Animal Chiropractic
The extension of the principles of chiropractic from humans to animals is not as surprising as you may think. When a joint is subluxated it loses motion and sometimes position as well. The chiropractic adjustment is designed to restore correct alignment and full working order. A chiropractic adjustment is aimed at correcting the subluxation and restoring the proper functioning of the nervous system. Chiropractic thus works to eliminate the cause of the problem and not just simply treat the symptoms.
F.A.Q.
What is the history of chiropractic in veterinary medicine?
Spinal manipulation has been practiced for centuries in many cultures, including the early Chinese and Greeks. However, there is a distinct lack of historical documentation of its early use in animal species. In its modern form, chiropractic theory and practice have developed within the last century. Early practitioners of modern chiropractic investigated its use in various animal species. As a distinct practice specialty, veterinary chiropractic is a young profession that is undergoing rapid growth and evolution.
On which species of animals is chiropractic practiced regularly?
Chiropractic manipulation is frequently performed on horses, dogs, and cats, but can theoretically be performed on any vertebrate species.
Who practices veterinary chiropractic and do I need a referral?
Chiropractors who work on animals must have specific training in both chiropractic theories and animal anatomy so that they are knowledgeable about the differences in biomechanics and neuromusculoskeletal function between humans and animals. In North America, a certification process is in place to ensure that practitioners possess the appropriate knowledge and skill to treat animals. An "AnimalChiropractor" is a Doctor of Chiropractic with AVCA certification; "Veterinarian Certifiedin Animal Chiropractic" is a DVM / VMD certified by AVCA; and "Veterinary Chiropractor"is both a Doctor of Chiropractic and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. It is important to note that chiropractic care of animals does not replace traditional veterinary care.
What conditions are most often treated with chiropractic?
Conditions with a neurologic or biomechanical origin are amenable to chiropractic manipulation. These conditions include degenerative joint diseases such as hip dysplasia and spondylosis; cervical instability; acute neck pain; intervertebral disk disease; autonomic nervous system problems such as urinary and fecal incontinence, musculoskeletal weakness or pain that resists conventional diagnosis and treatment; and chronic back and neck pain.
How can my pet benefit from chiropractic?
Chiropractic is one of the few modalities in veterinary medicine where results are often immediate, and are often seen within minutes of treatment. In general, improvements are defined as an improved gait and an apparent reduction in pain. In orthopedic conditions such as fractures or ligament tears, chiropractic care may not replace the need for surgery, but will be useful in correcting 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 horses used for racing, dressage or pleasure riding, and dogs used in racing, agility training or field trials.
How successful is chiropractic?
Chiropractors see the patient as a functional whole, rather than as a sum of its parts. Ensuring normal range of motion of vertebrae helps optimize function of lymphatics, blood vessels and nerves, which communicate between the spine and various body structures, allowing the body to function optimally to the point that further interventions may not be required. The success of treatmentdepends upon the degree of pathology present and the duration of the condition.
How safe is chiropractic?
When performed by an experienced, trained veterinary professional, chiropractic manipulation is generally considered to be safe. If adjustments are performed with theappropriate force, the patient will require a series of treatments, which will gradually result in restoration of health. However, if the force of an adjustment is excessive or the adjustment is applied at an incorrect angle, time, or location, serious and possibly irreversible damage to the patient can occur. Temporary low-grade discomfort (lasting 24 to 48 hours) may be experienced in a minority of patients following chiropractic treatment.
What is the cost of chiropractic?
Comprehensive chiropractic treatment involves a thorough history taking and physical examination, followed by a patient assessment and formulation of a treatment plan. It rarely involves a single visit, and costs will vary according to the specific condition being treated and the response of the patient. The fees associated with chiropractic treatment are set by the individual practitioner, and will often reflect the experience and skill of the chiropractor. Chiropractic is usually very affordable, and is certainly a cost effective way of managing and resolving pain and weakness.
Keep in mind, chiropractic does not replace traditional veterinary medicine but works very well with it.
Spinal manipulation has been practiced for centuries in many cultures, including the early Chinese and Greeks. However, there is a distinct lack of historical documentation of its early use in animal species. In its modern form, chiropractic theory and practice have developed within the last century. Early practitioners of modern chiropractic investigated its use in various animal species. As a distinct practice specialty, veterinary chiropractic is a young profession that is undergoing rapid growth and evolution.
On which species of animals is chiropractic practiced regularly?
Chiropractic manipulation is frequently performed on horses, dogs, and cats, but can theoretically be performed on any vertebrate species.
Who practices veterinary chiropractic and do I need a referral?
Chiropractors who work on animals must have specific training in both chiropractic theories and animal anatomy so that they are knowledgeable about the differences in biomechanics and neuromusculoskeletal function between humans and animals. In North America, a certification process is in place to ensure that practitioners possess the appropriate knowledge and skill to treat animals. An "AnimalChiropractor" is a Doctor of Chiropractic with AVCA certification; "Veterinarian Certifiedin Animal Chiropractic" is a DVM / VMD certified by AVCA; and "Veterinary Chiropractor"is both a Doctor of Chiropractic and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. It is important to note that chiropractic care of animals does not replace traditional veterinary care.
What conditions are most often treated with chiropractic?
Conditions with a neurologic or biomechanical origin are amenable to chiropractic manipulation. These conditions include degenerative joint diseases such as hip dysplasia and spondylosis; cervical instability; acute neck pain; intervertebral disk disease; autonomic nervous system problems such as urinary and fecal incontinence, musculoskeletal weakness or pain that resists conventional diagnosis and treatment; and chronic back and neck pain.
How can my pet benefit from chiropractic?
Chiropractic is one of the few modalities in veterinary medicine where results are often immediate, and are often seen within minutes of treatment. In general, improvements are defined as an improved gait and an apparent reduction in pain. In orthopedic conditions such as fractures or ligament tears, chiropractic care may not replace the need for surgery, but will be useful in correcting 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 horses used for racing, dressage or pleasure riding, and dogs used in racing, agility training or field trials.
How successful is chiropractic?
Chiropractors see the patient as a functional whole, rather than as a sum of its parts. Ensuring normal range of motion of vertebrae helps optimize function of lymphatics, blood vessels and nerves, which communicate between the spine and various body structures, allowing the body to function optimally to the point that further interventions may not be required. The success of treatmentdepends upon the degree of pathology present and the duration of the condition.
How safe is chiropractic?
When performed by an experienced, trained veterinary professional, chiropractic manipulation is generally considered to be safe. If adjustments are performed with theappropriate force, the patient will require a series of treatments, which will gradually result in restoration of health. However, if the force of an adjustment is excessive or the adjustment is applied at an incorrect angle, time, or location, serious and possibly irreversible damage to the patient can occur. Temporary low-grade discomfort (lasting 24 to 48 hours) may be experienced in a minority of patients following chiropractic treatment.
What is the cost of chiropractic?
Comprehensive chiropractic treatment involves a thorough history taking and physical examination, followed by a patient assessment and formulation of a treatment plan. It rarely involves a single visit, and costs will vary according to the specific condition being treated and the response of the patient. The fees associated with chiropractic treatment are set by the individual practitioner, and will often reflect the experience and skill of the chiropractor. Chiropractic is usually very affordable, and is certainly a cost effective way of managing and resolving pain and weakness.
Keep in mind, chiropractic does not replace traditional veterinary medicine but works very well with it.
