Equine Therapy Degrees

Equine Physiotherapist

• An equine physical therapist must have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), an Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology or a Master of Science of Physical Therapy in order to obtain a certification in equine rehabilitation from an American Veterinary Association-accredited school.

  Equine physiotherapy, or physical therapy, involves employing the knowledge of how a horse moves against the musculoskeletal system to assess and then treat potential and existing problems. An equine physiotherapist works with the consent of a veterinarian, who has determined therapy is the next course of action when medical treatment has been completed.

  Most often the reason a horse needs physical therapy is trauma, such as a fall or accident. Other reasons might be an ill-fitting saddle, lack of fitness, lack of natural mobility, as treatment following lameness or for conformation faults that disallow free movement of the joints. Poor rider balance or technique can also contribute to a horse compensating by using his body in a way that puts strain on joints and muscles.

  Signs that a horse might need therapy include a sore back, stiffness or resistance, rearing or bucking, uneven or unwilling movement, poor balance and transitions, lameness, uneven shoe wear, or any other abnormal behavior.

  Physiotherapists may employ the use of massage, exercise, hot and cold pack therapy, or electromagnetics to treat injuries, and will see their patients a few times a week over a period of two or three months, depending on the severity of the injury.

Equine Chiropractics

• To be certified by the Animal Chiropractic Accreditation Commission (ACAC), prospective equine chiropractors must be Doctors of Chiropractic (DC) or Doctors of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and complete the Basic Animal Chiropractic course. Upon graduation, students will be issued a certificate of completion.

  Chiropractics can be a valuable asset to veterinary care when dealing with lameness. In horses, back and leg pain are often related.

  A horse that might need chiropractic care may show behavioral changes such as refusals, bucking or short striding; have diagnosed arthritis; experience muscle spasms or atrophy; have gait problems including loss of collection; or experience discomfort when saddled. Poor conformation might also play a role in how a horse moves as can rider imbalance.

  An equine chiropractor will take a case history including previous veterinary treatments, posture and gait analysis, and muscle palpation. Once the affected area is determined, he'll do an adjustment of the affected area of the spine using a low force, controlled thrust in an effort to relieve muscle spasms and return the joint to normal function.

Equine Acupuncture

• To become certified in equine acupuncture, students are required to have either a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or, depending on the school, be enrolled as a junior or senior at a veterinary school. Upon completion of the course, graduates receive a degree as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA).

  Acupuncture is a technique for treating some painful conditions by passing long, thin needles through the skin to specific points. The needle produces regional anesthesia while it stimulates the area, resulting in biochemical and physiological reactions. Some compare it to a domino effect: pressure to one point stimulates sensory receptors (pain, temperature, pressure and touch) which in turn stimulate other receptors or nerves that eventually send a message to the hypothalamus and pituitary glands that are responsible for releasing natural pain-killing hormones. Among other beneficial results, these hormones can increase circulation, relieve muscle spasms and pump up the body's defense systems.

  Acupuncture is being used by an increasing number of veterinarians for treatment of back problems, navicular disease, founder (laminitis) and other kinds of lameness. Because acupuncture uses the body's own system to aid in its healing, many horse owners appreciate that it's a natural, safe method of treatment that rarely encounters any complications.