Well, it’s just about winter, and when it’s cold to us, it’s
cold to our horses. Though horses adapt incredibly well to winter and grow
‘winter coats’ for added protection and insulation against the elements, we still need to ensure that they are adequately
prepared and fortified throughout the winter months. If you keep your horse in
a stall or barn, always be sure that the bedding is clean and changed
regularly. Be sure there is good ventilation, as this is vital for your horse’s
respiration, however be aware of ‘drafty’ areas, particularly in frosty temps.
If you winter your horse outdoors, be sure to provide a wind block. Most horses
accustomed to being outdoors adapt and will grow long, warm coats which retain
body heat for insulation, but a frigid wind can penetrate most things. Additionally,
rain and ‘wet cold’ can be challenging to withstand. You may want to consider
blanketing your horse. Blankets are particularly helpful for the older horse,
or perhaps one that is injured and cannot run around freely. There are many
wonderful types of blankets, ranging from lightweight to heavy, depending on
the need, and there are numerous resources online delineating these distinctions.
If you ride your horse throughout the winter, remember these tips: Always
prepare your horse by warming up, particularly a horse that has been corralled for any length of time. As with us, freezing temps can injure improperly
prepared tissues. A comprehensive grooming will warm the muscles, tendons and
ligaments by promoting circulation. Also, don’t neglect your horse’s hooves.
Packed snow and ice buildup in the hoof can be treacherous, particularly in
terrain that might also be snowy or icy. Warm the bit and tack before use. Lastly, but perhaps most importantly,
remember to check the water in your horse’s watering areas. Automatic heating
waterers are great if you have them, but if not, try insulated buckets. These
are just a few of the reminders that will help provide your horse with the love
and care they deserve, even when ‘Old Man Winter’ is in town! Have a comment?
Join in, and stay warm!
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Chiropractic Maintenance and Preventative Care - Pat Holl Animal Chiropractor Billings Montana Equine Canine Chiropractic
Hi guys. Been busy these days, but thought I'd send out a reminder on
the benefits of preventative care and consistent chiropractic maintenance. You know that regular
chiropractic management can not only help the body heal, but also facilitates a
healthier, stronger and more resilient patient. Well here are some other
benefits to think about: chiropractic care can increase circulation and help
eliminate lactic acid. It increases delivery of oxygen and nutrient supply,
helps reduce muscle spasms and adhesions, increases flexibility and can improve
overall health. Additionally, chiropractic care can address the micro injuries resulting
from everyday stress, assisting recovery and enhancing overall quality of life. And what goes for
us, goes for our pets. So, a little maintenance and prevention can make a big
difference, and regular chiropractic care can markedly improve your life! Have a comment? Join the conversation!
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Brain Health - Patricia Holl Animal Chiropractor in Billings Montana Equine Canine
Hi all! I know it’s been a few weeks since you’ve heard from
me, but I’ve been busy. Most recently, I was attending an advanced ‘Functional
Neurology’ course in Milwaukee, exercising my brain. That’s right, my brain! In
order for our brains to perform optimally, they require a regular fitness
program, just like the rest of our bodies. Our brains function most efficiently when
they are in a balanced state. This includes a balance between neurotransmitters
like Glutamate and GABA, balanced calcium ions and cellular stability. As we
age, some of our brains’ processes can become less active, resulting in loss of
memory function and mental disorganization. So, here are a few things we can do
to maintain optimal brain fitness:
1. EXERCISE. According to Harvard
Psychiatry Professor John Ratey, author of
Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and The Brain,
‘nothing beats exercise for promoting brain health’.
2. DIET and NUTRITION: James Joseph,
neuroscientist at the Agricultural Research Service writes: ‘vitamins and
minerals in plant foods provide protective antioxidants, but fruits vegetables,
nuts, seeds and grains contain thousands of other types of compounds that
contribute significantly to the overall dietary intake of antioxidants.’
Antioxidants help to provide energy for brain cell activity. And avoid smoking
and excessive alcohol intake, as toxins can build up and break down cellular
integrity.
