Canine
Chiropractic
Services
*Disclaimer*

Whenever considering Canine Chiropractic Care for your dog, it is important that you first discuss the appropriateness of this type of care with your
Veterinarian. If your Veterinarian examines your dog and feels Chiropractic Care is appropriate, Dr. Jill is available to assist in a healing solution.
Problems

Spinal misalignment in dogs can result in abnormal nerve function, which
can manifest itself via poor or decreased athletic performance,
behavioural problems, gait problems or lameness.

Such problems may go undiagnosed or not be corrected by more
traditional treatments, but may respond favorably to chiropractic care.

Symptoms of possible problems that may require chiropractic therapy
include:

•  Uneasy/abnormal posture while standing
•  Unexplained deterioration in performance
•  Uneven muscle tone
•  Reluctance to jump, measuring or refusing
•  Discomfort when grooming
•  Sore areas along the back and spine
•  Unusual sensitivity to touch
•  Uncharacteristic behaviour patterns or changes of temperament
•  Unlevelness or unevenness of steps    
•  Lameness after injury when causes have been ruled out by a vet

Causes

Spinal misalignment in dogs may occur as a result of a wide variety of
reasons, such as:

•  Trauma from accidents, falls, stumbles and slips
•  Boisterous games with other dogs
•  Slips or "wrecks" when jumping or using agility equipment
•  Repetitive asymmetry in action (caused by actions such as getting in     
and out of a car or jumping up and down on furniture)
*  Jerks and yanks on the lead or collar

Treatments

Chiropractic treatment is concerned with the musculo-skeletal system
and in particular the spine and its relationship with the nervous system. A
Chiropractor's expertise lies in first evaluating the health and
biomechanical function of the dog's spine, then in manipulating the spine
and joints of the body to realign the skeletal frame and relieve any
associated nerve irritaion and muscle spasm.

The assessment stage of the treatment begins with a discussion of the
dog's health history and current symptoms. This is followed by palpation
to discover any muscle spasm or soreness of joints in the spine or pelvis.

The dog's spine consists of a collection of irregular bones known as
vertebrae that fit together and work with one another to facilitate
movement while protecting the spinal cord. The point at which bones
meet is called a joint. When joints are taken to the extreme ranges of
their movement, the muscles around the joint tighten to prevent further
movement, thus providing protection from further injury. Such tightening is
often resolved through normal movement but sometimes the muscles can
go into spasm and restrict the normal range of movement.

If misalignments or subluxations in joints are detected, Dr Jill may
determine that chiropractic treatment is appropriate. The treatment
usually involves the use of hands to provide rapid and precise
manipulations of the problem areas to correct any misalignments, relieve
nerve irritation, reduce muscle spasm and increase range of motion.

Following treatment, and dependant upon the severity of the injury,
restricted exercise such as lead walking for a few days may be
recommended. Additional treatments may be required and Dr Jill  
recommends annual or bi-annual check ups to help maintain optimum
health.

Benefits

Many of us will seek chiropractic therapy once symptoms first appear.
However, regular chiropractic care before problems develop is equally
important in maintaining optimal health.

As an analogy, just think how the tires on your car wear improperly if the
wheels are misaligned .  The same problems apply to your dog's spine.
Such wear and tear of the spine is called osteoarthritis. Research shows
that spinal manipulation may slow progressive degenerative changes
that occur as the dog ages. So in addition to a healthy diet and regular
exercise, chiropractic therapy can reduce the advancement of
osteoarthritic disorders.

Chiropractic therapy performed on a regular basis can also help to
maintain the health of the delicate tissues of the spinal cord and nerve
roots, leading to a well-adjusted spine, which is important for the
prevention of lameness.

Canine chiropractic makes great sense, as treatments help to thwart
impending musculo-skeletal ailments, slow the degenerative processes
and improve health and well-being. Studies and clinical trials by
mainstream medical researchers support the health benefits of spinal
manipulation and canine chiropractic care is becoming increasingly
popular.
  Competitive Edge Chiropractic
     (405) 818-2252