Chiropractic Assessment

Chiropractic Assessment should only ever be undertaken with the prior consent of the animal’s Primary Care Veterinary Surgeon. Your Chiropractor will want to assess the following:

Veterinary History: Your Chiropractor will ask about changes in your animal’s behaviour, working habits and health including Veterinary diagnosis. You should let your Chiropractor know of any accidents, injuries or illnesses your animal has sustained as well as treatment or medication they have received. It is at this stage your Chiropractor will explain Veterinary Chiropractic and answer any questions or concerns you may have. Your Chiropractor may want to discuss tack, harnesses or halters or any other equipment used on the animal.

Static and Motion Assessment: Your chiropractor will go on to assess your animal’s posture and confirmation, including any changes in coat pattern, temperature and muscular imbalances. Gait is then assessed whereby the animal will be seen moving both on the straight line and a turn.

Physical Assessment & Motion Palpation: It is at this stage your Chiropractor will be looking specifically for subluxations. Joints of the pelvis,spine and extremities, if deemed necessary will be checked in order to locate those which are stuck or not moving so well. Often at this point your Chiropractor will show you or ask you to feel how an area is restricted, so you might see the difference for yourself following adjustment.

Adjustment: Your chiropractor will locate those joints which are subluxated and will use a short, quick adjustment in the specific plane of the joint in order to restore movement of the joint and function of the nervous system. Your Chiropractor may also apply massage and stretching techniques to further facilitate your animal’s recovery. The effects of Chiropractic are reduction in pain, improved posture and relief of tight muscles.

Reassessment & Recommendations: Your Chiropractor may want to see the animal move again following adjustment in order to compare with original findings. You will then be given a report of findings along with recommendations for care and exercise of your animal following the adjustment. Your chiropractor will discuss how many adjustments your animal may need in order to restore health.

Please note that ideally animals should be rested for 48 hours following an adjustment. Due to the resetting of the nervous system, this can have a huge impact on the animal. Many animals will be very sleepy following treatment and may want to lay down or be left in peace for a few hours. If you have any concerns regards changes in your animal’s behaviour following Chiropractic Care please contact your Chiropractor or your Veterinary Surgeon.