3. KEEP YOUR MIND SHARP: Read, learn a new
language or learn to play a musical instrument. Increased focus can improve
brain fitness by promoting concentration, alertness and blood flow to the
brain.
So, when you’re thinking about your fitness, don’t forget
about your brain. After that 'Crossfit' workout, go home, eat a balanced meal, and read an article or a book. Start those piano lessons you've been thinking about. Learn a new song. Oh, and by the way, what goes for us, goes for our pets.
Make sure their diet is high in nutrient supply and they have plenty of clean water. Maintaining a strong, dependable and healthy brain will ensure years of
productivity and health! Have a comment? Join the conversation.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
The Importance of Water - Pat Holl Animal Chiropractor in Montana
Let’s face it, water is vital to your health. It is the main
component of the human body, and every cell requires it. Water assists
metabolism and helps remove toxins, particularly from the digestive tract. It
cushions and lubes joints and muscles, and transports nutrients and oxygen into
cells. It regulates body temperature, and reduces risk of disease and
infection. Researchers at Loma Linda University
in California
found that people who drank more than 5 glasses of water a day were less likely
to die from a heart attack or heart disease. When your body becomes dehydrated,
harmful effects can ensue. Chronic cellular dehydration leaves the body in a
weakened state, leading to vulnerability and imbalances. These may include
fatigue, migraines, muscle cramps, dry skin, exhaustion and poor metabolism. Benefits
of drinking water include losing weight, as drinking water reduces hunger. Additionally, thirst can be mistaken for hunger, so it might be a glass of water your body is craving, rather than that afternoon snack. Water
is a natural remedy for headache pain, as dehydration is a common headache
contributor. It relieves fatigue, as your body works harder when dehydrated to
pump out the oxygenated blood to cells, Also some studies show that drinking
appropriate amounts of water may reduce the risks of bladder and colon cancer
by diluting the concentration of cancer-causing agents in the urine and
shortening contact time. And how much water should we be drinking? 8 glasses a
day? AT LEAST! Try half your body weight in ounces! You can’t have too much water.
It is the single most important element for cellular integrity. Oh, and what
goes for us, goes for our pets, but they tend to be smarter than us regarding
water. Just leave them plenty of clean water, and they’ll be sure to drink it.
Have a comment? Join in!
Thursday, August 22, 2013
'Hunter's Bump' in Horses - Pat Holl Animal Chiropractor Equine Chiropractor Canine Chiropractor Billings Montana
Named after the sport which instigates the condition,
“hunter’s bump”, also know as ‘jumper’s bump’ is a painful pelvic condition in
your horse that may cause gait abnormalities and can affect performance. It
most often occurs in jumping horses, hunters, and steeplechasers. A ‘Hunter’s
Bump’ is a protrusion of the tuber sacrale. This is the area of the hip that
will appear elevated along the lower part of your horse’s back, just above the
croup. Technically, this is a subluxation of the sacroiliac joint, which may
involve injury to the ligaments securing the pelvis and the spine. Once this
happens, the ilium (one side of the pelvis) can shift out of place, resulting
in the distinguishing ‘bump’. This uneven hip is sometimes referred to as a ‘dropped’
hip
This injury is commonly the result of previous and repetitive
trauma to the sacroiliac joint, rather than a single precipitating incident,
though it is usually one event that pushes it over the edge. Best viewed from
behind during gait, your horse will tend to be very stiff in the hindquarters,
‘unload’ weight on the affected side, display a shortened stride on the
affected hind limb, and may resist movement in general. Symptoms may also
manifest in areas far from the affected area. Your horse may display altered
neck movements, and oppose turning in one direction or another. There may be
evidence of pain at the poll, as well as resistance to take the bit, or even
wear a halter.
When diagnosed early, treatment for a ‘hunter’s bump’ can be
highly effective. Stall-rest for several weeks is indicated to allow time for
the ligaments to heal and scarring to occur to provide stability.
Anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants are often prescribed by your veterinarian to
reduce spasm and manage inflammatory processes.
