What is Animal Chiropractic?
Animal Chiropractic is a field of animal health care that focuses on the preservation and health of the neuro-musculo-skeletal system. All animals have spines that are subject to stresses that cause the vertebra (spinal bones) to lose proper motion. If the movement and biomechanics of the vertebra become dysfunctional, they can interfere with the performance of the nerves. The basic premise of chiropractic care is to correct the vertebral motion to decrease pain and to maintain adequate nerve supply that is vital to the proper functioning of the entire body.
Chiropractic also has preventative importance since adjustments eliminate subclinical problems, as well as resolve clinical dysfunction or symptoms. Animal chiropractic is a good compliment to regular veterinary care.
Who can Benefit from Animal Chiropractic?
Normal events such as birth or regular wear and tear of ageing can affect any animal. Misalignment can be invisible to the owner but their effects of decreased function, lameness and suboptimal health are real and recognizable. Any animal can benefit from a chiropractic consultation.
Horses are especially vulnerable due to:
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unbalanced riding
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poorly fitting saddles
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falls or traumas
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​ repetitive exercise​
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improper warm up/cool down
Dogs and cats can become injured by:
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pulling on their leash
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accidents during play with another animals
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repetitive jumping from the bed, car, or any raised surface
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repetitive activities (excessive fetch, tug of war, etc.)
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slipping on ice
When Should my Pet Receive a Spinal Exam?
An animal can receive a chiropractic exam at any time. If there is an underlying health concern it is recommended that you speak with your veterinarian first to rule out other causes of pain or dysfunction. If your pet has an underlying health concern, Dr. Tracey can communicate with your veterinarian to ensure that the chiropractic treatment will be safe and effective for their condition.
Symptoms that your horse may present with are;
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Lameness
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Sensitivity when touching or grooming
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Head shyness
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Reluctant to accept a lead
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Swapping leads
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Difficulty bending or collecting
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Refusing, bucking or rearing
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Girthiness
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Short striding
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"Roach back" appearance
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Difficulty holding a leg for the farrier
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Excessive tail swishing
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Difficulty with collection
Clues that your dog or cat may require care include but are not limited to;
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Inability or reluctance to jump or climb
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Irritability - especially when touched in certain areas
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Discomfort or yelping with certain movements
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Limping or stiffness after exercise or after resting for awhile
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Trouble with the stairs
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Trouble getting into or out of the car
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Reluctance to play like they used to
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Hesitation to go for walks, slower on walks
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Always sitting crooked on the same hip
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Abnormal gait
How is an Animal Adjusted?
The spine involves specific motion units that can become restricted and have a lack of motion throughout an animals life - anything from a slip, fall or wrong turn can cause these vertebrae to become "stuck". Our chiropractors will determine which vertebrae are involved by combining the findings of the case history, posture analysis, static palpation and motion palpation.
At Bytown Animal Chiropractic, our chiropractors will perform the adjustment to restore motion to the vertebrae with their hands. It feels good to have the motion restored and most animals really enjoy being adjusted. Our techniques are gentle and we never use excessive force on your animals' spine.
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