Back in Balance Animal Chiropractic







	Dr. Brandy McRoberts-Grantham Certified Animal Chiropractor animalchiropractor@telus.net

Chiropractic offers tremendous potential in animal health care. It is a complementary therapy for the treatment of health and performance problems of dogs and cats. It is a health care system based on movement and symmetry. Although chiropractic care does not replace traditional veterinary medicine and surgery, chiropractic offers and provides an alternative that often complements traditional care. Many musculoskeletal conditions respond dramatically, and rehabilitation can take place quickly and efficiently.

When a portion of the spine is out of alignment this is called a subluxation. A subluxation causes decreased movement in the joints of the spine which can create a reaction in surrounding tissues (ligaments, muscles, and nerves) resulting in pain, dysfunction, and muscular spasm. A subluxation is treated by manipulating or adjusting the spine; thus putting it back into alignment...back in balance.

If you believe your animal may benefit from the services of an animal chiropractor, you should choose one based on credentials. The AVCA was established specifically to certify chiropractors and veterinarians in animal chiropractic. By choosing an AVCA Certified chiropractor, you are also choosing a properly trained and dedicated professional, who will work with you to provide the best of care for your animal.

How Are Subluxations Corrected?

A proper examination and evaluation by a trained Veterinary Chiropractor is necessary to determine if a subluxation exists. If a subluxation does exist, the Chiropractor will correct the misaligned or "stuck" vertebra by performing what is called an adjustment. An adjustment is a short, rapid thrust onto a vertebra in a very specific direction that will restore movement into the fixated joint. Chiropractic is very specific, and adjustments are made on each vertebra directly. Jerking on legs or tails, is NOT an adjustment.

While delivering an adjustment the chiropractor uses a controlled force. Large dogs don’t necessarily need more force than very small ones. Each joint of the spine is moveable, and if the correct angle is used, the adjustment is relatively easy, using very little force.

How Many Adjustments are Needed to Correct the Subluxations?

This is the most difficult question to answer and most commonly misunderstood aspect of chiropractic care. The purpose of a chiropractic adjustment is to restore function to a joint in the spinal column and to realign or reposition the spine. The dog’s muscles and ligaments of the spinal column must be able to maintain the correct alignment once the chiropractor has restored it. The condition of those supporting structures is what determines how many times and how often the dog needs to be treated. Thus, long standing, or chronic conditions tend to take more time and treatment, while minor injuries, corrected immediately, respond most rapidly. Several adjustments, over two to four weeks, are generally needed for the body to accept and maintain the new corrections. Most dogs show significant improvement in one to four treatments. After that, age, and conditioning, are the major factors that affect whether or not the subluxations may reappear.

Does my dog or cat need a chiropractor?

Dogs who are in pain will often refuse to perform certain tasks, compensate in gait, or become irritable. The following is a list of symptoms that may indicate pain from subluxation:

Uncharacteristic irritability, change in behaviour patterns
"Puppy" sitting, or not sitting squarely
Abnormal posture, or neck carriage
Tail set problems
Refusing or unwillingness to perform jumps, weave poles, etc.
Sensitivity to touch
Decreased performance in racing, coursing, agility, flyball, herding, obedience, etc.
Urinary problems
Gait abnormalities, such as limping
Hip dysplasia
Rear end weakness
Lick granulomas
Chronic anal gland problems
Chronic ear infections

Subluxations can also affect flexibility and or muscle coordination. The following is a list of conditions that may indicate a lack of flexibility and or muscle coordination:

Stiffness
Lack of coordination
"Lameness" that seems to move from limb to limb
Muscle atrophy or shrinkage
Shortened stride
Decreased extension in one or more limbs
un-coordinated weaving
Stumbling on teeter totter or dog walk
Partial weakness or paralysis
Overall sense that the animal is getting old or not as playful

Does my horse need a chiropractor?
Subluxations can cause a range of symptoms The most common symptom is pain. Horses in pain will compensate in gait or posture and often refuse to perform. The following is a list of symptoms that may indicate pain from subluxation:

Discomfort when saddling
Discomfort when riding
Abnormal posture
Bucking, wringing tail, or pinning ears
Refusing or unwillingness to go over jumps
Refusing to perform lead changes
Development of unusual behaviour patterns
Sensitivity to touch

Subluxations can also affect flexibility and or muscle coordination. The following is a list of conditions that may indicate a lack in flexibility and or muscle coordination:

Lack of coordination in gait
Improper frame.
"Lameness" that seems to move from limb to limb
Stiffness coming out of stall
Stiffness in lateral movement of the body or neck
Muscle atrophy or shrinkage
Shortened stride
Decreased extension in or more limbs
Inability to lengthen top line
Inability to engage rear quarters
Rope walking or plaiting
Difficulty flexing at the poll
Rider can not sit centered on horse
On line or pulling on one rein
General change in performance

Any of the above symptoms may indicate the need for chiropractic care. It is important that your animal chiropractor and your Veterinarian work together for the health of your animal.