What is animal chiropractic?
Animal chiropractic is based on the paradigm that the body has the innate power to heal itself and that innate power is controlled by the nervous system. Nerves control everything that happens in your pet’s body. And the brain and spinal cord, which are protected by the spine, control the messages the nerves receive. There is a common misconception that chiropractors just treat bones that are out of place when in fact they treat the nervous system.
Animal chiropractic helps to free up the joints and improve mobility, which takes pressure off of the nerves located near those joints so the brain has the ability to send messages down to those muscles, organ, joints etc. so they function properly.
For small animals like dogs and cats, an animal chiropractor can help with a whole range of health issues such as arthritis, paralysis, incontinence, hip dysplasia, luxating patala (floating knee caps), degenerative myelopathy, making sure a new puppy or kitten is structurally sound or simply improving the quality of life for an older dog or cat.
Some vets says that one benefit of chiropractic care for pets is they carry around little emotional baggage, which in humans can interfere with the healing process. Pets either get better with chiropractic care or they don’t. Animals usually respond well to treatment — typically most conditions only require a few sessions. And if they show no improvement then it may be a health issue that cannot be addressed through chiropractic care.
How does animal chiropractic work?
During a chiropractic treatment session, the chiropractor will make a “chiropractic adjustment” — a short, quick thrust by hand to one joint at a time — with the goal to restore normal range of motion and alleviate any pain the pet may be experiencing. Chiropractic treatments from a skilled chiropractor will rarely be painful and most animals seem to enjoy the process.
Before treatments begin, the chiropractor will assess the pet and come up with a specific treatment plan for that pet. Followup visits will depend on the severity of the issue and the outcome of the initial visit. The number of treatments will depend on how long the pet has had the particular health problem, the severity of the problem and the age of the pet.
Most animals show signs of improvement in as little as one to three treatments. And animals with chronic conditions respond well to regular supportive treatments, which usually run every two to six months.
Are there any side effects to animal chiropractic?
As with all complementary therapies, pet guardians should always take their pets to a trained veterinary professional. If chiropractic adjustments are not performed with appropriate force and skill — ie: the adjustment is applied with too strong a force or at an incorrect angle or location — your pet could be seriously hurt.
Some minor side effects that may occur after a visit to the chiropractor include stiffness or soreness for about one to four days after treatment and/or pets may be sleepy or not feel like eating for a short time after treatment.
What is the cost of animal chiropractic?
In Canada, for small animals the cost of treatment is about $115 for the initial consult and about $48 for each followup visit. If you have pet insurance, check with your insurance provider to find out exactly what it covers and whether or not it will cover treatment from only a licensed veterinarian who is certified in animal chiropractic and/or a licensed chiropractor certified in animal chiropractic.
How does animal chiropractic help pets with cancer?
Animal chiropractic may be used as a complementary therapy to conventional cancer treatment in order to relieve pain or address joint or mobility issues. If your pet is undergoing conventional cancer treatment, always check with your veterinarian or veterinary oncologist first before starting any complementary therapy.
Is the practice of animal chiropractic regulated?
In Alberta, to call yourself and animal chiropractor you either have to be a veterinarian or a human chiropractor certified in animal chiropractic. That means that a four-year, post graduate Doctor of Chiropractic or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree has been earned before getting your certification in animal chiropractic. Unfortunately, this field is not currently regulated in Alberta so there are some who may be providing chiropractic services who are not qualified to do so.
Animal chiropractors suggest that when looking for an animal chiropractor, do your homework and make sure the animal chiropractor is certified by asking them for their credentials. There are two bodies that certify animal chiropractors: the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association and the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association.
Sources:
- Options for Animals College of Animal Chiropractic, Wellsville, KS, What is animal chiropractic?
- Bow Bottom Veterinary Hospital, Calgary, AB, Veterinary Chiropractic Care, by Lifelearn Inc., based on material written by Dr. Steve Marsden, DVM, ND, MSOM, LAc, DiplCH, AHG, Dr. Shawn Messonnier, DVM and Dr. Cheryl Yuill, DVM, MSc, CVH.
- Peak Performance Animal Chiropractic, Calgary, AB, Understanding Chiropractic.
- Citizen Pet & Equine magazine, Summer 2014 issue, Chiropractic care: helping animals feel better naturally, by Sherry Warner.
This page has been reviewed by our Panel of Experts for accuracy. Our Panel of Experts is comprised of practitioners with varying specialties and perspectives. As such, the views expressed here may not be shared by all members of our Panel.
The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.