Derman Equine Chiropractic
Ray E. Derman, D.C., C.V.C.P.

Chiropractic - the practice of using one's hands to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases. Chiropractic spinal manipulations have been done on both people and animals in this country since 1895. History indicates that spinal manipulation was used on animals as far back as ancient China.

Misalignments of the vertebrae are called subluxations. When a chiropractor manually performs a spinal manipulation on an animal, he is attempting to correct any subluxation in the spine in order to restore the proper functioning of that animal's nervous system.

Spinal subluxations in horses may be caused by stress, faults in conformation, stall confinement, poorly-fitted saddles or other tack, improper hoof-care, injuries to the horse, etc. If a horse has a subluxation, he will generally experience some form of pain, ranging from moderate to severe. Symptoms that you may observe in your own horse might include any of the following:

• Seems ‘out of balance' in his stride

• Difficulty or inability to change leads

• Shows a reluctance to bend or flex at the poll or neck

• Shows refusals at jumps

• Difficulty in lifting hind leg for shoeing or trimming

• Dropping or flinching during grooming

• Uncooperative when being saddled

• Ear shyness and head tossing

• Shows irritability and sudden behavioral changes

• Seems to have a ‘hitch in his gait”

• Horse appears to be uncomfortable under saddle

• Poor performance on the track, in sporting events or on the trail

Dr. Derman uses a variety of techniques when adjusting horses, all of which are gentle, safe and effective and rarely requires sedation. He uses the Hoppe Technique created by Dr. Eric Hoppe (www.horsefixer.com), equine osteopathy created by Dr. Janek Vluggen of Germany, and accupressure and myofascial trigger-point therapy when needed.

Dr. Derman offers a caring, comprehensive approach, working with your veterinarian and using chiropractic protocols to identify and alleviate these problems. He will provide your horse with the best care possible within the scope of his practice.