Chiropractic management can help re-align the pelvis and relieve
neurologic interference. Additionally, integrative treatments including
acupuncture and massage can be highly effective in controlling pain and
supporting the healing process.
Recovery will depend on accurate diagnosis, degree of injury
and speed and quality of treatment. Remember the importance of proper
conditioning, weight management and stable footing. Above all, become familiar
with your horse. Learn their behaviors, and observe when they’re communicating
that something’s wrong. If you suspect something is amiss, don’t delay. Help is
available. Have a comment? Join the conversation!
Thursday, August 1, 2013
'Get Moving' Patricia Holl Chiropractor Billings Montana Equine Canine Chiropractor Billings Montana
Movement is fundamental, and a necessary aspect of life. When
we move our bodies, we affect everything, from circulation to digestion to
metabolism. Through movement, our bodies regulate hormone activity, detoxify,
and respire. Daily movement promotes chemical changes in the body and fires up
neural pathways, which stimulate the body’s healing capacity and boost immunity
to ward off disease.
When joints move, muscles expand and contract. The systems
in our bodies rely on this movement to function. For example, the lymphatic
system relies on the contraction and expansion of our skeletal muscle, so it
can circulate and pump toxins out of our bodies.
Movement disciplines have been prevalent in eastern
societies for thousands of years, and practices such as yoga and t’ai chi have
gradually permeated into the western world. What was once taught principally
for spiritual customs has evolved into healing instruction and therapy. Movement
is more than just exercise or physical exertion, and though it requires action,
it does not necessarily require strenuous effort.
Stretching is a form of movement which can improve the
body’s defenses by making it more adaptable to stress. Maintaining good posture
is another form of movement. When we are standing or walking, the processes
throughout our bodies are hard at work. And while the musculoskeletal system is
the most observable recipient of healthy posture, the additional benefits of
appropriate posture can impact lung functioning, heart health and even energy
levels.
Society no longer requires excessive movement for everyday
tasks and activities. As a result, our very design is changing. It has become
normal to expect that when we reach a certain age we will experience conditions
such as arthritis and osteoporosis. Even chronic pain has become something to
“expect” as we age, not something we can avoid and prevent.
Our systems were built on movement and motion. We move to
dress ourselves, to eat, and to work. However today’s culture promotes
sedentary lifestyles. Methods of communication including computers, televisions
and cell phones encourage a lack of physical movement. Activities such as cutting grass,
raking leaves and shoveling snow have been replaced with electric lawn
equipment and snow blowers. Our bodies are becoming inert. Consequently, the
health of our bone and tissue declines, circulation becomes sluggish, systems
break down, and overall wellness deteriorates.
So it’s time to move again. Take a walk. Use the stairs. Ride
your bike to work. Ask yourself if change is needed, and if so, get going.
Discover what moves you! Have a comment? Join the conversation!
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Subluxation in the Horse or Dog - Pat Holl Equine Canine Chiropractor in Billings Montana
Thursday, July 11, 2013
The Importance of Neurology in Your Pet - Patricia Holl Animal Chiropractor in Billings Montana Horse Chiropractor Dog Chiropractor
Hi all! It's been awhile, but I've been busy, ensconced in continuing education in none other than...Neurology! Yes, Neurology. Neurology is at the root of all health conditions, and this extends to our 4-legged friends. As animal chiropractors, we understand the importance of having a healthy functioning nervous system. We also understand that animals act instinctively for survival, so it's not uncommon for a horse or dog with neurological problems to present with multiple behavioral, cognitive and gait abnormalities. Subtle neurologic problems may be masked by musculoskeletal challenges and can often present as some form of lameness. For example, a quadriceps injury in your dog can adversely affect the femoral nerve, resulting in collapse of the stifle. As compensation is often unavailable, this can result in the dog being unable to bear weight in the associated limb. An injury to the radial nerve can manifest in different ways. The radial nerve innervates the extensor muscles of the elbow, carpus and digits, as well as the skin of the dorsal surface of the forearm and paw. A proximal injury to the triceps muscle may result in difficulty bearing weight on a limb, however a distal injury can cause 'paw flipping'. Radial nerve avulsion is common in dogs that have experienced lateral traction injuries. Neurologic exams can be done quickly and efficiently and can provide critical information regarding the health of your animal patient. So if your horse, dog or cat (or other pet) is experiencing unusual behaviors, be sure to ask your practitioner if there may be a neurological problem. Caring for every aspect of your pet will ensure a lifetime of health and wellbeing. Have a comment? Join in!
