How do we know our animal needs chiropractic? You don’t always know! The only way to really find out if your animals spine is healthy is to have them checked by a certified animal chiropractor. The animal may display no physical signs, like humans, in many cases we are unaware of underlying problems for example cancer, heart disease, diabetes or simple low back pain, until its too late, and the same applies for the animal. That is why it is important to get ourselves as well as our animals checked, and why it is necessary for the animal to be seen by a veterinarian prior to receiving any chiropractic treatment. Most of us have regular check ups with our dentist, optician and doctor as a means of PREVENTION. The same applies for our animals. Many of us have our horses and dogs teeth checked and feet trimmed on a regular basis, so why do we not have their backs checked when we expect them to not only have a saddle on their backs but also our weight and then expect them to jump 3ft, canter sideways, walk backwards, bend through poles, or pull a trap? It is only inevitable that injuries will occur, and as we all know is not prevention better than cure?! The NERVES, which supply ALL parts of our body and our animals body including their teeth, eyes and ears, which we get checked regularly, enable these body parts to work and function correctly. These NERVES originate from the spinal cord and exit the spinal cord through a small opening in the spine called the intervertebral foramen. Thus as the most IMPORTANT part of our body…THE SPINE, should it not be ESSENTIAL that we get OUR SPINE CHECKED? Chiropractic helps ensure that all the joints of the spinal column are functioning correctly and thus placing no abnormal stress or interference on the nerves that exit the spine, which in turn could cause aberrant function of the organs to which these nerves run. This can help to explain why chiropractic has been shown to help with problems like asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, period pain, etc. It is therefore possible that chiropractic may help to alleviate symptoms of non-musculoskeletal problems in animals too, such as colic, vomiting, constipation and diarrheoa. IMPORTANT; It is however, essential that ANY animal is first seen by a veterinarian prior to chiropractic treatment. We can work together to help improve the health and function of your animal. However some animals may display abnormal signs or symptoms. Your animal may benefit from chiropractic care if it exhibits one or more of the following: SYMPTOMS
What is the cause of these problems There is no one cause! Very often problems and conditions arise as a result of compensation for trauma, overuse, congenital and conformational defects combined with activities of daily living, it is a gradual process which develops over time and very often a major injury occurs with no precipitating cause or as a result of a very minor injury. What type of conditions can chiropractic help? It is critical to understand that chiropractic is not treating the condition that your animal has been diagnosed with, chiropractic treats the animal as a whole and we treat vertebral subluxation complexes which very often result as a compensation for injuries or more importantly occur long before a condition has had a chance to develop and are in fact a major factor leading to development of diseases as it influences the entire nervous system. Canine
● Disc injuries
● Cervical Vertebral Abnormality (wobbler’s) What does the chiropractic treatment involve? The chiropractic examination starts with a through case history which will include details concerning the animals past history, medical history, past and present activity/work status, diet and current problem. Following the case history standing postural analysis and gait analysis is carried out, then static and motion palpation, and relevant orthopaedic and neurological examination. The chiropractic may also want to see the animal being worked, in the case of the equine this may include under saddle or harness. How many treatments will my animal need? This again depends greatly on the individual animal, and many factors can be influential including the age, breed, condition and activity level of the animal. Once correct motion and function has been restored to the joint with the chiropractic adjustment, the condition of the muscles and ligaments surrounding that joint is what accounts for maintaining that correct functioning and providing support and stability to that joint. Generally acute minor injuries will respond faster to treatment than chronic injuries, this is because in chronic injuries the supporting muscles and ligaments are often in poor condition to be able to maintain the corrections and it takes longer for the body to readjust, accept and maintain these new corrections. This will vary depending on a variety of factors. Each animal is individual and will respond slightly differently to chiropractic care depending on age, sex, breed, onset of condition, duration of condition, severity of condition, previous treatment and the fitness of the animal. It is therefore necessary to take a thorough case history at the initial consultation, and why it is important that the animal has seen a vet prior to this consultation, so that all necessary information is obtained and collaborated so that a treatment plan can be made and a prognosis given. Do you work with the vet? YES! Animal chiropractic should NOT replace primary care with your veterinarian and you must consult with your vet prior to commencing chiropractic treatment. However, with the referring Veterinarian’s approval chiropractic provides a perfect adjunct, whereby we can work together in treating your animal to restore function and maintain overall health and wellbeing. Follow up care This depends greatly on the individual animal. Some animals show immediate improvements following an adjustment but it is recommended that the animal rests for 24 hrs following a treatment. In many cases, with horses and dogs, 1-2 days off work is advised following an adjustment with an increase in turn out time or time where the animal can be in their natural state. Certain exercises may be given to help improve flexibility and advice may be given to improve the health of your animal and prevent recurrence. |
     
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