CHIROPRACTICS Chiropractics can be a great benet to our animal athletes improving exibility, reducing the risk of further injury, and improving performance but is also Veterinary chiropractic or spinal manual therapy involves adjustment of subluxations in the spinal column, extremity joints, and skull. Subluxations are mechanical abnormalities that restrict normal motion and can cause pain and dysfunction. An adjustment involves a short lever, high velocity controlled thrust that is directed at a specic joint to correct a subluxation. This restores function and relieves pain. It is mainly used to treat musculoskeletal conditions but can aid in maintaining general health and vitality. l Muscle spasms bladder, and internal medicine conditions problems causing jaw pain and l Problems seemingly unrelated to the spine: bowel, very helpful for any animal with painful spinal trouble and some other health issues like tummy problems and urinary incontinence. l Spinal pain: neck, back, tail, legs l Oral problems: TMJ (Tempero-Mandibular Joint) l Seizures l Maintenance of good health Chiropractics may be recommended for problems found at your pet's annual physical check up. For new problems, a complete history is taken and a thorough physical examination performed, sometimes radiographs (X-rays) are needed. The examination consists of posture and gait analysis, static palpation, motion palpation, orthopedic and neurological examinations. A diagnosis will be made and a treatment plan instituted. Many patients improve with one treatment, and some may need a few more. Many patients benet from chiropractic care a few times a year for preventive maintenance, this is especially helpful for sporting and working dogs and horses where performance is measurable. To assist with maintenance and help to prevent further problems, home exercises may be prescribed. Conditions that can benet from Chiropractics include: l Disc problems, joint problems, limping l Trauma: injuries from slips, falls, jumps, accidents Animals usually enjoy the treatment, and especially the end result which usually leaves them a lot more comfortable and pain free. l Sports injuries: y-ball, agility, hunting l Difculty chewing