In Chiropractic Care the chiropractor
specialises in bones.
If you own an active dog, or an older dog prone to falling, or your female
dog has just had puppies, or any dog has had an accident, etc., it is quite
likely that your dog will need Chiropractic Care. Registered and qualified
chiropractors will gently move bones that have become misaligned back into
place.
Chiropractic treatment addresses problems stemming from imbalances in the
following three systems:
1.) Bones and joints
form a flexible structure designed to provide pain-free movement when in
normal health and alignment.
2.) Healthy muscles allow the joints to move freely. Healthy
muscles are free of spasm, weakness, pain, knots, or degenerative changes.
3.) Nerves are the electrical wires of the body. They "direct"
the functions of the body controlling the flow of communication between the
brain and all areas of the body. Reduced performance levels and pain may
result from pinched nerves. This can quickly lead to a state of poor health.
Perhaps the most well known form of Chiropractic treatment is 'McTimoney
Chiropractic', this was named after John McTimoney who developed his own form
of treatment and began teaching it in 1972.
Chiropractic literally translated
means 'done by hand'. The aims are to treat causes rather than symptoms,
the principle is that many disturbances to the nervous system result from
misalignment of bones of the spine and other parts of the body. These
are believed to be at least a contributory factor in the pathological process
of many common human and animal ailments. A McTimoney Chiropractor considers
that periodic treatments are worthwhile on a preventative basis to avoid
incipient problems.
Chiropractic treatment may not be appropriate in the following circumstances:
Immediately following surgery. It is important to let the animal
heal for at least a week after a minor surgery and two weeks after a major
surgery before performing an adjustment and then only in exceptional cases
with your Vet's approval.
In cases where a fracture or major dislocation is suspected.
Where the stress of being adjusted outweigh the possible benefits, such
as when animals that are extremely anxious or aggressive and may not reap
the benefit of the treatment.
Animals who are under heavy sedation or anesthesia.
Damage may occur to the animal's structures while sedated.
Always contact your Veterinary Surgeon for permission and advice first.
Common symptoms of a dog who
may need adjusting are
Ambling" (when the dog trots and his front and back legs move laterally,
rather than in diagonal pairs),
Lameness,
Irritability (who isn't when they're in pain?)
Reluctance to exercise.
You will need your vet's permission before a chiropractor can see your dog.
The above information is simply informational. It's intent is not to
replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis
of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of
any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.
