CANINE CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT - RELIEF AND PREVENTION

Dr. Bailey recommends that all creatures with a spine (including their owners) be checked before any problems occur. All animals should undergo regular spinal evaluations within their first year, as this is the time when the animals frame and spine grow the most. Ideally the younger the animal the easier it is to correct. This is true prevention.

 

HOW CANINE CHIROPRACTIC WORKS

Regular chiropractic care is a non-invasive and cost effective way to maintain the performance and agility of your pet. Dr. Bailey works to eliminate the source of the problem, which in turn will maximize your pets’ health naturally, without drugs or surgery, allowing your pet to reach their maximum level of health.

 

SUBLUXATIONS

A subluxation occurs when a bone in the spine misaligns and interferes with proper nerve function (affecting its ability to communicate). Any interference with the nerves is damaging to the health of an animal.  They are caused by 3 types of stress: physical, chemical or emotional. (Traumatic and chemical situations present themselves to your pet many times a day)

After a slip or fall or twist while playing, competing or being transported, your dog may appear to “bounce back” but the next day may have a hard time getting up, climbing stairs and may lose interest in playing. Some dogs are definitely more vulnerable to spinal injury, due to the conformational standards of their breed, competition expectations, and some breeding practices in general – dogs with long backs and short legs, racing and agility sports, and breeds that are prone to genetic, degenerate conditions.         

 

Examples of how sublixations can be created:

1. Trauma: slips, falls, missteps, rigorous exercise, missed jumps and “wipe outs”, jumping in and out of vehicles, off couches and beds.
2. Conformational Traits: certain traits like long backs and short legs will predispose your dog to back problems (increased structural stress on spine).
3. Birth: trauma during delivery, or the pregnancy, can lead to damage of the soft spine and result in future, more permanent damage.
4. Confinement: constant confinement decreases balance and co-ordination; the free dog can stretch, scratch and romp to naturally loosen up the back.
5. Chemical stress: processed food, prescription meds.
6. Mental/emotional stress: travel, separation anxiety, nervousness, competition.

It’s important to know that subluxations are initially painless and progressively worsen unless corrected – think of a tooth cavity starting out unnoticed and over time turning into a tooth ache. A simple filling can prevent a root canal.  As the subluxation progresses, it can show up on x-ray and you may see an advancing case reveal itself weeks, months or years later.

Chiropractic is very specific and adjustments are made directly on the spine with a spring loaded instrument called "an Integrator".  Adjustments are done primarily to the spine, legs, jaw and skull, through brief, gentle movements that re-align vertebra and ease pressure on the nervous system. 

The vertebra receives a short, controlled thrust in a very specific direction. The nerves passing through that vertebra carry a two-way message – out towards the affected part of the body and in to the brain. This relay of nerve communication utilises the body’s innate intelligence and healing starts as soon as the interference of the subluxation is removed.