Modern chiropractic therapy was developed in the later part of the nineteenth century. The term “chiropractic” refers to the process of hands-on adjustment. The goal of chiropractic care is to improve health by strengthening nerve function through the manipulation of the joints, especially the spinal column. The benefits of chiropractic adjustment include an enhanced range of motion, restored joint function in older or injured animals, increased vitality, and energy. Chiropractic professionals see these as added benefits that come from seeking the true goal of overall improved general health.

Not all animals will benefit from chiropractic adjustment, and it does not work as a cure. As with the other alternative therapies, it helps the body regain its natural balance so that it can heal itself. Because chiropractic adjustment affects the nervous system and the function of all organ systems connected within the network, it has the effect of improving the body's response to disease. For instance, many animals with thyroid disease or diabetes actually need a smaller dosage of medication once they have been properly adjusted. The adjustment does not cure the disease, but by helping the body to function to its full capacity it allows the body to heal itself as much as possible.

Treatable Problems

Chiropractic care can be administered on dogs both young and old for a variety of problems. Most practitioners agree that not just old dogs benefit. In fact, some go so far as to say that if more young dogs started receiving chiropractic adjustments sooner, they would not develop some of the crippling arthritic problems associated with aging. Arthritis and getting older don't have to go hand in hand. Good candidates for chiropractic adjustment include dogs with lameness or abnormal gait, middle-aged dogs that haven't yet developed arthritic problems, older dogs with arthritis, and canine athletes.

Treatment, especially of arthritic conditions, does not always cure the problem, but it can slow or stop its progression. For instance, in the case of a dog with very bad hip dysplasia, chiropractic adjustment cannot cure the fact that the dog has bad hips. What it can do is make sure that as the dog automatically compensates for the unstable joint, his body does not harm itself irreparably. If one hip joint is bad, the dog will put more weight on the other hip and other associated muscles. This causes stress and, in some cases, overwork in different areas. Left untreated, these can develop into more serious problems that threaten the dog's quality of life. By taking your Golden to the chiropractor from a young age, debilitating damage can be minimized or prevented, and health can be maintained to its highest degree.

The Chiropractic Adjustment

A chiropractor's job consists of identifying the specific site of subluxation, identifying the direction in which the joint is stuck or loose, and finding the contact point where the adjustment will be performed. The actual adjustment is performed by moving the hand in a short, quick movement that is aimed to return the joint to its normal function.

Most dogs benefit from numerous regular adjustments until improvement is seen. After that, they will probably need periodic visits to maintain the balance. After the dog is adjusted, the practitioner looks for pain and motion in the affected area by watching the dog walk. He or she will make suggestions for home care and also schedule a return visit to be sure that the adjusted area stays in place. A veterinary chiropractor may also make recommendations for diet, exercise, or nutritional supplements that he or she feels would benefit the animal's overall condition.

Finding a Qualified Practitioner

There are two types of chiropractic practitioners who are permitted by law to work on animals. The first type is a doctor of chiropractic (or DC) who has received adequate training in animal anatomy and physiology; the second type is a veterinarian who has received the adequate training in chiropractic adjustment and technique. Currently the educational program for vets and chiropractors who want to practice on animals consists of 150 hours of postgraduate study in animal chiropractic. The American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) admits only doctors of chiropractic and doctors of veterinary medicine.

Ask about your chiropractor's qualifications, and steer clear of anyone who has not been certified through the AVCA course. They do not have the training to benefit the patients they are treating and can do more harm than good.