In 1895, D.D. Palmer, a Canadian, performed a spinal adjustment on the custodian of a building where he worked as a magnetic healer. Chiropractic was born! Twenty-five years later, in Davenport, Iowa, D.D. Palmer's son B.J., opened the first animal chiropractic hospital. Animals have been benefiting from chiropractic adjustments ever since.
All mammals have individual vertebral bones that can subluxate (don't move properly). Bones out of position even slightly, can pinch or place pressure on nerves, as well as stress muscles. If left untreated, symptoms that may not seem directly related can begin to manifest. These may include headaches, depression, incontinence, fertility problems, constipation, memory loss, excessive licking, or aggression.
Animals begin to show symptoms when pressure starts to cause inflammation in the tissues surrounding the affected joint. Symptoms you may notice in an animal are: "puppy sitting" (sitting off to one side); gait problems such as lameness, limping, holding a foot up or an inability to bear weight, discomfort with collars and harnesses; unwillingness to go over jumps or perform normal work, change in behaviour, pacing, stumbling, skin lesions, hot spots, and scratching.
Any vertebrate animal can potentially benefit from chiropractic treatment...even a fish! Dogs generally come bounding into my office with tails wagging. Owners tell me that they can't believe how differently they react to my office, compared to their veterinarian's office. Maybe it's the treatment, or maybe it's just the treats. In any case, I am just so amazed each time I see an animal limp in and leap out!
In Ontario, you do not need a referral to see an animal chiropractor. Check credentials carefully. To be qualified, chiropractors or veterinarians must be certified by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA).
An initial consultation is required to determine the symptoms and overall health of the animal. Physical examination of the whole skeletal system will determine the exact nature of the problem. Chiropractic adjustment is then applied.
The choice to seek natural therapy for your animal is a wise one. Animals respond much more favourably to natural treatments than to pharmaceuticals.
In the wild, animals are instinctively drawn to the right herbs and substances to alleviate health problems. But, in the artificial environment of your home or barn, they are at the mercy of your choices.
As much as possible, consider the evolution of your pet’s species and try to mimic nature in selecting the right foods, environment and therapies for your pet. You will be rewarded with a healthier, happy animal. ~~
Susanne Landgon DC is a board examiner for the AVCA & CCA. One of only 8 animal chiropractors in Canada, Susanne treats both humans and animals. www.animalchiro.ca
