Shoulder/back pain

Question
I have an active 24 yr mare. For approx. 1 year started showing signs of rt. lameness.  After a complete vet exam of her right foot,knee & shoulder (including x-rays), it was determined her rt.shoulder & back pains stemmed from an ill fitting saddle & pad.  Vet. said over time her body conformation had changed.  She is now on full rest (+/- 6 mo.), getting glucosamine, Cetyl-M and ground flax seeds, Absorbine Jr. What can I expect for healing time? What about Acupuncture and or Chiropractic care? Any benefits?

Answer
Lynda,

A poorly fitting saddle, like badly fitting shoes, can cause untold agony and the horse's body will pay for it.  I would look for a massage therapist to address muscle issues and most likely she could use some chiropractic work as well.  But the massage should be done first to release the muscles.  Otherwise any chiropractic work will not be as effective nor last as long.  

I would say you are probably looking at 4-6 mos.  The massage work will go a long way towards helping her.  I spent 6 mos. working on a mare who could not get into a steo-up trailer which she does quite happily once again now.  A lot depends upon the severity of the initial condition and the individual horse's healing capacity.  But you are doing pretty good nutritional support although I would add MSM to optimize the glucosamine utilization.  I use a conbination of glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate/hyaluronic acid and MSM which works very well for arthritic issues in older horses and helps my hardworking horse stay comfortable.  My endurance horse is 18 this year and still sound and capable of running a 100 miles.  She has been on joint support all her life.  Her initial career was as  racehorse.  She's a Standardbred and raced until she was 5 making 28 starts and earning nearly $12,000 so she's got a lot of mileage on her.  She's added 2,000+ endurance miles and still going strong.  

Keep an eye on your saddle fit very closely.  As she gets better and starts being able to use herself correctly once again after you can start riding her, you may have to make adjustments.  

Lyn