CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR DOGS AND CATS

Daxie, a 17 yr old mini Daschund recovers from a disc herniation

Smokey, our feline patient, is being treated for a condition called
roaching top line, associated with lack of bowel control

What is Animal Chiropractic?

Animal Chiropractic is the philosophy, science and art that utilizes the inherent recuperative powers of the body. It deals with restoring the important relationship between the spine and nervous system in order to regain and maintain health. The goal of chiropractic therapy is to correct subluxations.

What are subluxations?

The word describes bones which are out of position in relation to one another or are not moving properly – causing abnormal function and symptoms, usually causing interference with nerve function.

How do I know if my dog is subluxated? (Symptoms) Is she in pain?

Subluxations can cause a variety of symptoms, from very mild to very severe. The most common of which is PAIN. Dogs in pain will compensate in gait or posture and often refuse to perform certain tasks. The following is a list of symptoms that MAY indicate pain from the presence of a subluxation:

• Panting
• Pacing
• Push head against a wall
• Yelping
• Puppy sitting, or sitting with the rear legs out to one side
• Discomfort when putting on or taking off collars and harnesses
• Abnormal posture when standing
• Evasion type maneuvers such as dipping head or hollowing back
• wringing or tucking tail
• Refusing or unwillingness to jump
• Change in behaviour patterns; fear biting
• Sensitivity to touch
• Facial expression of apprehension or pain
• Changes in Co-ordination

SUBLUXATIONS CAN ALSO CAUSE CHANGE IN MUSCLE COORDINATION AND FLEXIBILITY.

These conditions may cause:

• Inability to jump
  • Difficulty going up or down stairs
  • Lack of coordination in gaits
  • Pacing
  • “Lameness” that seems to move from limb to limb
  • Stiffness coming out of the crate or kennel
  • Stiffness in the side movement of the body or neck
  • Muscle atrophy or shrinking/wasting
  • Shortened stride in one or two limbs
  • Decreased extension in front or rear
  • Side-winding or crabbing
  • Stumbling on dog walk
  • Partial weakness or paralysis

  DIAGNOSIS

  The first step in chiropractic therapy is to make a diagnosis. A thorough examination begins by observing the patient standing and walking. A chiropractor is looking for minor changes in motion that require a trained eye to detect, not just an obvious limp.

  
  An examination of a bull terrier, Beamer

  A static palpation is then made of the spinal column. Each vertebra or joint of the limbs is felt by hand to see if it is out of position. Detailed knowledge about animal anatomy is necessary to detect abnormalities. Motion palpation examines the relationship between individual bones as well as how the bones move together as a working unit. The spinal column and each limb joint are assessed in all ranges of motion.

  
  Cypress, Age 10 Staffordshire Terrier and his companion.
  Treated for geriatric weakness

  
  Stephanie with Frank. She is being treated for a neuropathy
  causing a collapsing hind end

  
  Topaze, a Shi Tzu, Age 10, treated for a neck problem, front leg weakness

  The animal chiropractor integrates the findings with those of the veterinarians’ traditional examination.

  Conditions that usually respond to chiropractic care:

  1. Lameness usually associated with an inability to jump or climb stairs or go for a long walk
  2. Yelping due to neck or low back pain
  3. Injuries from falls and accidents
  4. Head tilt, altered balance
  5. Secondary effects of hip dysplasia
  6. Arthritis
  7. Roaching topline (hunching)
  8. Rear-end weakness
  9. Wobbler's syndrome
  10. Some limb problems that generate lameness
  11. Secondary effects of cruciate surgery

  
  Kleine - a Doberman diagnosed with Wobblers Syndrome.
  Responded well to combined chiropractic and veterenary care.

  
  Radar - Kleine's brother. Adjustments to regain hind end power

  
  Daxie - a 17 yr. old Daschund, recovers from a mid back disc lesion

  
  Charro - Chihuahua - 11 yrs. treated for neck pain due to a disc rapture

  
  Foxy - A Belgian Shepherd fell through the floor and fractured his left femur.
  Surgical intervention was successful and chiropractic adjustments were essential
  to correct secondary effects of the trauma

  
  Xray of Rosy's fracture

  
  Jazz - a Whippet improves with a lumbo-sacral adjustment

  
  How are subluxations corrected?

  Once the examination is complete, the next step is to correct each abnormality through manipulations or adjustments. An “adjustment” is a specific force applied in a specific direction to a specific vertebra. It is used to restore the biomechanics of the vertebral column and indirectly influence neurologic function. Chiropractic is very specific and adjustments are made on vertebrae directly or joints of the limbs. It takes a great deal of skill to know where to apply the force, in what direction, and with how much speed and depth.

  How do animals react?Do they resist the treatment? 

  No, in fact dogs pull to enter the “Treat and Treatment” room. Most pets respond quickly; in fact more quickly than human patients.

  Animals like to be adjusted. They know that there is a problem and that the adjustment will help them. Many times the animal will adjust their position to help the chiropractor find the problem. One of the most exciting things we see happen in almost all the animals we treat is an improvement in the animals behaviour. They often resume their previous behaviour and zest. Owners often tell us about how good the animal seems to feel after the adjustment.

  
  Cedric's lovely smile

  
  Angel - a very happy Golden Retriever, being treated for a urinary condition

  
  Roxy and Tri - waiting "Is it our turn yet?"
  

  Office Procedures

  Although a referral from your vet is not necessary, concurrent veterinary care is required. Your chiropractor will work with your vet. The doctor will establish a schedule of adjustments that your pet needs. Most animals are seen on a weekly basis if they are not very acute. Some may require more frequent visits at first. The frequency of visits is decreased as the spine gains flexibility. Maintenance visits may be recommended to keep the animal’s spine in adjustment.

  Regular Maintenance

  Just as it is important to maintain the vaccination and worming schedule that your veterinarian recommends, it is important to make sure that the spine is kept in optimum condition. Chiropractic care is directed towards preventing disease in the body. Older animals may need to be seen more frequently.

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