Veterinary chiropractic is a specialized field of manual therapy that focuses on the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal issues in animals, particularly those related to the spine and joints. This holistic approach aims to address changes in joint structures, muscle function, neurologic reflexes, and other aspects of an animal’s health. Proper structural alignment is integral to an animal’s overall well-being. When the musculoskeletal system is properly aligned, it promotes optimal function in various tissues such as nerves, muscles, fascia, and bones. This alignment plays a significant role in an animal’s ability to move, perform tasks, and maintain a high level of physical health. It’s important to note that animal chiropractic should only be performed by qualified and certified animal chiropractors who have specific training in the field. Veterinary chiropractic is considered a medical act and should be performed by a licensed veterinarian or a chiropractor under the direct referral of a veterinarian in accordance with California’s practice act. Additionally, it should be used as a complementary or alternative therapy alongside traditional veterinary care, as chiropractic care alone may not address all aspects of an animal’s health. Always consult with a veterinarian to ensure that animal chiropractic is appropriate for your specific pet or animal and that it is performed by a licensed professional.
HORSES
- Rehabilitation from Injuries or Time Off: Chiropractic care can be an essential part of the rehabilitation process for horses recovering from injuries or extended periods of rest. It helps address musculoskeletal issues and restore normal function.
- Riding Issues: Some riding problems, such as resistance, difficulty in taking a particular gait, or a lack of collection, can be linked to musculoskeletal discomfort or imbalances. Chiropractic adjustments can help improve these issues.
- Change in Personalities: Behavioral changes in horses can sometimes be associated with discomfort or pain. Chiropractic care may help alleviate these issues and restore a horse’s normal temperament.
- Balanced Performance: Chiropractic adjustments are often used to enhance a horse’s performance in various disciplines by ensuring proper biomechanics and musculoskeletal alignment.
- Tack Fitting Issues: Poorly fitting saddles or tack can lead to musculoskeletal problems in horses. Chiropractic care can address these issues and improve the comfort of the horse during riding.
- Geriatric Maintenance: Older horses may develop age-related musculoskeletal issues. Regular chiropractic care can help maintain their comfort and quality of life in their senior years.
- Pediatric Issues: Some horses may experience musculoskeletal issues from birth trauma or injuries sustained during play. Chiropractic care can be beneficial for addressing these early issues.
- Rehabilitation from Injuries or Time Off: Chiropractic care can be an essential part of the rehabilitation process for horses recovering from injuries or extended periods of rest. It helps address musculoskeletal issues and restore normal function.
- Riding Issues: Some riding problems, such as resistance, difficulty in taking a particular gait, or a lack of collection, can be linked to musculoskeletal discomfort or imbalances. Chiropractic adjustments can help improve these issues.
- Change in Personalities: Behavioral changes in horses can sometimes be associated with discomfort or pain. Chiropractic care may help alleviate these issues and restore a horse’s normal temperament.
- Balanced Performance: Chiropractic adjustments are often used to enhance a horse’s performance in various disciplines by ensuring proper biomechanics and musculoskeletal alignment.
- Tack Fitting Issues: Poorly fitting saddles or tack can lead to musculoskeletal problems in horses. Chiropractic care can address these issues and improve the comfort of the horse during riding.
- Geriatric Maintenance: Older horses may develop age-related musculoskeletal issues. Regular chiropractic care can help maintain their comfort and quality of life in their senior years.
- Pediatric Issues: Some horses may experience musculoskeletal issues from birth trauma or injuries sustained during play. Chiropractic care can be beneficial for addressing these early issues.
SMALL ANIMALS
- Rehabilitation from Injuries: Chiropractic adjustments can play a role in rehabilitating small animals following injuries, surgeries, or periods of reduced activity.
- Change in Personalities: Behavioral changes (for example: less social, grumpy, reclusive) in small animals can sometimes be linked to discomfort or pain, and chiropractic care can help alleviate these issues.
- Pediatric Issues: Young animals may experience musculoskeletal issues, and chiropractic care can be beneficial for addressing these issues early in life.
- Geriatric Maintenance: Older small animals may develop age-related musculoskeletal problems like degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis. Pain from these conditions can cause compensatory mechanisms and stress on the body causing even more discomfort.
- Rehabilitation from Injuries: Chiropractic adjustments can play a role in rehabilitating small animals following injuries, surgeries, or periods of reduced activity.
- Change in Personalities: Behavioral changes (for example: less social, grumpy, reclusive) in small animals can sometimes be linked to discomfort or pain, and chiropractic care can help alleviate these issues.
- Pediatric Issues: Young animals may experience musculoskeletal issues, and chiropractic care can be beneficial for addressing these issues early in life.
- Geriatric Maintenance: Older small animals may develop age-related musculoskeletal problems like degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis. Pain from these conditions can cause compensatory mechanisms and stress on the body causing even more discomfort.
Although Dr McKenna is a veterinarian, our goal is to work with your primary care vet on what is best for your horse or dog. We ask that prior to your first appointment, you have your current veterinary clinic forward your pet’s medical record (dog, cat or horse). We will review these records before the appointment so that we can best treat your companion. Should any additional diagnostics be performed by your regular veterinarian, we ask that those be forwarded as well. We want to work with your primary care vet in order to give your pet the best outcome.