What Happens During the First Assessment?

I will take your animal’s full medical history; I will then carry out a gait assessment which varies for dogs and horses. For dogs I will ask you to walk and trot in a straight line and for working dogs e.g. obedience I will ask you to carry out some heel work if there are particular issues I may ask you to demonstrate the particular action/activity. For horses I will ask you to walk and trot up and perform tight circles on both reins and back up. I may even ask you to lunge or ride your horse dependant upon the issue. If tack problems are suspected I may also ask to see these. After assessing the animal in motion I shall carry out the treatment which will be a whole body assessment from just behind the head (top of the neck) to the pelvis. Any necessary adjustments will be carried out and explained during the treatment.

What Happens After the Treatment?

Aftercare is as important as the treatment itself although it can be difficult to make sure that you keep your animal calm after treatment they will reap the rewards in the long term, and will help to limit the total number of treatments they may need in total. Aftercare advice differs for both dogs and horses and would need to be assessed on each individual case. The broad guidelines would include:

Dogs

  • Shorter walks
  • Lead exercise if normally given a free run
  • Avoiding jumping on furniture or climbing the stairs
  • The most important thing is to find the balance between rest and exercise this would be discussed with you as specific advice will depend on the individual case.

Horses

  • Twenty four hours off work
  • Gentle return to work preferably a gentle hack
  • Turn out unless your horse is likely to gallop around otherwise stable kept and lead walk on the day of treatment