The following case studies describe horses, pre-massage evaluations, massage and findings. Owners agreed to have this information including images published to this website.
Horse Name/ Age |
Carmel, 22 |
Owner |
Sue |
Gender |
Mare Gelding Stud |
Color/breed |
Morgan |
location |
CH, Wisconsin |
Date |
6/6/08 |
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HORSE HISTORY: Owner has owned this horse for 17years, mostly ridden English, dressage and jumping and trail riding, barefoot, never bred.
Owner/handler states re precondition: Lately horse has had difficulty bending to the left, holds head slightly to the right when ridden or longed. Vet diagnosed Arthritis in right hind fetlock joint. |
Horse’s condition/sensitivities/issues found by practitioner:
NOTES |
(L=light, M=Medium, H=High) |
RIGHT |
LEFT |
Poll/atlas: tenderness, hardened muscles, sensitive to touch, released some of the tension and responded well to massage.
Front leg: no sensitivities
Neck: Neck a bit stiff, but able to release nicely
Shoulder: Hardened muscles and a few knots on the upper shoulder, a bit stiff when dropping shoulder out to the right
Back/Sacroiliac/Croup: No notable back sensitivities, reacted positively to light touch on sacroiliac region, released nicely, sacroiliac obviously an area of concern.
Hip: Relaxed hip nicely, was able to drop hip, enjoys and relaxed when hip is rocked, gets tense when rocking against front ribs
Tail: relaxed
Hind leg: Sensitive to light touch in hock and fetlock area |
Poll/atlas: very tender, hardened muscles, tight ligament, was able to release somewhat
Front leg: no sensitivities
Neck: Neck stiff, has hard time bending, obviously uncomfortable
Shoulder: hardened muscles make it hard to reach under the scapula in the upper part of the shoulder, a bit stiff when dropping shoulder out.
Back/sacroiliac/croup: No notable back sensitivities, but sacroiliac very sensitive on left side
Hip: Was unable to take weight off left hind, possibly due to pain in right hind. Relaxed when hip was being rocked, tensed when pushing against ribs.
Tail: relaxed
Hind leg: no sensitivities |
Summary: The mare is clearly uncomfortable putting weight on right hind, even though no obvious lameness. The muscle tensions in poll and neck and in the sacroiliac area are possibly due to compensation (arthritic fetlock joint). Continued massage will help make this horse more comfortable during movement by releasing built up muscle spasms and tensions.
Recommendation:
Follow up with massage in about 1 week to loosen up neck/shoulder/atlas area. Owner to bend horse with head/tail stretch when grooming, starting very slowly and working up to a nice stretch.
Please Note: Equine Massage is NEVER a substitute for proper veterinary care. If in doubt about the physical condition of your horse, please consult your vet.
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