Chiropractic

Chiropractic is a neurologically based, holistic approach to animal health care.

Specially trained veterinarians and chiropractors correct misaligned joints by use of gentle adjustments. Improperly moving joints not only cause pain and stiffness locally, but also interfere with the functioning of the brain and the rest of the nervous system.

A chiropractic adjustment involves a specific, controlled thrust by hand aimed at a particular joint. Treatment may also include muscle and other sensory receptor stimulation, balancing activities, and recommendations for exercise or light, sound, smell, and/or touch stimulation at home. The animal patient is treated while relaxed and cooperative. Most of the pets really enjoy it, and some even fall asleep during the care.

Chiropractic is beneficial for many conditions that befall our pets. Elderly, arthritic patients can experience relief with this modality, as do pets suffering from neck, back, and leg pain, muscle spasms, nerve problems, injuries, jaw misalignments (over- and under bites), bowel and bladder incontinence, constipation and disc disease. Chiropractic is also important in the maintenance of health, and is recommended for puppies to provide them with a healthy start in life. A growing use of chiropractic is for dogs that participate in agility, herding, coursing, and moving in the confirmation show ring.

The first chiropractic visit at Wilmington Animal Hospital includes a detailed history of the pet's health, a neurological evaluation, gait analysis, and a gentle hands-on assessment of the muscles and joints. Every joint is checked during the first visit, as it is possible to have an underlying problem without outward signs. At the conclusion of the examination, the findings are discussed, a treatment program is recommended (if misalignments or subluxations are found), and the pet receives his/her treatment.

Our patients usually have fewer stresses in the daily lives, and therefore seem to respond more quickly to chiropractic care than people do. Age, amount of prior injury, weight, and overall health are all factors in determining the frequency of visits that will be included in the treatment program.

A referral from a veterinarian is required for chiropractic care. For more information on chiropractic care for animals, please visit the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association website. To schedule an appointment, call: (302) 762-2694.