Thursday, May 16, 2013
The Horse and Dog Athlete and Chiropractic - Pat Holl Animal Chiropractor in Billings Montana
Is your horse or dog an athlete? Is competition and training
part of your life? Whether you’re the owner of a world class athlete
or a weekend warrior, proper training can improve your pet’s health, nurture
communication, and promote wellbeing. Competitions vary, whether it’s dressage,
jumping, barrel racing or roping for your horse, or agility, obedience, or
confirmation for your dog. Training for these events requires attention to
every detail, and preparation strategies often include attention to diet,
exercise and equipment. An area often overlooked however, is the health of the
nervous system. Animal chiropractors understand the importance of a healthy,
functioning nervous system. A vital nervous system is central to the
conditioning of your 4-legged athlete, as well as to performance outcome.
Chiropractic care for your pet will facilitate a healthier, stronger and more
resilient animal. Chiropractic can help restore function and mobility, and
improve muscle tone and endurance. It increases the delivery of oxygen and
nutrient supply to help develop speed and accuracy, as well as enhance
recovery. It helps reduce muscle spasms and adhesions, and increases
flexibility to improve overall performance. Additionally, animal chiropractic
can address the micro injuries resulting from everyday stress, helping the body
heal optimally and enhancing overall quality of life. So a little treatment can
make a big difference, and regular chiropractic care can markedly improve your
animal’s life!
Monday, May 6, 2013
What is Animal Chiropractic? Pat Holl Animal Chiropractor Billings Montana Equine Canine Chiropractor
What is Animal Chiropractic?
Animal Chiropractic is a field of animal health care that focuses on the health of the neuro-musculo-skeletal system. Nerves control everything that happens in your animals, and anything affecting the nervous system resonates throughout the entire body. When nerves become entrapped, this can interfere with the signaling to their destination tissue, including muscles and organs. As this occurs, the health of your animal can be affected, resulting in stiffness, tension, pain and even organ dysfunction. Additionally, when normal movement is affected it can impact your animal’s wellbeing and quality of life.
The goal of an animal chiropractor is to restore function and mobility to the bones of the spine, known as 'vertebrae' in an effort to re-establish nerve communication. This allows the body to perform at its optimum potential. Animal chiropractors use their hands to identify areas of restriction and apply a precise thrust on the immobile vertebrae in an effort to restore motion and remove nerve interference. When nerves efficiently communicate with all the structures in your animals’ bodies, healing and recovery results.
Animal Chiropractic is not meant to replace traditional veterinary care. It is not an alternative treatment, but rather an integrative method that, when used in conjunction with good traditional veterinary care, will provide years of healthy living. This is the beginning of a contemporary, comprehensive approach to your animal’s healthcare. It is an effective and valuable means of restoring and maintaining strength, vigor and well-being. By exploring and treating the root causes of your animal’s aches, pains and illnesses, you will ensure maximum improvement, top performance and an exceptional quality of life for the animal companions we love. Have a comment? Join the conversation!
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Stress and Your Pet! Pat Holl, Dog Chiropractor Horse Chiropractor Billings Montana 59102
Stress. We all know it, most of
us are ‘under’ it, and we all want to get rid of it. But did you know that your pet
can also be significantly affected by stress? Animal stressors can result from
many things, such as poor diet, inactivity, loneliness, illness, injury and
even genetics. Left unmanaged, prolonged stress can lead to increased heart
rate, changes in sleeping patterns and even anxiety. Chronic stress can cause the body's systems to breakdown and malfunction, resulting in increased blood pressure, poor digestion, and can instigate
skin reactions. A more noticeable affect of stress in your pet's life is weight gain or loss. Stress can disrupt the
nervous system and cause neurotransmitter imbalances, which can lead to loss of
energy and fatigue. And, as with humans, our pets can become depressed. If your pet is showing signs of stress, there
are positive ways to deal with it. Remember to provide healthy food regularly.
