Subluxation in the Horse or Dog - Pat Holl Equine Canine Chiropractor in Billings Montana

 

 

A ‘vertebral subluxation’ refers to a loss of normal positioning and motioning of the bones of the spine. When this happens, simultaneous neurologic, mechanical, biochemical and physiologic changes occur throughout the spine and body, and combine to contribute to what chiropractors refer to as the ‘Vertebral Subluxation Complex’. A ‘VSC’ in the spine can result in muscle spasms, nerve irritation, inflammation, adhesions, and of course, pain. As this happens in humans, it also happens in our pets. Pain behaviors in your animal will depend on the severity and duration of compromise, however common observable changes in your dog may include stiff motion, inability to be weight-bearing, reluctance to rise, agitation, ‘puppy-sitting’, whimpering and changes in appetite. Equine pain behaviors may include changes in gait, reluctance to move or be handled, flared nostrils, muscle tremors and ear-pinning, among others. Chiropractic care can help restore function and mobility and improve muscle tone. Additionally, chiropractic treatment helps to break down adhesive tissue and assists the nervous system in coordinating the body’s ability to heal and regulate itself, thus helping the body perform at its highest potential. So remember the importance of chiropractic care when considering overall health, both for you and your pet!

The Importance of Neurology in Your Pet - Patricia Holl Animal Chiropractor in Billings Montana Horse Chiropractor Dog Chiropractor

Hi all! It's been awhile, but I've been busy, ensconced in continuing education in none other than...Neurology! Yes, Neurology. Neurology is at the root of all health conditions, and this extends to our 4-legged friends. As animal chiropractors, we understand the importance of having a healthy functioning nervous system. We also understand that animals act instinctively for survival, so it's not uncommon for a horse or dog with neurological problems to present with multiple behavioral, cognitive and gait abnormalities. Subtle neurologic problems may be masked by musculoskeletal challenges and can often present as some form of lameness. For example, a quadriceps injury in your dog can adversely affect the femoral nerve, resulting in collapse of the stifle. As compensation is often unavailable, this can result in the dog being unable to bear weight in the associated limb. An injury to the radial nerve can manifest in different ways. The radial nerve innervates the extensor muscles of the elbow, carpus and digits, as well as the skin of the dorsal surface of the forearm and paw. A proximal injury to the triceps muscle may result in difficulty bearing weight on a limb, however a distal injury can cause 'paw flipping'. Radial nerve avulsion is common in dogs that have experienced lateral traction injuries. Neurologic exams can be done quickly and efficiently and can provide critical information regarding the health of your animal patient. So if your horse, dog or cat (or other pet) is experiencing unusual behaviors, be sure to ask your practitioner if there may be a neurological problem. Caring for every aspect of your pet will ensure a lifetime of health and wellbeing. Have a comment? Join in!