Rehabilitation Strategies for the Neurologic Horse

Abstract

Rehabilitation of the neurologic horse represents a unique challenge for the equine practitioner. Improving postural stability and balance control through improving the strength of the spinal stabilizer muscle multifidus remains one of the most promising rehabilitative targets. This muscle can be targeted through the use of physiotherapeutic exercises, various forms of perturbation, and even whole-body vibration. Neuroanatomic localization and diagnosis specificity enable the practitioner to determine suitability for such rehabilitative tasks, and with the advent of evolving strategies and commercially available equipment, the bandwidth for professionally guided programs is continuously being developed and is expected to improve traditional outcomes.

Keywords: Balance; Neurologic; Physiotherapy; Rehabilitation; Stability.