Chiropractic is a well-established health care system that
has been practiced for over a century. As more and more people discover this
drug-free method of healing and disease prevention, more pet owners are
requesting this form of healing be practiced upon their pets. In truth,
chiropractic has been practiced on animals for decades, but only recently have
formal training courses and an association been established to promote this art
on animal patients. Nevertheless, many physicians and veterinarians still reject
chiropractic as a valid form of treatment. Those who have had first hand
experience with the benefits of manipulation are those best able to testify as
to the wonderful benefits Chiropractic offers.
There are over 100 joints in the dog or cat spine. When any one of these joints
fails to move properly the motion of the animal is adversely affected and
symptoms of pain or illness can be manifest. Chiropractic deals with the removal
of "subluxations" from the spine and other joints in the body. A
subluxation as defined herein is a joint in which alignment, movement and/or
physiologic function has been altered, although the joint will still have
relatively normal integrity. "Fixation" is another term commonly used.
A fixated joint is one that is immobilized in any position. Chiropractic seeks
to remove these subluxations or fixations through specific, controlled
manipulation of the spine or other joints.
There are many differing techniques used to adjust the spine, both in humans and
in animals. The technique used is not as important as the results received. It
seems that most techniques in their own way are effective in accomplishing the
basic goal of removing subluxations. Once subluxations or fixations are removed,
motion, flexibility, function and health are restored!
Dr. Day has been trained in Diversified, Gonstead, Activator and Logan Basic
techniques and has been practicing manipulation on dogs and cats since 1995. He
has treated hundreds of pets with these methods. He has Certification by the
American Veterinary Chiropractic Association and is a member thereof. He also
continues taking other training courses in chiropractic. Dr. Day has used
manipulation to treat all degrees of back and neck pain, "disc
disease", loss of function problems, lameness, hindleg weakness and
paralysis, incontinence, unexplained pain and various other problems. While
Chiropractic cannot offer a cure for every case, many cases not well treated by
conventional therapies can be helped with this method. Chiropractic can also be
used along with other methods of treatment and in some cases, manipulation has
proven very effective where other modes of treatment have failed. Manipulation
is safe, drug free, side effect free and becoming the choice of more pet owners
these days.
A pet being examined by the Animal Chiropractor first will receive a complete
and special exam of the spine (and other joints if needed) after a complete
history has been obtained. Usually sedation is administered and X-rays taken to
determine the areas of greatest concern and to make sure other conditions are
not overlooked! It is always important to be certain other medical problems are
not overlooked. Manipulation is performed, usually weekly for 3-4 visits, then
every 2 weeks, and then, if the desired results have been good, about every 2-4
months to prevent the problem from recurring. Most dogs and cats require 4-7
treatments to obtain desired results. Just as in people, medications can also be
used to relieve pain and muscle spasm while healing is occurring if an owner
wishes. We look forward to helping your pet with these exciting techniques!
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©2007 James W. Day D.V.M., P.C.