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What is Animal Chiropractic

 

Animal Chiropractic is a field of animal healthcare that focuses on the health & rehabilitation of the spine, extremities & neuro-musculoskeletal system by offering a hands-on, non-surgical, drug-free treatment option. Chiropractic helps to optimize musculoskeletal form, biomechanical motion and supports a more fully functioning nervous system in all vertebrates. 

 

Animal chiropractic does not replace veterinary medicine nor assume the responsibility of primary health care of animals. Chiropractic care for animals is meant to enhance comprehensive healthcare through an integrative approach. Doctors certified in animal chiropractic are either DCs or DVMs who have received additional, specialized training from an accredited animal chiropractic program to become certified in animal chiropractic.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Animals

 

  • Decreases Pain by Reducing Joint Misalignment & Muscle Tension

  • Increases Flexibility, Functional Biomechanics & Range of Motion

  • Decreases Musculoskeletal Sprain/Strain Injuries Caused by Repetitive Training or Exercise

  • Slows the Progression of Degenerative Conditions in Bones, Discs & Soft Tissue

  • Stimulates Circulation, Increases Lymph Drainage, Releases Endorphins

  • Increases Nervous System Function by Removing Interference Caused by Spinal Misalignment

  • Wonderful Pain Management Option for Cats with Limited Pain Medications Available for Felines

  • Can Help Animals Wean Off Certain Medications (Under DVM Supervision)

  • Allows for Symmetrical, Balanced Growth & Development

  • Increases Quality (and often Quantity) of Life During Final Days

Indications for Chiropractic Care in Animals

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  • General Preventative Maintenance Healthcare & Comfort Care for Geriatrics

  • Acute/Unilateral Lameness and Progressive Lameness/Myelopathies

  • Hip Dysplasia, Wobbler’s, Spondylosis, IVDD, Degenerative Myelopathy, Scoliosis, Amputee 

  • Urinary & Fecal Incontinence, certain digestive disorders

  • Pain/Behavioral Changes Noticed While Grooming, Petting, Daily Activities 

  • Stiffness, Muscle Spasms, Difficulty Standing Up or Lying Down

  • Head & Neck Discomfort with Certain Movements

  • Nose to Tail Shake Insufficiencies

  • Alternative for When Surgery is Not a Valid Option

  • Shortened Stride, Uneven Gait, Tracking Unevenly, Performance Enhancement

Contraindications for Manipulation in Animals

 

  • Fractures, Infections, Metabolic Disease 

  • Malignancies and Serious Disease Processes Which Require Surgery

  • Acute Grade II+-III Muscle Strains & Ligaments Sprains

  • Severe Instability (i.e. Grade III+ Spondylolisthesis)

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