Chiropractic is the art and practice of making subtle adjustments to the bones of the spinal column and extremities, so that the nervous input can flow unimpeded. All mammals have a spinal column made up of several vertebrae. These vertebrae have several associated joints, which allow animals to move, bend, and flex. Each joint has limited mobility, but when multiple joints move together, they create the flexible motion of the spine. Several muscles attach to each vertebrae, and help stabilize and coordinate the global movement of the spine. In addition,  the spinal cord is housed by all of the vertebrae. Spinal nerves exit the spinal canal in pairs, through spaces called intervertebral foramen. These nerves are incredibly important to bodily function, as they transfer and regulate information between the brain and organs, muscles, and all other tissues of the body. In order for health and balance to exist in the body, the spinal nerves must be able to send their signals unimpeded.

      When the signal gets interference, its is a result of a Vertebral Subluxation Complex, or VSC. This is a functional misalignment of a vertebra, or decreased mobility of one of its joints. VSC’s caused decrease flexibility and range of motion of the spine, along with pain, muscle spasm, and inflammation. This in turn can put pressure on the spinal nerves, which interferes with the body’s innate ability to heal, and can cause pain, weakness, fatigue, and disease.

     Signs of a VSC include:

Horse	Dog	Cat
Difficulty collecting	Uneven gait	Hiding
Decreased neck flexibility	Stiffness getting up or laying down	Inappropriate elimination
Uneven gait	Lameness	Hypersensitivity
Tilted pelvis	Only lies on one side	Discomfort/intolerant of touch
Indescript lameness	Incontinence	Reluctance to jump up or play
Difficulty picking up a lead	Recurrent ear infections	Overgrooming
Head shy or head shaking	Reluctance to climb or descend stairs	Hind end weakness
Uneven jumping	Lick granuloma on legs	Attitude change
Refusing to turn or back	Resistance to touch or petting	Lameness
Acting "cinchy"	Hind end weakness/melting when standing	Tail tucked
Pain with brushing	Dragging a hind or front foot	Skin twitching

     VSC’s are identified by a thorough chiropractic evaluation. Dr. Rennert checks the soft tissue as well as the range of motion of each vertebrae. If she finds that a vertebra isn’t moving correctly, then it receives a chiropractic adjustment. This adjustment is a quick, precise thrust along the plane of the joint to restore its normal alignment and range of motion. Since animals only occasionally have “cavitation” (the popping that we hear when our joints crack), any animal chiropractor must check the vertebra after the adjustment to make sure the flexibility has been restored before moving on to the next one. Often times animals will show signs of endorphin release after a joint is adjusted. Examples of this would be licking and chewing in a horse, yawning in a dog, or purring in a cat.

     Each animal is different with how often they require adjustments. Horses may need them every month, while a dog or cat could go a few months without needing one. Dr. Rennert will be able to determine a treatment plan with what is best for your animal’s needs.