ABC Animal Chiropractic
ABC Animal Chiropractic
Animal Chiropractic is a specialised field of animal healthcare which detects and corrects any neurological or musculoskeletal dysfunction and their subsequent effects on the body. Chiropractors focus on abnormal movements of the spine, and the effects these restrictions have on the nervous system. Chiropractors use the term ‘vertebral subluxation complex’ (VSC), or more commonly known in short as a ‘subluxation’, to define a restricted vertebral joint causing neurological dysfunction.
Any restricted joint motion in the body can cause pain, spasms, sensitivity to touch, lameness, gait abnormalities and postural compromise.
The goal of an animal Chiropractor is to restore function and mobility to the compromised joint, to improve neurological function so the animal can perform at its optimal potential.
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The following symptoms may indicate pain caused by a subluxation:
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Pain when being touched or lifted.
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Reluctance or difficulty climbing stairs or jumping.
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Difficulty getting up after lying down.
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Negative changes in behaviour or attitude.
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Abnormal gait, shortened stride, or lameness.
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Worn down nails on one or more paws.
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Muscle atrophy
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Altered sitting (‘puppy sitting’).
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Changes in eating and bowel movements.
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Licking or chewing paws.
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Changes in performance.
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Lying only on one side.
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Abnormal posture i.e. lowered head carriage or hunched back.
Animal Chiropractic does not replace traditional veterinary medicine. However, it can provide additional means of diagnosis and treatment options for spinal problems, as well as biomechanical related musculoskeletal disorders. Chiropractic is also an effective treatment for acute or chronic pain syndromes caused by biomechanical problems.
Instances where chiropractic treatment is applicable:
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Spinal trauma, treatment only following previous x-ray clarification.
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Spondylosis (ossification of the spine). In many cases mobilisation of symptomatic restrictions in the healthy areas of the spine can lead to alleviation of symptoms.
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Caudal equina syndrome
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Discopathy, following prior x-ray or MRI investigations.
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Lick granulomas.
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Existing irreversible changes (ie hip dysplasia, spondylosis, arthrosis etc) can lead to vertebral subluxations as a result of compensations.
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Sciatica neuralgia.
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Incontinence – can be exacerbated by a vertebral subluxation in the lumbar spine.
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Hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity.
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Undefined lameness; can be caused by subluxations or restrictions in the joints of limbs or the spine.
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Sports and working dogs; for removal of any restrictions to help optimise their performance.
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Geriatric dogs; to help improve their quality of life.
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Preventative treatment to maintain fitness.​
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All animals should be under regular veterinary care. If you suspect a problem with your pet that may be helped by an animal Chiropractor, please ideally have your Vet examine the animal first as they are the ‘primary healthcare provider’.
Before we can schedule an appointment with your pet, we require your Vet’s consent. Please complete the ‘Animal Chiropractic Enquiry Form’ on the link below. We will then obtain consent directly with your Vet, then arrange an appointment for you and your pet to come in to see our animal Chiropractor in clinic.