Should pets go to the chiropractor? Yes, all animals can benefit from chiropractic care from a certified veterinarian. Throughout an animal’s life, various actions or events may alter normal spinal function. Veterinary chiropractic care is particularly beneficial for dogs with active lifestyles, such as canine athletes, working dogs, and hunting dogs. Chiropractic provides a natural intervention, facilitating a quicker return to function, increasing the time between injuries, and, ideally, preventing injuries altogether.
Is veterinary chiropractic safe for animals?
Yes. Every veterinarian adheres to the principle of “First do no harm.” The inherent neurologic foundation of chiropractic thinking ensures a deliberate and careful approach, avoiding harm or worsening of the patient’s condition. Chiropractic techniques, when applied by a veterinarian with formal training, have shown incredible safety.
A chiropractic adjustment is a manual technique that precisely addresses restrictions in nerve function by providing controlled and predictable input to the spinal vertebrae. It is a quick procedure well-tolerated by animals and is not painful. Most animals instinctively understand that it contributes to their overall well-being.
What veterinary conditions can be treated with chiropractic adjustment?
Chiropractic thinking is applicable across various aspects of veterinary medicine, encompassing hormonal, metabolic, digestive, and behavioral conditions.
- Musculoskeletal conditions: As coordinated movement involves nerves, muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments, any dysfunction in these components can be addressed through chiropractic adjustment. Since X-rays only visualize bones easily, utilizing a tool to assess other components is crucial.
- Neurological disease: Conditions in animals, such as vestibular disease, intervertebral disc disease, laryngeal paralysis, and hind-end weakness, can be managed through chiropractic techniques.
- Urinary and fecal incontinence: Chiropractic techniques are commonly used to address the neurologic aspect of this loss of function.
- Lick granuloma: Chronic licking in certain areas of the body may have an underlying nerve component that can be addressed through chiropractic care.
- TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pathology: Overlooked abnormalities in this joint can result in various symptoms, from chewing and swallowing problems to altered gait and mobility.
- Fertility issues: Chiropractic techniques may address infertility in breeding animals as normal body secretions are regulated through the autonomic nervous system.
Recognizing the neurologic element in many conditions and addressing it through chiropractic adjustments allows veterinary chiropractors to intervene early, correcting small changes before they escalate into more complex problems.
Overlooking a chiropractic issue may lead to ripple effects. In the case of musculoskeletal conditions, avoiding treatment could potentially result in a decline in mobility or even more significant problems like torn ligaments. By addressing early indications through chiropractic care, veterinarians contribute significantly to preventive medicine.
Should pets go to the chiropractor?
Yes. The hands-on nature of veterinary practice underscores the importance of physical examination, with chiropractic thinking serving as a representation of the meticulous mental efforts invested by holistic veterinarians behind the scenes. Embracing this approach enhances the success in treating challenging problems, making chiropractic care a valuable tool in the holistic veterinary medicine toolbox.
Doylestown Veterinary Hospital & Holistic Pet Care offers chiropractic care for dogs and cats. Dr. David MacDonald is a certified veterinary spinal manipulative therapist and a certified veterinary acupuncturist. The Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy program is a post-graduate certification approved by the College of Animal Chiropractors and the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recognizes veterinary chiropractic as a complementary and alternative treatment (CAVM) which also includes acupuncture.
