Kentlands
Veterinary Hospital is proud to offer chiropractic care for animals in
addition to the more traditional veterinary medicine offered at the
hospital. Dr. Handel is certified in Veterinary Chiropractic by the
International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA). He successfully completed a 210-hour intensive course in animal chiropractic at Options for Animals.
What is Veterinary Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic Care focuses on the health and proper movement of all
joints in the body, but especially the proper functioning of the spinal
column.
Chiropractic Care is a holistic approach to many of the health and
performance problems of the dog based on movement and symmetry.
However, chiropractic does not replace traditional veterinary medicine
and surgery. Chiropractic offers and provides an alternative method of
care that often complements traditional care. Used concurrently, many
of your pet's musculoskeletal conditions respond dramatically, and
rehabilitation can take place quickly and efficiently.
Animal Chiropractic involves adjustment of subluxations of the spinal
column, extremity joints and skull bone junctions called cranial
sutures.
What is Subluxation?
Chiropractors
use the term SUBLUXATlON to describe a specific problem or disease of
the spinal column. A subluxation is defined as a misaligned vertebra
that is "stuck" or unable to move correctly. When movement between two
vertebra is restricted, the animal will not have total flexibility of
the spine. Stiffness, resistance and lack of ability results.
Subluxations also cause problems in the nervous system especially at
areas where nerves exit between two vertebra. Misaligned vertebra cause
problems in nerves by interfering with nerve transmissions. Nerves are
the communication lines of the body carrying information back and forth
between the brain and the cells. Subluxations may be pictured as
pinching off or altering that flow of information. Depending on the
area and amount of nerve interference, problems may then develop in the
body.
Subluxations in the spine may cause the animal to compensate in
movement or posture. The animal may attempt to avoid pain of a
subluxation by shifting weight or by avoiding certain movements. When
the spine is not functioning correctly in one area, stress is placed on
other vertebral joints. Secondary subluxation can occur in other areas
of the column further complicating the problems.
What causes Subluxations?
Traumatic and stressful situations present themselves daily to the
performance horse. Saddles, riders, confinement, and sustained vigorous
exercises can all cause problems in the spinal column.
Why use Chiropractic care for my pet?
Restoring normal motion to the spinal joints and improving the function
of the nervous system may help an animal in one or more of the
following areas:
- Return to full function
- Relief of pain and symptoms
- Promote full and more rapid healing reduce the likelihood, severity and frequency of recurrences
- Prevent the development of degeneration
If your pet has any or some of the following symptoms or issues then
chiropractic care may be appropriate for them:
- BACK, NECK, LEG, OR TAIL PAIN
- SEIZURES OR NEUROLOGICAL PROBLEMS
- LICK GRANULOMA
- RECURRENT VOMITING, RESPIRATORY OR URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS, DIARRHEA, OR CONSTIPATION
- INJURIES RESULTING FROM SLIPS, FALLS OR ACCIDENTS
- PERFORMANCE OR MOVEMENT PROBLEMS
- SUDDEN CHANGES IN BEHAVIOR OR PERSONALITY
- DISC PROBLEMS
- DEGENERATIVE JOINTS
- JUMPING PROBLEMS OR INJURIES
- SHORTENING OF A STRIDE
- DEGENERATIVE ARTHRITIS
- SCIATIC NEURALGIA
- SPORTS INJURIES
- PAIN ASSOCIATED WITH HIP DYSPLASIA
- REAR END WEAKNESS
- DIFFICULTY GOING UP OR DOWN STAIRS
What Can Be Expected from a Chiropractic Adjustment?
When subluxations are identified in the spine, a veterinary
chiropractor will attempt a correction of the misalignment. This is
called an ADJUSTMENT. An adjustment is a short, rapid thrust onto a
vertebra in the direction that will replace it into a normal position.
The adjustment restores normal motion to the spinal joints and improves
the function of the nervous system.
Veterinary chiropractic is very specific and adjustments are made on
vertebra directly. Veterinary chiropractors may also manipulate the
joints of the legs, as well as the jaw.
How often does my pet have to come in?
The number and frequency of visits required varies greatly. Some deciding factors are as follows:
How long has the problem(s) been present? The longer a problem has been
present the longer it takes the body to heal and thus, more visits may
be required for a period of weeks to months.
What is the condition of my pet? Is he or she older? Older pets heal
more slowly and timing of visits is done to allow optimal healing to
occur between each adjustment. Because the nervous system is the
slowest healing part of the body, treatment may need to continue for
extended periods of time.
What type of damage was done to precipitate the desire for chiropractic
care, if other then for routine maintenance care? Gradual onset of a
problem may indicate more extensive nerve cells damage and prolong the
healing process. Obviously many factors go in to deciding how often you
will be visiting Dr. Handel, and you and he will discuss this at each
visit.
Obviously, many chiropractic problems cannot be fully corrected, but
most patients experience a definite improvement in quality of life
through chiropractic care.
Please contact our office at 301-519-7944 to schedule a chiropractic consultation with Dr. Handel.
