27/01/2026
Wise words from Ange!
My horses all see her regularly and feel so much better for it - holistically.h
Does your horse have a comorbidity? A comorbidity is the presence of one or more disease processes occurring at the same time (e.g. degenerative joint disease, metabolic issues, gastric ulcers, recurrent airway obstruction syndrome, laminitis etc. These are just some examples of the conditions that could be occurring at the same time). The presence of a comorbidity threatens homeostasis and can significantly influence your horse’s ability to self-heal and self-regulate for the following reasons:
• The body is dealing with two (or more) conditions that are affecting homeostasis and impacting available system energy, which means that extra time is needed to go through the process of allostasis back towards health.
• The vitality of the horse is impacted (cell metabolism, tissue repair, impaired blood and fluid circulation, impaired lymphatics, altered pH, toxic build-up, difficulty absorbing nutrients, systemic effects affecting multiple organs/systems). These compromised functions can create further issues that can hinder the return to balance.
• A comorbidity can also increase the risk or impact of other issues. Any new issues that arise, such as wounds, injuries or infections will potentially take a longer time to heal and may impact the body more severely because the body cannot make the necessary adaptations; and because chronic health issues will compromise/deregulate the immune system. The presence of one condition could also potentially worsen or exacerbate another condition, leading to a vicious cycle.
• Comorbidities can negatively impact a horse's quality of life. Chronic pain, reduced mobility, and other symptoms can lead to behavioural changes in a horse and make it difficult for the horse to engage in normal activities and enjoy life.
• Depending on the comorbidity, medications used to treat one condition may interfere with the effectiveness of treatments for another, complicating the management.
While osteopaths strive to prevent health issues as much as possible through early identification (as it is always preferable to identify issues early before they become bigger issues), it is not uncommon to encounter a horse who is already experiencing a comorbidity when osteopathic treatment is sought.
Managing comorbidities in horses requires a comprehensive approach that addresses each underlying condition; their interactions on each other and the 'whole'; the current ‘barriers’ to health (internal and external); any resulting chronic compensatory patterns; and provides a suitable strategy to support the horse without exacerbating the existing conditions.
Those trained in osteopathy understand that working with a horse who has a comorbidity requires an approach that allows the horse the necessary time to adapt and assimilate the treatment, and that certain treatment modifications need to be made. The practitioner may approach the situation in ‘stages’ so as not to overload or add ‘load’ to a horse whose system is already burdened; allows them time to assimilate each treatment before proceeding with the next treatment; and respects the fact that each horse will manage comorbidities differently (as their ability to cope and adapt is unique).
The process of care always involves a thorough case history (we ask a lot of questions); active and passive assessments; osteopathic and clinical testing; a uniquely tailored treatment and management plan; discussion and support for the horse owner; and collaboration with the horse’s equine care team – as it is important to have an open line of communication with the horse’s veterinarian, farrier, trimmer, nutritionist, saddle-fitter, dentist etc for holistic management.
Comorbidities can significantly impact a horse's healing time and overall health. By understanding the interconnectedness of various health issues, those trained in osteopathy can work to reduce as many barriers to health as possible so that the horse can self-regulate and find improved balance and increased vitality; as well as providing support to horse owners to help with the management of their equine friends 💙
