What Is Animal Chiropractic Care?
While spinal manipulation has been practiced for hundreds of years in many cultures, veterinary chiropractic care is a relatively recent development.
Demand for these services began to grow in Western culture once pet owners and their doctors began to see significant improvements from treatment in conditions like joint diseases, neurological diseases, nervous system issues and chronic pain.
Veterinarians who practice chiropractic care must be trained in animal anatomy and chiropractic theories and hold specific certifications.
At Diablo View Veterinary Medical Hospital, we offer veterinary chiropractic services for cats and dogs and are happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Why Use a Veterinary Chiropractor?
Spinal issues and musculoskeletal disorders can cause your pet's health to quickly deteriorate. These can severely impact other joints and muscles, along with movement, posture and flexibility.
If your pet exhibits any of the following signs or symptoms, you should consult with your veterinarian to see if your cat or dog may benefit from chiropractic care:
- Change in gait, limping or short stride
- Change in posture, weight shifting or inability to bear weight
- Pained facial expression
- Reluctance to be touched or picked up
What Happens during an Animal Chiropractic Appointment?
Chiropractic therapy is most often used as an adjunctive treatment option for animals suffering from spinal issues or biomechanical-related musculoskeletal diseases.
During a veterinary chiropractic treatment session, your pet will typically undergo spinal manipulation or manual therapy.
In turn, this can help to relieve pain throughout the body and allow it to heal itself naturally.