Presenting Concern:
CG, normally very kind and tolerant, began bucking and swapping leads behind. This is very unlike him. He is ridden by a teenager and her mother is concerned that CG’s recent behavior is a warning sign that he is uncomfortable. He is unable to stand for the farrier to reset his shoes on the front. He slams his feet down unexpectedly and gets very frustrated during his shoe reset.
Highlights of Clinical Findings:
- Bulged muscles on both sides of the neck
- Tension lines in the neck
- L shoulder wide/R shoulder flat (severe)
- Soreness over D ring on L side of rib cage
- Soreness in lower back
- Sensitivity when gluteals were palpated
- Lame on RF/feet asymmetric
- Stood with the RF leg pointed
Diagnostics:
Radiographs of the withers indicated calcification of the interspinous ligament in several locations. This finding indicates chronic tension and/or trauma.
Treatments:
CG had neck injections in addition to subscapular injections and treatment of the brachial plexus. Shockwave of the thoracic sling was done and repeated at two week intervals for a total of 3 visits. CG was put into a rehabilitation lunging program at home while undergoing treatment. His tack was evaluated. A fitted saddle was purchased and the girth was changed.
Results:
CG’s owner reported a dramatic response to the first treatment. His personality was back to normal and his grumpiness was resolved. His lameness was still present but improved. He continued to improve with the 2nd shockwave treatment and was sound after the 3rd visit. CG’s rider was back in the saddle and smiling from ear to ear. CG’s feet returned to normal symmetry and his farrier no longer struggled to reset his shoes.