By Eleanor Andrews

In our previous blog we explored an overview of the total vision concept and look more closely at the internal environment and considerations within this

Today we will look more closely at the external environment and the impact that has within its influence over our animal patients.

When we talk about the total lesion concepts within animal practice of great importance is the external environment. In fact, this is perhaps, one of the most influential elements and an animal’s temperament (see blog (link)) will alter during life depending on its environment.

One of the key things we need to be aware of is it the environment has the ability to scope and individual in both health and disease. If the environment is conducive and in alignment with the five freedoms, it will enable the individual to thrive, to be healthy however, if out of alignment with these five freedoms, the impact on the animal will be destructive. For example, if thwarted by environment or illness, the animal’s physiology with become progressively weaker until the characteristic signs of disease appears whether this be physical, biological, mental or psychological.

We’ve mentioned the five freedoms and have discussed this previously (link to blog) however for your ears to recap the five freedoms are outlined below.

1. Freedom from Hunger and Thirst – by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.
2. Freedom from Discomfort – by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
3. Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease – by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
4. Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour – by providing sufficient space, proper facilities, and company of the animal’s own kind.
5. Freedom from Fear and Distress – by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.

What does this mean as an osteopathic practitioner. Let me use an equine example. Fundamental to this is the understanding that a horse will be moulded by the experiences it has and by the stressors placed upon it.

Consequently it is vital when assessing an equine patient that I take a thorough case history which includes consideration of environmental components. Examples include but are not limited to the following:

• Their field environment, whether they are with the herd or in isolation. What the size and terrain of this environment is.
• Whether the horse has access to a field or is confined to a stable. If the horse is inside or stabled, where this is located on the yard, what their neighbours are like an the interaction they have with these neighbours, what the setup within this table is such as the bedding ventilation, window, door, feeding arrangement etc and how long per day are they in this situation.
• What the environment of the yard is this includes routine setup and organisation with regard to outdoor and indoor components and manoeuvring the horse between elements of each.
• Consideration of the owner, trainer and any professional and personal interactions the horse and owner has including understanding their beliefs with regard to training discipline activity etc.
• Understanding the demands on the horse, what activities it undertakes on a daily, weekly and monthly basis as well as the discipline type and level.

Why you may ask, do I consider so many elements? It is important to remember that each of these components is a stressor to the horse, and as a result each component can influence the animal and sculpt the individual in both health and disease and can shape the horse’s psycho-emotional attitude.

If these elements are in excellent alignment with their 5 freedoms, their influence will be constructive.
However other elements, which are out of alignment such as suboptimal training style and poor interaction with others (human and animal) will be destructive.

As an animal osteopath, I understand that these influences are often critical as they are the foundations on which the animal will be built and will influence the internal environment of the individual, as well as their temperament. Therefore, these components must be considered when formulating treatment and management plans as they will have a profound impact on the success of the case and how is best for me to approach the individual. It will enable me to understand not only treatment duration, frequency, and technique style but also to understand the impact on the allostatic load of the animal, and the likely outcomes I will have from the case. It enables me to adapt him modify owner discussions owner education and my approach to the management of the case in order to be the most effective and efficient whilst creating the least adverse reactions possible.

This (w)holistic approach is key within osteopathic philosophy and is vital to the success of my work as an animal osteopath.