What is animal chiropractic care?
While spinal manipulation has been practiced for hundreds of years in many cultures, veterinary chiropractic care is a relatively recent development.
Demand for chiropractic services began to rise after pet owners and veterinarians saw conditions such as joint diseases, neurological diseases, nervous system issues (such as musculoskeletal weakness), and chronic pain improve with chiropractic treatment.
Veterinarians who practice chiropractic care must be trained in animal anatomy and chiropractic theories, and they must hold specific certifications.
At Rice Lake Animal Hospital, we offer veterinary chiropractic services for cats and dogs and are happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Why use a veterinary chiropractor?
Spinal problems and musculoskeletal disorders can quickly deteriorate your pet's health. These can have a significant impact on other joints and muscles, as well as movement, posture, and flexibility.
You might consider asking your veterinarian if your cat or dog could benefit from chiropractic sessions if your pet is displaying these signs or symptoms:
- Pained facial expression
- Change in gait, limping or short stride
- Reluctance to be touched or picked up
- Change in posture, weight shifting or inability to bear weight
What happens during a chiropractic appointment?
Cats and dogs who suffer from spinal issues or biomechanically-related musculoskeletal disorders are sometimes given chiropractic care as an additional treatment option. This is becoming increasingly common.
Your pet will most likely undergo spinal manipulation or manual therapy during the course of veterinary chiropractic treatment. The goal of this treatment is to realign misplaced vertebrae in the spine, also known as vertebral subluxations, and to relieve pressure on the nerve tissue that is located in the surrounding area.
This should help to relieve pain throughout the body and make it possible for the body to heal itself naturally.
Cold Laser Therapy
Our veterinarians offer cold laser therapy as a non-invasive option for the treatment of painful inflammatory conditions in Bailieboro cats and dogs
Cold laser therapy employs low-intensity lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to alleviate pain, stimulate and improve cell function, and accelerate healing. Several conditions, including muscle and joint pain, arthritis symptoms, and muscle spasms, have been shown to improve with the use of laser therapy.