Chiropractic  Care

​What is Animal Chiropractic Care?

• It is a therapy in which a doctor’s hands are used to affect joints of the spine.
• It focuses on the biomechanical dysfunction of the spine and its effect on the entire nervous system throughout the body.
• It treats decreased function of the spine.
• It influences the function of spinal cord and nerves.​

What are the spine and nervous system?

• An animal's spine consists of bones called vertebrae.
• The spine is important for the protection of the spinal cord and the exit point for the spinal nerves.
• The spinal cord is the "information highway" which allows the transmission of information between the brain, muscles, skin and all organs.
• When even a subtle change in alignment occurs, it is called a subluxation or VSC.
• A VSC (vertebral subluxation complex) is a change in the alignment of the spine that can lead to decreased movement within a join's normal range or motion.
• Reduced mobility between two vertebrae can negatively affect the nerves that leave the spinal cord. This results in less information being able to travel to the rest of the body.

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What causes VSC's to happen?
Every day most animals are exposed to situations which can cause damage to their spine like:

• Trauma
• Conformation (body type)
• Training
• Environment
• Lack of Exercise
• Daily Activities
• Age
• Weight Issues

How Can a VSC be treated?

• A VSC/subluxation is identified by doing a chiropractic examination.
• An examination includes gait analysis, posture analysis, and static and motion palpation.
• Once an area of decreased range or motion and misalignment is identified, the doctor aims to realign and increase mobility to the specific joint.
• Realignment of the joint is accomplished by an adjustment.
  • Adjustments are:
    • Specific in direction
    • Quick speed
    • Low force
    • Adjustments are done within that affected joint's normal range of motion.​

What signs do animals with VSC's Show?

• Changes in posture and behavior
• Decreased activity
• Not wanting to climb stairs or jump up on furniture
• Sensitivity to touch
• Lack of coordination or short-strided gait, or stiffness in their motion
• Unusual body or tail rubbing
• Alternating lameness

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​What are the goals of chiropractic care?

• Mobilization of joints in the spine and legs.
• Restore normal range of motion.
• Reduction of muscle spasm and pain.
• Stimulation of the nervous system which in turn leads to the improved overall health of the animal.

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What can I expect following an adjustment?

• Sometimes there is a 24-48 hour period of tiredness.
• Do not work the dog or allow rough play with other dogs for two days, however walking the dog is recommended.
• Some animals require a few sessions to resolve acute pain.
• Often, with chronic health problems, the doctor will want to see your animal several times to maintain and re-establish normal function of the joints and nervous system.

How many treatments will be necessary?

• Most dogs show significant improvement in two to four treatments.
• The purpose of the adjustment is to restore function to a joint in the spinal column and to realign the spine.
• The animal's muscles and ligaments of the spinal column must be able to maintain the correct alignment once the adjustment has been done.
• The condition of those supporting structures is what determines how many times and how often the patient needs to be treated
• Chronic conditions tend to take more time and treatment.
• More recent minor injuries respond most rapidly.
• Several adjustment over two to four weeks are generally needed for the body to accept and maintain the new corrections.
• Age and conditioning are the other major factors as to whether the subluxations may reappear.