Q.What
is Equine Osteopathy.
A.
Equine Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment which emphasises
methods of recognising and alleviating structural and mechanical problems
in the musculo-skeletal system of the horse.
Q.
When Should I Contact An Osteopath.
You should contact a Qualified Equine Osteopath if your horse
develops any unusual problems, and has had a consultation with a veterinary
surgeon to rule out any pathological problems. See what we treat on this
web page for further information.
Q.
How Many Treatments Will It Take.
This
depends a lot on what the actual problem is with your horse. The osteopath
should be able to give you some indication of how many treatments your
horse will require after his initial consultations a general rule for
common back problems 3 to 4 treatments should suffice.
Q.
Should My Horse Be Checked Regularly
Your
horse should be checked on a regular basis - at least 3 to 4 times a year.
Osteopaths are trained to detect early changes in the musculo-skeletal
system, which will certainly cause the horse discomfort if not treated
Q.
Should I Consult My Vet
You
should always consult your veterinary surgeon before having your
horse treated by any other practitioner. It is an offence for anyone
to treat an animal without referral from a veterinary surgeon, The
practitioners insurance would not cover them if the horse has not been
referred.
Q.
Why are Vet's Against Getting My Horse's Back Treated.
A
lot of Veterinary surgeons are quit rightly sceptical about back treatments
for animals because there are so many so-called "back persons"
treating horses who have no formal qualifications, either in human or
animal therapies. These people can actually be a danger to their patients.
In Scotland there are 50 to 60 people treating horses, but there are only
4 Osteopaths and 1 Chiropractor on their respective register's for treating
animals in Scotland as at Feb. 2000.
Q.
What Is The Difference Between An Osteopath And A Backman.
An
Osteopaths trains over a period of between 4 and 5 years. Their study
and work involves an in-depth knowledge of Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology,
Biomechanics etc. They also have to sit various examinations to prove
they are competent carrying out examinations and treatments on human patients.
They can then carry on in various further modes of education, and specialise
in other disciplines: one of which is the treatment of animals. Most backmen
are people who have picked up techniques by watching Osteopaths or Chiropractors
at work, and then use these methods without really knowing what they are
trying to do, or achieve. Often they do not even apply movements or thrust
in the proper direction.
Q.
How can I tell if someone is Qualified or insured.
The
simple answer is to ask. If they are a qualified therapist,
the answer is yes! Find out where they trained (there are only three establishments
in Britain that run courses, in the Manipulative treatment of animals).
For your own peace of mind you should ensure that they are insured to
treat animals, and that they can they give you a phone number of the college
they trained at and their insurance company so you can clarify this.
You may have no comeback on a therapist who is not insured. Don't take the risk.
