First, subluxation reveal themselves in altered posture, unusual gaits, shortened strides, evidence of pain, reluctance or refusal to perform, poor balance, ear pinning, lameness, tail swishing. The most common symptom is pain. Pain may cause the mule to do something unusual to compensate for the pain. Sometimes, if your veterinarian is opened to the idea of Chiropractic, he or she will recommend this kind of care. Sometimes a vet cannot find out what's wrong.
Rest is recommended.
The rest, as Laird tells us, works. But, when the animal gets to the same level of fitness at which the problems occurred before, they recur. This is an indication that there may be a problem with the central nervous system and messages it's able to send to the body. Knowing your mule and being alert can help you greatly in determining if there is a problem. When, in fact, they may actually be in pain and unable to perform the task.