1. Chiropractic for Dogs
Dr. XYZ 1 ©

2. Content Introduction What is chiropractic?
What is a chiropractic subluxation?
How subluxations are treated?
Causes for subluxations
Possible symptoms 2 ©

3. Back problems in dogs
Many patients with back problems have no pathological structural changes which can be diagnosed to explain the symptoms
There are often few correlations between radiological findings and clinical symptoms 3 ©

4. History Manual therapy > 5000 years
1895 First Chiropractic College USA
1982 First postgraduate program school for animal chiropractic was founded in Illinois, USA
Today there are three schools for animal chiropractic in the USA
Two animal chiropractic schools in Germany 4 ©

5. Chiropractic Manual therapy
Treats dysfunction of the spine and the motion apparatus
Influences function of spinal cord and nerves 5 ©

6. Spinal column Central structure 52-54 vertebrae, about 200 joints
Supportive and holding function
Insertion of muscles and ligaments
Protection of the spinal cord
Exit point for the spinal nerves 6 ©

7. Physiological (normal) Range of Motion7 ©

8. Subluxation (Fixation) Chiropractic Definition
Decreased motion within the normal range of motion 8 ©

9. Subluxation Medical Definition
Displaced out of the normal range of motion, but not completely luxated
Structural damage 9 ©

10. Subluxation Decreased motion within the normal range of motion
Reduced mobility of the facet joints
Hypomobility uni-/bilateral
Effecting of neural structures 10 ©

11. Nervous system controls Function of all organs Health Performance11 ©

12. Traditional Medical Approach
Diagnosis and treatment of structural pathologies
Chiropractic Approach
Diagnosis and treatment of dysfunction 12 ©

13. Examination Case history Posture analysis Gait analysis
Static palpation
Motion palpation 13 ©

14. Examination If necessary: Examination while performing (sport dogs)
Referral for other diagnostic procedures: X- Ray, dental, neurological, rectal exam, … 14 ©

15. The chiropractic manipulation = adjustment
Controlled Thrust
Specific in direction, low force, low amplitude, high speed
As close as possible to the effected joint
Mobilization of the joint without exceeding the anatomical barrier 15 ©

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23. Chiropractic is not ... 23 ©

24. Goals of Chiropractic Care
Mobilization of joints in the spine, extremities and the temporo-mandibular joint
Restore normal range of motion
Reduction of muscle spasm and pain
Stimulation of neurogenic reflexes 24 ©

25. Aftercare
Don’t work the dog for two days. Walking the dog is recommended
No rough play with other dogs for two days.
Don’t train your dog in jumping activities for 24 hours.
Timing and kind of training has to be worked out individually 25 ©

26. Follow-up treatments
Chiropractic follow-up treatment if necessary after 1 – 4 weeks
Consider adding other therapeutic measures to the treatment plan: Medical treatment, physiotherapy, exercises, trainings measures 26 ©

27. Possible Causes for Subluxations27 ©

28. TRAUMA 28 ©

29. CONFORMATION 29 ©

30. PERFORMANCE 30 ©

31. PERFORMANCE 31 ©

32. BIRTH AND PARTUATION 32 ©

33. ENVIRONMENT 33 ©

34. TRANSPORTATION 34 ©

35. DAILY ACTIVITIES 35 ©

36. LACK OF EXERCISE 36 ©

37. OVERWEIGHT 37 ©

38. AGE 38 ©

39. Possible Symptoms Changes in posture Reduced performance
Lack of coordination in gaits, stiffness, short-strided gait
Toe-dragging
Pacing
Alternating lameness
Muscle atrophy
„Puppy Sitting“ 39 ©

40. Possible Symptoms
Difficulty with or reluctance to climb stairs or jump into the car
Sensitivity to touch
Changes in behavior
Difficulty or pain when getting up
Unusual body or tail rubbing 40 ©

41. Possible Symptoms
Normal hip
History of orthopedic problems such as hip dyplasia or after surgeries
Muscle atrophy
After injuries due to falls, training or other activities
Serious hip dysplasia 41 ©

42. Chiropractic Nutrition Medical Care
Environment
Nutrition
Performance
of the dog
Exercise
Medical Care
Training 42 ©

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