TREATMENT EXPECTATIONS

• Evaluation

Typically, the animal chiropractor starts by gathering a comprehensive case history, which includes details provided by the owner, any previous x-rays or lab results, and past diagnoses and treatments, if relevant. A thorough chiropractic assessment involves examining the animal before proceeding with an adjustment. This assessment covers posture, gait analysis, and static and motion palpation of the spine and extremities.

• Diagnosis

Information gathered from the case history and examination is consolidated to identify the necessary chiropractic adjustments for your animal. The animal chiropractor assesses abnormal or restricted joint movements in the spine and extremities that impact the nervous system and overall body function.

• Treatment

When adjusting your animal, it's akin to receiving chiropractic care from a human practitioner. The animal chiropractor identifies areas with limited motion and applies a precise, gentle, high velocity, low amplitude thrust tailored to the joint's anatomy, allowing for restored movement. This process is typically painless, and many animals find it enjoyable to be adjusted.

• Results

The typical response to chiropractic care often includes immediate improvement within the initial 24 to 72 hours. Results are influenced by various factors, such as the time elapsed since the initial trauma, the age of the animal, the severity of joint motion restriction in the spine or extremities, previous diagnoses, and more. Some animals may exhibit significant progress in the first few days to a week, followed by a relapse of the initial issue. This relapse is a common part of the healing process. If you observe this, inform the animal chiropractor to help assess your animal's response rate and expected healing duration. Generally, after the first 2 or 3 adjustments, most initial relapses are resolved as the animal shows positive responses.

• Follow-up

A follow-up adjustment may be needed within 1 to 2 weeks to support the ongoing healing process. You can expect your animal chiropractor to discuss this during the initial visit. If there is improvement, the follow-up sessions can be scheduled further apart. Depending on your animal's level of activity, whether it's involved in performance activities or just a family pet, chiropractic maintenance care is generally recommended anywhere from once a month to once every six months. The animal chiropractor will guide you on the best approach to maintain your animal's optimal health.