Be sure to have lots of CLEAN water available to help flush toxins through the
body and to help reduce the risk of disease and infection. Exercise your pet
regularly, as movement enhances blood flow to the brain, promotes the flow of
body fluids and improves metabolism, not to mention that exercise helps to maintain a healthy weight. Be sure your horse has company in their pasture, and that your cat's litter box is cleaned regularly. If your pet is a ‘nervous’ critter, talk
to your vet and discuss supplementing their diet with natural calming
remedies. And just as
humans crave love and affection, provide plenty of that, for love just may be
the secret to optimal health. Stress occurs more commonly in our animals than
we may think, but it can be managed. Have thoughts on the subject? Post a
comment and join the conversation!
Monday, April 22, 2013
Proper Saddle Fit! Pat Holl Animal Chiropractor Horse Chiropractor Dog Chiropractor Billings Montana
Saddle Fit is one of the most important considerations for
any rider, anywhere. The purpose of the saddle is to distribute the weight of
the rider evenly, provide a stable base, and to allow the horse to move
independently from the rider. If a saddle is the wrong size, positioned
incorrectly or defective, it can cause pain and even lameness. Signs of a
poor-fitting saddle include head tossing, sores on the back, abnormal head
carriage, difficulty changing leads, hair loss or white hairs along the withers
under the saddle (indicating blood circulation being cut off), saddle avoidance
or striking when saddled, bucking, swelling after removing the saddle and
uneven sweat patterns. Over time, the horse’s efforts to compensate in an
effort to maintain mobility and balance can result in muscle strain, pain,
stumbling, abnormal gait patterns and even lameness! Poor saddle fit can result
from improper placement, broken or worn trees, uneven panels and incorrect size
of saddle to rider. When saddling your horse, here are some things to consider:
First, place the saddle on the horse’s back without padding, put it forward on the
withers and then slide it back to where it sits ‘at home’. Saddle should be fit
with nothing underneath initially, then rechecked with the padding you’ll be
using. There should be a 3-finger clearance between the pommel of the saddle
and the withers. Points of the tree should be 2 inches behind the shoulder
blade. Run you hand under the panels. Be sure there’s room under the stirrup
bars to slide your hand. Check for ‘bridging’ or ‘rocking’, and be sure the
saddle is level. Ensure a 3-finger space for gullet clearance. The
weightbearing part of the saddle should not extend beyond the last rib.
Re-check all systems with the padding on, and remember that good padding is
essential. Additionally, know that multiple pads act to functionally narrow the
tree, so use one good pad. These are only some of the variables involved in
proper saddle fit, but they should get you started. Remember that saddle fit is
not stable and not static. You need a rider in motion to accurately and comprehensively
assess for proper saddle fit. Have questions? Recommendations? Post a comment,
and join the conversation. See you next week!
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Dog Agility and Competition - Pat Holl Canine Equine Chiropractor in Billings Montana
Is your dog an athlete? Is agility competition and training
part of your life? Whether you’re a professional handler of a world class
athlete or a weekend warrior, agility training can improve your dog’s
condition, nurture communication, and promote health. Agility courses vary and can
be complicated, whether it’s weave polls, teeter-totters, crossovers, tunnels
or jumps. Training for these events require attention to every detail, and preparation
strategies often include attention to diet, exercise and sleep patterns. An
area often overlooked however, is the health of the nervous system. Animal
chiropractors understand the importance of a healthy, functioning nervous
system. A vital nervous system is central to the conditioning of your dog, as
well as to performance outcome. Chiropractic care for your pet will facilitate
a healthier, stronger and more resilient animal. Chiropractic can help restore
function and mobility, and improve muscle tone and endurance. It increases the
delivery of oxygen and nutrient supply to help develop speed and accuracy. It
helps reduce muscle spasms and adhesions, and increases flexibility to improve
overall performance. Additionally, animal chiropractic can address the micro
injuries resulting from everyday stress, helping the body heal optimally and enhancing
overall quality of life. So a little treatment can make a big difference, and
regular chiropractic care can markedly improve your dog’s life!
