About Animal Chiropractic

Animal chiropractic is a manual therapy that addresses dysfunction in your pet’s muscular, skeletal and nervous systems. This is a specialized complementary treatment to your regular veterinary care. Decreased motion in the joints of the spine and extremities (called joint restrictions or vertebral subluxations); may lead to changes in the surrounding tissues (ie. the muscles, ligaments and nerves).  This can cause inflammation, pain, muscle tension and compensatory changes.  An animal chiropractor will perform an assessment including a case history, posture and gait analysis and palpation of the muscles and joints of the neck, back, jaw, front and hind limbs to determine if an adjustment is needed.  A chiropractic adjustment directs a quick, gentle thrust to the restricted joints to restore motion while stimulating the nervous system.  

Animal chiropractic may help:

  • reduce pain
  • minimize injury
  • increase range of motion
  • restore proper biomechanics
  • improve joint function
  • improve quality of life
  • enhance performance

Trauma,slips, repetitive strain, injury, advancing age, poor leash habits, poor fitting harnesses or collars, running while tied up, climbing trees, quick changes in direction, crating or confinement, post surgery and performance training are just a few reasons why animals can benefit from chiropractic treatment.  Like babies, puppies, kittens and foals should be assessed as soon after birth as possible.  The delivery process and cramped quarters in-utero can cause muscle and joint dysfunction which may lead to more serious problems if not corrected. 

 

To determine if your pet requires animal chiropractic treatment look for some of the following signs:

  • Pain/facial expression
  • Change in behavior/energy/sleep patterns
  • Reluctance to be touched or picked up
  • Change in stance/weight shifting/can’t weight bear
  • Change in sitting posture
  • Change in gait/ limping/shortened stride
  • Doesn’t walk as far
  • Avoidance of certain movements/jumping/playing
  • Reluctance to go up/down stairs
  • Trouble getting up/down
  • Discomfort putting collars or harnesses on/off
  • Weakness
  • Stiffness
  • Change in muscle development
  • Holding up a paw
  • Abnormal tail movements
  • Jaw pain/difficulty chewing
  • Decreased coordination
  • Scratching/licking
  • Incontinence

After a chiropractic treatment your animal may be relaxed and sleepy or more active and playful.  Do some easy leash walking and discourage increased activity.  After 48-72 hours, some animals may be a little stiffer which is normal.  Do not expect major changes after the first visit.  Expect to commit to a few treatments to determine the efficacy of chiropractic care.  Seasonal check-ups are recommended for all animals.

Licensed chiropractors and veterinarians who practice animal chiropractic must have completed a 210 hour course recognized by the College of Animal Chiropractors or American Veterinary Chiropractic Association.  The Veterinary Chiropractic Learning Centre/Healing Oasis Wellness Centre of Canada (Brantford), Healing Oasis Wellness Centre (Wisconsin), Options for Animals (Kansas) and Parker Chiropractic College (Dallas) are the four animal chiropractic programs approved in North America.           

Animal Chiropractic Treatment Fees:
Small Animals (Canine, Feline)
Initial Visit including treatment $90.00 (30 minutes)
Chiropractic Treatment $55.00 (10 minutes)
 

 


 

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