Animal Chiropractic
The art of Animal chiropractic is a manual treatment, which focuses on the biomechanics of the spine. It has effects on the entire central and peripheral nervous system of the body.
Look well to the spine for the cause of disease. Hippocrates
Veterinary or animal chiropractic treatment does never replace traditional veterinary medicine, but can provide additional treatment options for musculoskeletal and spinal problems. It can often eliminate the source of acute or chronic pain syndromes.
A referral from your vet is needed as history notes should be seen for animal chiropractic care or other complementary treatments. Especially digital imaging of the spine or joints, full blood and urine tests give worthy information. For example, with a lameness we must rule out serious acute or invasive conditions, such as orthopedic problems or even bone cancer.
Let your primary care vet refer you to PinPoint Veterinary Services. We then contact your veterinary practice and request your pet’s medical history, contact you and book an appointment that suits you.
At the beginning we recommend usually a first chiropractic check up and then depending on the individual needs, sessions in weekly-two-weekly or monthly intervals. Depending on your pet’s individual requirements, sessions can be spread out to longer intervals.
Animal chiropractc is a Profession, not a Modality.
Animal Chiropractic Treatment is used for:
- Acute problems such as muscle tension or joint stiffness
- Chronic musculoskeletal problems
- Prophylactic treatment to maintain balance of body systems
- Maintenance of vitality and health in adult and senior animals
- Enhancing performance ability of animal athlets
- As a complementary treatment for chronic problems such as arthrosis, arthritis, spondylosis or tendon problems
- Young animals that enjoy regular treatment will grow up well balanced
- Show animals can get to and keep their peak condition for longer and perform better
Frequently Asked Questions to Animal Chiropractic Care
What is Animal Chiropractic?
In animal chiropractic we look for joint mobility and restriction in movement of joints within the spine, extremities and the TMJ (temporomandibular joint found on both sides of the scull). Identified restrictions will be corrected through a manual adjustment.
Which Animals can Chiropractic treat?
Most patients tend to be dogs and horses. However, horses, small ruminants and cows also respond exceptionally well. Small furries, Show Guinny Pigs and birds too!
What Conditions can be treated with Chiropractic?
Indication spectrum:
- Acute problems such as muscle tension or joint stiffness
- Chronic musculoskeletal problems
- Prophylactic treatment to maintain balance of body systems
- Maintenance of vitality and health in adult and senior animals
- Enhancing performance ability of animal athlets
- As a complementary treatment for chronic problems such as arthrosis, arthritis, spondylosis or tendon problems
- Young animals that enjoy regular treatment will grow up well balanced
- Show animals can get to and keep their peak condition for longer and perform better
How long will treatment be needed?
At the beginning we recommend usually a first chiropractic check up and then depending on the individual needs, sessions in weekly to 2-weekly or monthly intervals. Depending on your pet’s individual requirements, sessions will be spread out to longer intervals.
Does Animal Chiropractic work?
Pets and animals are responding very well to treatment. Endorphine release, stimulation of the CNS (central nervous system) and the innate capability of the body are all influenced by chiropractic.
Treatment – How does it work?
In animal chiropractic we look for joint mobility and restriction in movement. Identified restrictions will be corrected through an adjustment, that is a highly joint specific , low force, short lever thrust along the plane of the specific joint.
This proprioceptive stimulation triggers the release of endorphins and helps to relax surrounding tissue, tender spots and tight muscles.
In the spine, mobility of the small facet joints between each vertebra can be enhanced.
An Adjustment is done manually directly on the affected vertebra (identified during the examination).
Only vertebrae that are restricted in their movement are adjusted.
Even in large animals, such as horses, that have very large and incredibly strong muscles along the spine, the vertebral facet joints are flexible and well to manipulate with minimal force.
To get your pet’s health optimized, feed a well-balanced and nutrient rich food, and additionally you could consider herbal therapy, acupuncture for pets, physiotherapy and hydrotherapy as further treatment options for your pet.