Dr. Julie Smith DC
Animal Chiropractor
Animal Chiropractic
Animal chiropractic is a drug-free approach to pet care. It deals mainly with the nervous system housed inside the spinal column.
HISTORY OF ANIMAL CHIROPRACTIC
The application of chiropractic to the animal patient started early in the history of the chiropractic profession. B.J. Palmer, (developer of human chiropractic), wrote in 1944: “In the early days of chiropractic, we maintained a veterinarian hospital where we adjusted the vertebral subluxations of sick cows, horses, cats, dogs, etc. We did this to prove to ourselves that the chiropractic principle and practice did apply.”
Unfortunately, no organized education forums or practice standards existed until the 1980’s when an organization in New Jersey formed and was called Options for Animals. Dr. Sharon Willoughby, a veterinarian and chiropractor maintained the school until 2003. Now there are several schools teaching animal adjusting to doctors of chiropractic and veterinary medicine.
In 1986 the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA), was formed and is responsible for certifying qualified chiropractors and veterinarians who successfully complete an approved curriculum and pass the national board exams.
For a qualified animal adjuster in your area contact the AVCA at:
918 784-2231
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN MY ANIMAL NEEDS AN ADJUSTMENT?
Does your animal have:
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Difficulty getting up and down?
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Chewing problems?
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Recurrent event or sports injuries?
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A limp or abnormal gait?
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TMJ or jaw problems?
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Neck, back leg or tail pain?
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Arthritic changes?
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Cross canter, loss of collection?
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Behavioral changes (cinchy, bucking, etc)?
If your animal experiences any of these signs, he is a candidate for chiropractic adjustments.
What to Expect
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING A CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTING SESSION?
All pertinent information will be assessed by the doctor. Has the animal been seen by a veterinarian for this condition? Have x-rays been taken? Is the animal undergoing current therapies or medications?
A general health history will be ascertained followed by a physical examination. The doctor will check the spine and extremities, (if needed), in static and motion palpation.
The animal will be observed in motion, (different gaits, etc.).
Adjustments will be made according to these findings. Therapies and further adjustment recommendations will then be made.
It can take from 25-45 minutes to adjust a horse and 15-25 minutes for a small animal, (dog, cat, etc.).