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Montana Skijoring Finals - Pat Holl -Animal Chiropractor in Billings Montana
Imagine being dragged on skis
around a 900 foot course from a tow- rope attached to a galloping horse at 25
miles an hour. All the while screaming tailgaters cheering you on.
Congratulations. You’ve just been indoctrinated into the sport of skijoring.
Originally developed in the Scandinavian countries as a form of transportation,
skijoring has morphed into a popular western sport. It is an unusual
combination of western and Norwegian traditions, often blending teams of
‘old-time western cowboys’ with ‘modish’ skiers, negotiating through an outer
snow-covered slalom course with gates and jumps on skies, and an often muddy
inner course by the horse. The race is timed. The horse gallops around the
inside of the track, pulling the skier who grabs onto a rope. The fastest times
go home with the trophy. As a chiropractor, it is difficult not to
recognize the absolute necessity for my professional skills, both for the skier
and the HORSE! Navigating muddy or icy turns at high speeds can often result in crashes. However, despite the wipe-outs, it is definitely a
winter adventure sport unlike any other. The skijoring circuit passes through
communities throughout the west, including Wyoming ,
Colorado and Montana ,
and Red Lodge Montana
hosts the national championships, coming up next weekend! So, if you’re looking for some winter
excitement combining athletic skills with sheer strength, be sure to check out the Skijoring Finals in Red Lodge Montana next weekend. But chiropractors beware…it’s subluxation city!!! Have
a comment? Join the conversation!
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Canine Hip Dysplasia - Pat Holl - Animal Chiropractic in Billings Montana
Monday, January 14, 2013
Caring For Your Horse in Winter - Pat Holl - Horse Chiropractor in Billings, Montana
Hi everyone, and Happy 2013! Well, it’s January, and when it’s cold to us, it’s cold to our horses. Though horses adapt incredibly well to winter and grow ‘winter coats’ for added protection and insulation against the elements (see picture of my filly, below), we still need to ensure that they are adequately prepared and fortified throughout the winter months. If you keep your horse in a stall or barn, always be sure that the bedding is clean and changed regularly. Be sure there is good ventilation, as this is vital for your horse’s respiration, however be aware of ‘drafty’ areas, particularly in frosty temps. If you winter your horse outdoors, be sure to provide a wind block. Most horses accustomed to being outdoors adapt and will grow long, warm coats which retain body heat for insulation, but a frigid wind can penetrate most things. Additionally, rain and ‘wet cold’ can be challenging to withstand. You may want to consider blanketing your horse. Blankets are particularly helpful for the older horse, or perhaps one who is injured and cannot run around freely. There are many wonderful types of blankets, running from lightweight to heavy, depending on the need, and there are numerous resources online delineating these distinctions. If you ride your horse throughout the winter, remember these tips: Always prepare your horse by warming up. As with us, freezing temps can injure improperly prepared tissues. A comprehensive grooming will warm the muscles, tendons and ligaments by promoting circulation. Also, don’t neglect your horse’s hooves. Packed snow and ice buildup in the hoof can be treacherous, particularly in terrain that might also be snowy or icy. Warm the bit and tack before use, and remember that if your horse has been corralled for any length of time, it is vital they have appropriate warm-up. Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, remember to check the water in your horse’s watering areas. Automatic heating waterers are great if you have them, but if not, try insulated buckets. These are just a few of the reminders that will help provide your horse with the love and care they deserve, even when ‘Old Man Winter’ is in town! Have a comment? Join the conversation, and see you next week!
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