Veterinary Chiropractic is the science, art, and philosophy of maintaining health through the restoration of a properly function neuromuscular system. Veterinary chiropractic is an adjunct therapy to traditional veterinary medicine. The focus is on the biomechanical function of the spine and how it impacts the entire nervous system.

Veterinary chiropractic is performed either by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) that has attended postgraduate training from an accredited animal chiropractic school. Doctors can then pursue certifying exams for the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA) or American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA). Membership in these organizations requires annual continuing education to provide the most up to date care.

Through motion palpation, the doctor diagnoses and treats vertebral subluxation complexes (VSCs). A VSC is a functional misalignment of the vertebrate impairing proper mobility. Reduced mobility between vertebrates can affect nerves leaving the spinal cord between them. The spine is a complex framework of bones, ligaments, muscles, and nerves. Every tiny movement that an animal makes requires coordination of many muscles through the messaging of nerve fibers. When normal range of movement is impeded (either due to injury or everyday use), it can interfere with the flow of information and nutrients to all the muscles and organs of the body through nerves, arteries, veins and lymphatics. This interference can translate to pain, nerve irritation, gait changes, conformation changes, or sensitivity to touch. Disturbances in the messaging of nerve fibers can lead to a lack of coordination of muscles which may cause further injury to other joints, tendons, or ligaments.

VSC can be caused by many things; conformation, traumatic events, transportation, saddle fit, rider’s seat, constant repetitive trauma of work, hoof care/improper shoeing, age, etc.

By correcting these VSCs, the animal chiropractor can help restore function and mobility to the compromised joints, allowing the body to perform at its optimal potential. Correction of VSCs is done by quick, short thrusts along the plane of a joint, this is known as an adjustment. Adjustments are very specific and move the joint through its normal range of movement without exceeding the boundaries of anatomical integrity. Non-specific techniques can cause damage to ligaments or joints.

All animals may benefit from chiropractic treatments as they can not only treat conditions, but it can also prevent or delay problems. Animals that may benefit from chiropractic include

• Young horses in work
• Young, growing horses
• Older horses with arthritis or back pain
• Horses with GI issues
• Horse with reproductive issues
• Horses with compensatory pain due to conformational faults or genetic issues
• Horses healing from traumatic injuries
• Adjustments prior to or after lameness work ups
• After primary treatments (such as joint injections) to potentially prolong their effectiveness.