Dogs are very agile and athletic by nature; their flexible spines are one of the main reasons they are able to behave in this manner. This increased mobility unfortunately means that they can also be susceptible to injury. Whilst all dogs can potentially injure themselves some are at an increased risk due to their conformation (Daschunds, Shih Tzus) or work (agility dogs, gundogs, police dogs). The average pet dog can also experience skeletal misalignments by an acute trauma (a fall or from rough play) or by a chronic build up (repetitive activities such as jumping in and out of a car on a daily basis, or playing with tug toys/balls or sticks).
Canine Chiropractic Treatment
Canine Chiropractic Treatment
Canine McTimoney Chiropractic Treatment Process
A full chiropractic consultation is comprised of the following;
Assessment:
- Detailed discussion of patient history.
- General health check and conformational analysis.
- Gait analysis and lameness assessment where necessary.
- Patient assessment summary.
Treatment:
- Palpation for any skeletal misalignments.
- McTimoney chiropractic adjustments.
- Massage (where necessary).
Aftercare:
- General verbal aftercare regime - given on the day.
- Detailed written aftercare regime - sent via email upon request.
Common Causes of Skeletal Misalignments in Dogs
There are may causes for misalignments in dogs - they can be acute (happen suddenly) or chronic (build up over a long period of time). A few of the most common causes are listed below;
- Rough play with other dogs.
- Due to whelping and/or mating.
- Poor conformation.
- Ill fitting equipment e.g collars, harnesses and leads.
- Carrying increased weight e.g. during pregnancy or if they are overweight.
- A slip, trip or fall.
- Repetitive activities or exercises e.g. jumping, climbing stairs, agility, obedience, gundog etc.
- Dental issues.
- Following an injury or post surgery.
- Playing with sticks, balls or tug-toys.
- Pulling on a harness or lead.
How Do I Know If My Dog Needs A Treatment?
Is your dog displaying any of the following symptoms?
- Lameness or uneven gait.
- Reluctance to perform a certain task e.g. jumping in/out of the car or climbing the stairs.
- Reduced performance level.
- Temperamental changes; tired and lethargic, lack of interest in activity, grumpy behaviour.
- General discomfort, shifting weight frequently and inability to stand square.
- Carrying the tail to one side.
- Generalised stiffness and reluctance to bend.
- Uneven claw wear, toe-dragging or scuffing.
- Muscle atrophy.
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