Cat & Dog - Veterinary Chiropractic/Osteopathic Care

What is chiropractic?

The term chiropractic comes from the Greek words 'cheir' which means 'hand' and 'praxis' which means 'practice' or 'done by', and refers to the practice of manipulating the spine to treat disease. Osteopathy refers to osteo 'of the bones' and 'pathos', meaning disease. Chiropractors and osteopaths base their theories of disease on the connections between various body structures and the nervous system via the spinal column, and on the role of the spine in biomechanics and movement.

Therapy is directed at the spine in order to modify the progression of disease. Osteopathy is very similar in addressing health through the integrity of the musculo-skeletal system, circulation and nervous systems.

What is the history of chiropractic/osteopathy in veterinary medicine?

Spinal manipulation has been practiced for centuries in many cultures, including the early Chinese and Greeks. However, there is a distinct lack of historical documentation of its early use in animal species. In its modern form, adjustment theory and practice have developed within the last century. Early practitioners investigated its use in various animal species. As a distinct practice specialty, veterinary chiropractic/osteopathy are young professions that are undergoing rapid growth and evolution.

On which species of animals is manipulation practiced regularly?

Manipulation is frequently performed on horses, dogs, and cats, but can theoretically be performed on any species with a spinal column.

Who practices veterinary chiropractic/osteopathy and do I need a referral?

Practitioners who work on animals must have specific training in chiropractic/osteopathic theories and animal anatomy so that they are knowledgeable about the differences in biomechanics and neuromusculoskeletal function between humans and animals. In the UK there are very few vets practicing manipulation. However, more and more are teaming up with an osteopath/chiropractor with animal experience to allow them to work on patients under veterinary guidance. You must be referred to a chiropractor/osteopath to ensure good communication between the professions. This contact will help avoid inappropriate use of manipulation.

Please talk to one of the vets if you would like to discuss manipulation therapies for your animal.

What conditions are most often treated with chiropractic?

Neurologic or biomechanical problems amenable to chiropractic/osteopathic manipulation. These conditions include degenerative joint diseases such as hip dysplasia and spondylosis; cervical instability; acute neck pain; intervertebral disc disease; autonomic nervous system problems such as urinary and faecal incontinence; musculoskeletal weakness or pain that resists conventional diagnosis and treatment; and chronic back and neck pain.

How can my pet benefit from chiropractic/osteopathy?

These therapies are of the few modalities in veterinary medicine where results are often immediate, and are often seen within minutes of treatment. In general, improvements are defined as an improved gait (walk) or an apparent reduction in pain. In orthopaedic conditions such as fractures or ligament tears, chiropractic/osteopathic care may not replace the need for surgery, but will be useful in correcting secondary problems caused by compensation or overcompensation to the injury before and after surgery.

Animals used for athletic performance or other working purposes are ideal candidates for treatment. By regularly assessing and maintaining maximum flexibility in these animals, injuries may be avoided. Animal athletes include racehorses, dressage animals or pleasure riding horses. Dogs used in racing, agility training or field trials can often benefit from manipulation.

How successful are manipulative therapies?

Ensuring normal range of motion of vertebrae helps the practitioner optimise function of lymphatics, blood vessels and nerves, which communicate between the spine and various body structures. This allows the body to function optimally to the point that further interventions may not be required.

Applied correctly, adjustments can alleviate the need for long-term drug or hormone treatments. The success of treatment depends upon the degree of pathology present and the duration of the condition.

How safe is chiropractic or osteopathy?

When performed by an experienced, trained professional, manipulation is generally considered to be safe. If adjustments are performed with the appropriate force, the patient will require a series of treatments, which will gradually result in restoration of health. However, if the force of an adjustment is excessive or the adjustment is applied at an incorrect angle, time, or location, serious and possibly irreversible damage to the patient can occur. Temporary low-grade discomfort (lasting 24 to 48 hours) may be experienced in a minority of patients following treatment.

What is the cost?

Comprehensive manipulative treatment involves a thorough history taking and physical examination, followed by a patient assessment and formulation of a treatment plan. It can, but rarely, involves a single visit, and costs will vary according to the specific condition being treated and the response of the patient. The fees associated with treatment are set by the individual practitioner. Chiropractic/osteopathy is usually very affordable, and is certainly a cost effective way of managing and resolving pain and weakness especially if it reduces drug costs.

Can these therapies be combined with other types of veterinary medicine?

Chiropractic/osteopathic therapy is often combined with other forms of traditional and alternative veterinary medicine. There appears to be a particularly strong synergy between acupuncture and chiropractic/osteopathy. When multiple types of treatments are used, it may be difficult to determine the efficacy of a treatment, unless the treatments are performed at different times.

Certified practitioners have the knowledge and skill to understand the interactions between different forms of treatment and to interpret the patient's response to therapy. If your pet is receiving treatment from a practitioner other than through us, it is imperative that both we and they are kept updated about the ongoing treatment in order to provide coordinated care of your pet, to allow proper evaluation of treatment and to minimise any avoidable interactions or interferences.

How can I find out more information about veterinary manipulation?

The most efficient way to find current reference materials, links, and referral lists is to consult the General Osteopathic Council or the Chiropractic governing bodies. Alternatively, you can look up therapists who see animals, with veterinary cooperation, in the phone book.

We at the practice would be happy to refer you to an Osteopath or Chiropractor in the area. Please ask one of the vets.