What is Veterinary Chiropractic?

Veterinary chiropractic is centered on the evaluation and treatment of a musculoskeletal issues in the animal. Though Chiropractic focuses on bone and muscle manipulation proper alignment is paramount to optimal function of your animal for more than just bones. When properly aligned, the musculoskeletal system supports optimal functioning of the nerves, muscle fascia, digestive system and bones. Veterinary chiropractic is a medical treatment and can only properly be performed by a licensed veterinarian (Like Dr Melchiors!) or a chiropractor. Chiropractic care alone cannot address all of an animal’s health issues and needs, so it should be performed alongside veterinary care for best results. Here at Copper Cactus, we provide this care to all of your animals with a holistic approach and offer feedback on body mechanics as well!

What sort of things can chiropractic help my horse with?

• Like Physical Therapy and Chiropractic for humans, horses who are rehabilitating from injuries or periods of rest benefit greatly from chiropractic care to restore normal function.

• Chiropractic care can help adjusting gait, lack of collection, discomfort, resistance, and balance issues.

• Some behavioral issues are due to discomfort or pain, re-alignment can sometimes mend behavioral issues directly associated with pain in your animal.

When is chiropractic most recommended?

When an animal experiences frequent lameness, poor gait, inability to perform different movements, sudden inability to perform work or sport, or sustain an injury from being tied or pulled, chiropractic care is highly recommended.

How does one go about adjusting the spine of such a large animal?

Animal chiropractic involves adjusting very specific joint articulations with high velocity, controlled movements. In the case of a horse, there are 170 articulations in the spine alone! This is why having only a trained medical professional adjust your animal’s spine is paramount to the success of chiropractic practices. In the state of Arizona, all spinal manipulations must be performed under the supervision or direct guidance of a veterinarian, or be performed by the veterinarian themselves.

How many adjustments will my animal need?

The range of appointments needed to correct misalignments varies greatly. This depends on; type of animal, age, acute and chronic conditions, prior treatments, duration of condition, individual wear and tear on joints, job and movement required of the animal, and sometimes temperament. Some athletic animals receive adjustments monthly, while others are comfortable and content with twice yearly visits.