What to Expect
After obtaining veterinary consent the chiropractor will take a detailed case history from the owner, consisting of current and previous issues, any prior x-rays or laboratory information received plus any previous diagnosis or therapies given.
There will then be a full chiropractic evaluation of the animal, consisting of posture, gait analysis, vertebral and extremity static and motion palpation.
Then a musculoskeletal suggested diagnosis will be discussed from all the information obtained and a treatment plan will be discussed. Chiropractic care includes lifestyle advice, rehabilitation and soft tissue work.
The Adjustment
The chiropractic adjustment is much the same as that given in a human treatment, once a decreased or restricted motion unit is found a high velocity and low amplitude controlled thrust is given in order to restore normal movement.
The adjustment has little or no pain and most animals enjoy being adjusted.
Results
The response to chiropractic care is usually a positive one seen within 24 -72 hours. The results depends on a few variables such as, the length of time the trauma (if one) has been, the age of the animal, the severity of the decreased/restricted motion of the joints of the spine and or extremities.
Some animals can show great improvements in the 1st few days to a week and then you might notice a relapse of the initial complaint. This is not unusual as it is a healing process, make a note for your animal chiropractor if you notice this as it will help to gauge your animal’s rate of response and healing time required.
Follow-Up
A follow up session may be required in 1 to 2 weeks in order to continue the healing process. If improvement is noticed then the follow up visits may be spread out further.
Depending on the activity of your animal, weather a performance animal or a family pet, chiropractic maintenance care is recommended 1 x a month to 1 x six months. This will be discussed with your animal chiropractor and the advice given will be what is seen best to support your animals wellbeing and maintaining their optimal health.
Rehabilitation
This can be offered to help injury recovery or operative procedures as well as to enhance performance.
The focus of rehabilitation is to enhance strength, endurance, balance, proprioception and gait training.
