Equine Chiropractic
(excerpt from Equine Chiropractice Manual)

Disclaimer:
The author wishes to inform readers of Equine Chiropractic that his purpose is to teach the fundamental of equine manipulation, including equine anatomy, physiology, gait analysis, biomechanical, pathomenchanics, and chiropractic evaluation.

It must be acknowledged that regulations governing the practice of equine chiropractic vary on a state-to-state basis. Readers are advised to consult with their state regulatory agencies for information regarding scope of practice. The author is not responsible for legal actions or actions by regulatory agencies against practitioners of equine chiropractic.

In addition, it must be acknowledged that there are inherent risks in the practice of equine chiropractic. The author is not responsible for any personal injuries sustained to readers of their assistants in the practice of equine chiropractic, nor is he responsible for any injuries incurred to horses treated using the methods outlined in this book.

SUBLUXATION PATTERN #2: Atlas Rotation

Clinical Presentation:
Rotation is a common subluxation pattern, and is detected on the posterior wings. A tenderness or sensation will be elicited on the posterior/dorsal side of rotation. Palpating off the lateral mass of atlas and sliding up towards the pole at the top of the horse's head, the very large posterior wing of atlas can be felt. If the horse is extremely tender, he will exhibit a pain reaction or pain behavior, such as pulling away, shaking his body, tensing up, or attempting to head-butt. The majority of horses who are ear-shy have a posteriorly rotated atlas on that side. Most horses that are ear-shy tend to be more so on one side than the other. Significant reduction of the symptom complex and the sensitivity and ear-shyness will be accomplished by correcting the atlas rotation.

Corrective Techniques:
If a multiple subluxation complex exists, such as a sideslip with rotation, the sideslip should be corrected first, followed by the rotation.

Mallet (Preferred):
The contact mallet is placed on the posterior wing on the side of rotation directly behind and above the ear, making very certain to be off the occipital bone. The corrective thrust is applied from above to below. This is a lighter thrust, only 10-20 lbs. It is a firm, quick blow to the contact mallet to initiate the motion and get the atlas to rotate anteriorly on that side. The horse generally tolerates this maneuver very well.

• Post-checks:
A significant reduction in the tenderness above the posterior wing of atlas will be noted, as well as a significant movement and return to normal position of C1. The vertebra of a horse, as compared to humans, moves a significant distance, and it is very palpable in pre- and post-evaluation of subluxations and corrections.

• Safety considerations:
Again, keep in mind that this maneuver is performed very near the horse's ears, and the noise made by the mallets contacting each other often times is more disagreeable to the horse than the actual adjustment itself. The doctor must anticipate the movement of the horse and have his body positioned so as to avoid being stepped on or head-butted.

Manual:
The manual technique may be favorable in some horses that are somewhat shyer. If a horse has been whipped or beaten at any point in his life, he will remember it well. If a mallet is used, the horse may interpret the backswing as a sign of aggression against him and may react accordingly. It is therefore wise to use this alternate technique when dealing with reactive animals.

This example will illustrate a correction of a left posterior rotated atlas.

The body position of the doctor is directly in front of the horse, stepping in close so that the horse's head drapes over the doctor's left shoulder. The contact hand (the right hand) gently slides up and contacts the posterior wing of atlas on the left side, with a very firm middle finger. The left hand gently slides up and overlaps the contact made by the right hand. The doctor then, very gently and easily so as not to disrupt the horse, stands up straight and moves slightly out from the horse, so that the head of the horse goes into slight extension. Applying a downward force with the contact hands and applying an upward force with the shoulder to the bottom of the jaw bring the atlas brought to tension. Once the atlas is to tension, a very firm force is applied directly inferior, pulling the atlas into its normal position.

• Safety considerations:
This is an effective maneuver that often yields audible results. This maneuver, however, places the doctor in a vulnerable position; if the horse bolts, it may run directly over the doctor, and if the horse rears, the doctor could be easily pawed. If the horse decides to do a lateral head-butt, the doctor's head is only inches away. It is therefore extremely important that the doctor conveys confidence to the horse and communicates exactly what is happening when attempting to perform these corrective techniques. Career-ending injuries may occur at any moment when a doctor is in these postures!!!!

Summary:
In progressing down the cervical spine, please note that the previously described manual technique may be used for all segments, It's actually a very comfortable and powerful position for the doctor to be in, and a comfortable position for the horse as well, if the doctor conveys confidence to the horse, with his arms around the horse in almost a loving posture. However, if the doctor is intimidated or unsure of the horse's behavior pattern, it is suggested that the alternate mallet technique be used. Position-wise, the mallet technique is much safer for the doctor when initially working with horses.