Canine Chiropractic Adjustment

Among the many alternative medicine practices for pets, one of the most interesting may be that of chiropractic adjustments for dogs. The benefits of such treatments often yield results far beyond the dog owner's expectations, and act as an alternative to medication or surgery.

Conditions Where Chiropractic Treatment Helps

If the mobility becomes decreased or fixed in a joint, then further damage may occur as other joints and muscle groups shift the dog's weight to compensate for the initial joint issue. Agility dogs sometimes benefit from frequent adjustments, as do dogs with conditions like hip dysplasia, arthritis and orthopaedic problems, because the treatments help improve and maintain flexibility in addition to relieving pain. Dogs that have suffered from trauma such as a car accident or rough play with other dogs will also benefit from chiropractic care.

A Chiropractic Assessment

The chiropractic examination will involve a diagnosis based on the posture and gait of the pet. This is a treatment of not only the spine, but also the muscular system. A visual analysis will allow the chiropractor to evaluate the problem by making a lateral comparison of the animal. Palpation of muscles near the spinal area will also reveal areas where the animal has swelling or muscular spasms. The muscles in the injured area will also be checked for hot and cold spots, which indicate changes in blood supply.

Treating the Damaged Area

Once the assessment is completed and the area needing an adjustment has been determined, the chiropractor will then decide how to perform the adjustment. Usually the adjustment will be made by hand, and careful manipulation of the joint or muscle will be done gently to ease the area into its initial position.

The number of treatments needed by the dog will depend on the extent of the injury, age and physical condition of the pet. If the injury has been left without treatment for an extended time period, it may take many more treatments. If a mobility issue is not addressed in a timely manner it can lead to permanent damage, and full mobility may not be achievable even though some flexibility may be restored.

After the Treatment

Once the initial area is treated, or adjusted, then the extremities are assessed for hot or cold spots or for muscle tone and mobility, and adjusted as needed. In addition to the actual treatment, other physical therapy will commonly be suggested, such as ice packs and massage to aid blood flow, minimize swelling in the tissues and reduce pain. To help prevent the injury from reoccurring, an exercise program may be put in place to help strengthen the muscles surrounding the initial injury. Occasionally an animal will feel slightly stiff the next day, depending on the type of adjustment done.

On average, most animals enjoy the process of being adjusted and even indicate such by sighing or by becoming increasingly relaxed during the treatment. Many times the animal will even drift off to sleep during or right after the adjustment has been completed.