprehension when saddled, and reduced ridden performance [22].…”

Equine Cervical Pain and Dysfunction: Pathology, Diagnosis and Treatment

“…Dysfunction simply implies impaired or abnormal functioning [14]. Clinical signs of cervical dysfunction in human patients include decreased range of motion, altered body awareness and muscle activity [15], cervical dysfunction has been described in equine patients with subtle gait abnormalities and abnormal muscle tone [16]. In horses presented for poor performance, dysfunction is a critical, yet infrequently used term.…”

“…In horses presented for poor performance, dysfunction is a critical, yet infrequently used term. Signs of cervical dysfunction may include regional or generalized muscle asymmetry (e.g., atrophy, hypertrophy, and hypertonicity), stiffness or inability to move the neck through a normal range of motion, and altered head or neck carriage [16]. Cervical dysfunction may contribute to altered gait and biomechanics of the forelimb and trunk, producing additional dysfunction, pain and lameness.…”