What is Animal Chiropractic?

• Chiropractic is not a treatment but a statutorily-regulated healthcare profession. Chiropractors offer a wide range of interventions, including, but not limited to, manual therapy (soft-tissue techniques, mobilization and spinal manipulation), exercise rehabilitation and management advice. Like other healthcare professions, chiropractic is informed by the evidence base and develops accordingly.
• Animal chiropractic, also known as ‘veterinary chiropractic,’ requires advanced post-graduate training for licensed chiropractors or veterinarians (only), creating a unique learning environment where professionals train together and learn from each other.
• Qualified chiropractors are governed by an agreement between the College of Veterinarians of Ontario (CVO) and the College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO; 1998); DCs are regulated by the CCO and held accountable to the Standards of Practice of the profession, which includes the chiropractic care of animals. Practicing members must also have specific animal chiropractic insurance coverage.
• Trained chiropractors have the clinical competency to assess and perform an inclusive physical assessment and history, to formulate a clinical impression or diagnosis (within their scope), which includes identifying contraindications to the safe and appropriate use of manual therapies and treating and administering with their scope of practice.
• Animal chiropractic is not intended to replace traditional veterinary medicine or surgery but to provide an integrative, conservative care option for pet owners for many movement-related conditions. Veterinarians and animal chiropractors can work collaboratively to best serve the needs of animals and their owners.
• Chiropractic is a natural, safe and effective hands-on approach to many neuromusculoskeletal issues and injuries.
• Chiropractors understand and uniquely address the intimate relationship between the spinal column, muscles, and the nervous system. They know the vital role of optimal movement and how this relationship relates to maintaining overall health, function, and performance.
• Manual therapy, including chiropractic adjustments or manipulations when performed by a qualified animal chiropractor, are controlled, gentle maneuvers applied to areas of joint and muscle restriction that help restore normal motion (reduce stiffness), relax muscles, reduce pain, and achieve optimal performance nerve function.
• Initial consultation and examination include a thorough health history review, gait analysis, static and motion palpation of the joints, muscles and extremities, range of motion testing, and neurological assessment. Sometimes, a referral to a veterinarian for x-rays and further examination and testing is required to rule out a more serious problem.
• Animal chiropractic care is effective for both large and small animals. Animal chiropractors most commonly see horses, dogs, and cats; however, any animal with a spine (vertebrates) could develop spinal problems and may benefit from chiropractic care.

Why Animal Chiropractic?

• Neck, back, leg, tail pain or stiffness
• Muscle tenderness, asymmetry, top-line tenderness
• Nerve problems or irritation
• Injuries from slips/falls, rough play, or animal sport
• Not moving well or performing at an optimal level
• TMJ or jaw problems
• Poor-fitting collars, harnesses or excessive tugging on the leash
• Difficulty or reluctance getting up or down, jumping in or out of the car, up or downstairs, etc.
• Restricted movement of back or legs, short stepping or striding, abnormal gait pattern
• Post-surgical care to facilitate healing and address biomechanical compensatory changes
• Improved quality of life, function, and comfort for senior animals
• General maintenance of joint health and mobility
• Special for Horses (click here for list)