All animals may suffer from back, neck, pelvic and musculoskeletal problems at some time during their life. And like us, they may benefit from McTimoney treatment. Although it is mainly horses and dogs that have been treated, a huge variety of other animals have also benefitted – cats, farm animals, birds, and a variety of "exotics" - even an elephant.

McTimoney Chiropractic for animals is a sympathetic and effective method of balancing the movement and function in all spinal structures from head to tail.

The McTimoney College of Chiropractic is the only chiropractic college in the world to offer a two year post graduate academic course which leads to a Masters degree in chiropractic for animals.

Horses

Spinal joints need to work in coordination with each other. A joint that becomes stuck can become painful in itself, but will also have a knock on effect on its neighbours, or on joints further away in the chain. This can lead to anything from a mild deterioration in an animal's performance or behaviour, to uncharacteristic resistance and refusal to perform, to downright dangerous reactions.

Chiropractic may help with the following situations:

• Maintenance of performance in competition horses in all disciplines
• Bucking, napping or rearing, particularly if recently started
• Changes in normal behaviour
• Loss of jumping performance, hitting poles, refusing or difficulty in making distances in combinations
• Stiffness or reduced performance on one rein
• Difficulty working round / on the bit
• Following an accident, fall or slipping
• Uneven movement / lameness
• Sudden reluctance to be groomed or touched in a particular area
• Soreness following saddle fitting problem

In addition to Chiropractic, I use supportive techniques from craniosacral therapy, equine sports massage and stretching.

I am happy to check saddles and bridles for fit, assess foot balance, exercise, rider skills, feeding and general horse management but will refer you on to a suitably qualified person in that field to take any remedial action, or am happy to work with your existing team.

If I believe there is an underlying medical problem I will refer you back to your Vet and liaise with them.

NB. As a regulated Chiropractor I work closely with your vets to ensure your animals receive appropriate treatment - if your animal is currently under the vet for an active condition we seek consent from them to treat. Find out more at www.mctimoney-chiropractic.org.