PATH INTL. PRECAUTIONS AND
CONTRAINDICATIONS Questions and
Complete Solutions Graded A+
Achondroplasia - Answer: Individuals born with achondroplasia, formerly referred to as 'dwarfism,' are
short in stature (42" to 56") due to shortening of the upper arm and leg bones primarily. Other bones
are affected thoughthe trunk is long in comparison to the length of the limbs. Due to the limit of bony
development, restricted range of motion at the joints with associated neurologic problems are common.
Pseudo-achon- droplasia and hypochondroplasia are two similar diagnoses that also present with
shortness of stature, though they have different presenting symptoms.
Precautions for dwarfism - Answer: • Positioning on the equine may be difficult due to short limbs.
Adapted tack may be necessary.
• Weakness of the extremities and/or bladder control problems may be associated with spinal stenosis
and herniated disc (see Spinal Instability/Abnormalities).
• Spinal stenosis (decreased spinal mobility). Special care is needed to determine if the equine
movement will cause damage to the areas of remaining mobility.
Contraindications for Dwarfism - Answer: All children less than two years of age
Allergies - Answer: An allergy is a hypersensitive state acquired through exposure to a particular
allergen. Re-exposure then causes an exaggerated reaction. PATH INTL. Centers need to be concerned
with allergies to bee stings, hay, animal dander, molds, dust and the PATH Intl. Center's surrounding
environment. Also, be aware of latex allergies and the equipment a participant may come into contact
with, such as latex gloves for emergencies, vet wrap, rubber rings or reins. Know where latex is at your
center. Information from the participant's medical history form is particularly important for allergies to
bee stings, medications and latex so the participant receives prompt and correct treatment in an
emergency. (See also Medication - Photoallergy)
, Whether an allergy is a precaution or contraindication to equine activities depends on the participant's
tolerance, efficacy of medications, accurate documentation of the known allergies and proximity to
emergency medical care.
Precautions for Allergies - Answer: • Document known allergens
.• Know access to treatments/methods of care if an allergic reaction should occur.
Contraindications for Allergies - Answer: If the allergic reaction from the equine environment is
significant enough to cause a loss of function or discomfort in other environments, such as home or
work
If a severe allergy is present and access to emergency care is not available
Amputations - Answer: A limb, or part of a limb, may be surgically removed due to disease or due to
trauma. Medical problems that caused the need for the amputation may have related precautions or
contraindications (see Diabetes). Be familiar with the complete medical information. The participant
may experience pain in the existing limb or in the area where the limb had been (phantom pain). Pain
may be related to the position of the limb or from pressure to the area.
Consideration should be given to mounted activities with or without a prosthetic device. The device may
help to equalize weight on either side of the equine and may help stabilize the participant. Some devices
may not be able to be positioned well so that they stay in place or so they do not aggravate the equine.
Consider the need for the prosthesis when off the equine.
Precautions for Amputation - Answer: Position adequately regarding potential for skin integrity/pressure
problems (see Skin Integrity) and for pain.
Riders with hemipelvectomy will require modifications to the saddle/sitting surface.
Contraindications for Amputation - Answer: Lack of skin integrity on the weight-bearing surface or
surfaces that come into contact with the equine or equipment
CONTRAINDICATIONS Questions and
Complete Solutions Graded A+
Achondroplasia - Answer: Individuals born with achondroplasia, formerly referred to as 'dwarfism,' are
short in stature (42" to 56") due to shortening of the upper arm and leg bones primarily. Other bones
are affected thoughthe trunk is long in comparison to the length of the limbs. Due to the limit of bony
development, restricted range of motion at the joints with associated neurologic problems are common.
Pseudo-achon- droplasia and hypochondroplasia are two similar diagnoses that also present with
shortness of stature, though they have different presenting symptoms.
Precautions for dwarfism - Answer: • Positioning on the equine may be difficult due to short limbs.
Adapted tack may be necessary.
• Weakness of the extremities and/or bladder control problems may be associated with spinal stenosis
and herniated disc (see Spinal Instability/Abnormalities).
• Spinal stenosis (decreased spinal mobility). Special care is needed to determine if the equine
movement will cause damage to the areas of remaining mobility.
Contraindications for Dwarfism - Answer: All children less than two years of age
Allergies - Answer: An allergy is a hypersensitive state acquired through exposure to a particular
allergen. Re-exposure then causes an exaggerated reaction. PATH INTL. Centers need to be concerned
with allergies to bee stings, hay, animal dander, molds, dust and the PATH Intl. Center's surrounding
environment. Also, be aware of latex allergies and the equipment a participant may come into contact
with, such as latex gloves for emergencies, vet wrap, rubber rings or reins. Know where latex is at your
center. Information from the participant's medical history form is particularly important for allergies to
bee stings, medications and latex so the participant receives prompt and correct treatment in an
emergency. (See also Medication - Photoallergy)
, Whether an allergy is a precaution or contraindication to equine activities depends on the participant's
tolerance, efficacy of medications, accurate documentation of the known allergies and proximity to
emergency medical care.
Precautions for Allergies - Answer: • Document known allergens
.• Know access to treatments/methods of care if an allergic reaction should occur.
Contraindications for Allergies - Answer: If the allergic reaction from the equine environment is
significant enough to cause a loss of function or discomfort in other environments, such as home or
work
If a severe allergy is present and access to emergency care is not available
Amputations - Answer: A limb, or part of a limb, may be surgically removed due to disease or due to
trauma. Medical problems that caused the need for the amputation may have related precautions or
contraindications (see Diabetes). Be familiar with the complete medical information. The participant
may experience pain in the existing limb or in the area where the limb had been (phantom pain). Pain
may be related to the position of the limb or from pressure to the area.
Consideration should be given to mounted activities with or without a prosthetic device. The device may
help to equalize weight on either side of the equine and may help stabilize the participant. Some devices
may not be able to be positioned well so that they stay in place or so they do not aggravate the equine.
Consider the need for the prosthesis when off the equine.
Precautions for Amputation - Answer: Position adequately regarding potential for skin integrity/pressure
problems (see Skin Integrity) and for pain.
Riders with hemipelvectomy will require modifications to the saddle/sitting surface.
Contraindications for Amputation - Answer: Lack of skin integrity on the weight-bearing surface or
surfaces that come into contact with the equine or equipment
