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equine osteopathy and canine osteopathy and osteopathy for other animals

ANIMAL OSTEOPATHY 

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy was established by Dr Andrew Taylor Still (1828-1917) however, it was not until the 1970's that Osteopathy was successfully applied to treating horses.  More recently in the 1990's, osteopathy was successfully applied to treat wild and exotic animal and bird species.  An Equine or a Canine Osteopath will follow the same principles as human Osteopathy.

Osteopathy is frequently referred to as treatment/manipulation of bones - especially the back and spinal column.  However, osteopathy is more than that.  Osteopathic treatment examines movement restrictions, treating the body as a whole with the aim of improving mobility and reducing inflammatory processes.  The principle is that the body can heal itself and is self-regulatory - therefore if one joint is blocked or a muscle is tense it will affect other parts of the body.  These restrictions in the articulations and soft tissues are called Osteopathic lesions. An osteopath will look at the entire body and its range of movements not necessarily directly manipulating the joint- in any event an osteopathic lesion is not a bone out of place.  By manipulation an osteopath will help achieve the animals normal equilbrium. 

Osteopathy can assist -

The number of treatments necessary will depend on the nature of the problem and the animal's individual response.  It can be helpful to have your animal regularly checked, as Osteopaths are trained to detect early changes in the musculo-skeletal system, which if treated can help prevent more serious problems in the long-run.

Choosing an Animal Osteopath

Anyone calling themselves an Osteopath must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council - as the title 'osteopath' is protected by law.  

If you would like to find an animal osteopath, you may find it helpful to contact the UK Society of Osteopaths in Animal Practice by telephoning: 01444 831211 or alternatively please email us here at Taranet for advice - info@taranet.co.uk .

As with all animal ailments only a Veterinary Surgeon can provide diagnosis and treatment however, many Vets will now refer cases to an Osteopath if appropriate.  Remember - It is an offence for any person, other than the owner of the animal, to treat an animal unless the permission of the vet in charge of the case or to whom the animal would be referred is sought and obtained.

Costs for an osteopathy session for your horse, dog or other animal will vary according to each individual Osteopath, and will often depend on the distance travelled by the Osteopath (for home/yard visits), plus the number of animals treated at the one location too will affect the charge.  However, you can expect to pay in the region of £25-£60 per session - please contact your chosen Osteopath for their individual charges.

Finally, many animal insurance companies will now pay for osteopathy treatment for your horse, dog or other animal where it is recommended by your Veterinary Surgeon.

Training as an Animal Osteopath

Find out how you can, by visiting our advice page here

Copyright Taranet February 2002

UK Animal Osteopathy Practicioners

Dunbar Equine Osteopathy - Email: mail@dunbar-equine-osteopathy.co.uk or Tel: 01368 864989

International Animal Osteopathy Practicioners

New Zealand

Cotswold Equine & Animal Therapies - NZ Member of Australian Veterinary Chiropractic Association. 'Maintenance, support and rehabilitation for the equine athlete and other animals' - Tel: +64 (0) 21 157 3723 / 0800 349 694

How to use the site

Those practicioners and organisations in green have links direct to their own website - simply click on their name to be transferred to their site.  Or contact them via any postal address and/or telephone number listed.

Are you an Animal Osteopath? - why not advertise here, so to find out how you can advertise on this page - please click here or email info@taranet.co.uk

Want to find out how to train as an animal osteopath?  Visit our training advice page here.

HORSENORTH 

The Horse Exchange - Internet Classified Horse Ads - UK and Worldwide - Free Photos - Free Hyperlinks.

To contact Taranet email -  info@taranet.co.uk