chiro for animals

WHAT IS ANIMAL CHIROPRACTIC CARE?

Animal Chiropractic is a drug-free approach to pet healthcare that focuses on the nervous system with an emphasis on the components contained within the skull and vertebral column.  Animal chiropractic is a complete evaluation of the animal’s spine and adjustments are made when subluxations are identified. A subluxation occurs when any two vertebrae become misaligned, thereby causing a disruption of nerve flow to any area of the body those nerves control.  This interruption of nerve flow can create a number of health issues and also cause pain and muscle tension or spasms.  Chiropractic adjustments can relieve the symptoms and lessen the discomfort of many animal health problems including acute or chronic back pain, neck pain, lameness, stiffness of body, or weakness.  It also facilitates uninterrupted flow to continue between the brain, spinal cord, and any structure or organ that has neurologic input and can enhance performance of the athletic or active pet. 

WHAT CONDITIONS ARE OFTEN TREATED BY CHIROPRACTIC CARE?

Any condition with a neurologic or musculoskeletal origin can benefit from chiropractic manipulation. These conditions may include degenerative joint disease such as hip dysplasia, spondylosis, cervical instability, neck pain, intervertebral disk disease, musculoskeletal weakness or any other pain that resists conventional diagnosis.  It can also help with chronic back and neck pain, or any organ dysfunction attributed to interruption of normal neurologic input such as urinary & fecal incontinence.

HOW CAN MY PET BENEFIT FROM CHIROPRACTIC CARE?

Chiropractic is one of the few modalities in health care that can have immediate results. In general improvements are defined as an improved stride, reduction in pain, increased energy, or improved condition. In orthopedic conditions such as fractures or ligament tears, chiropractic care may not replace the need for surgical correction but will be useful in addressing secondary problems caused by compensation or overcompensation to the injury.
Animals used for athletic performance or other working purposes are ideal candidates for chiropractic treatment. By regularly assessing and maintaining maximum flexibility in these animals, injuries may be avoided. Animal athletes include dogs used in racing, agility, obedience, fly ball, conformation, field trials, or active hunting dogs. 

Routine animal chiropractic care can prove very useful to your pet because they can’t verbally tell you when something is wrong. Regular adjustments help ensure your pet maintains a healthy spine and nervous system.  Animal chiropractic is not intended to replace traditional veterinary care, but as a complement to keep animals healthy, active, and energetic. When used together, chiropractic and veterinary care can provide the maximum health benefits to animals so they can live long, happy lives.

For more information about Animal Chiropractic, visit the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) at www.animalchiropractic.org