Veterinary chiropractic is a holistic approach to health and wellness and a popular technique for pain relief, mobility, and injuries. Animals of all shapes and sizes (even bearded dragons!) can be candidates for chiropractic treatments.
Dr. Catherine Foreman-Hesterberg, instructor and veterinarian at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital, is certified in chiropractic for animals. She received her certification through Options for Animals: College of Animal Chiropractic and the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association.
Dr. Foreman-Hesterberg shares her expertise on veterinary chiropractic therapy, including a sweet story about Art the draft mule.
What Is Chiropractic Therapy and Who Can Perform It?
According to the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association, veterinary chiropractic is the science, art, and philosophy concerned with good health through restoration and maintenance of a properly functioning neuromusculoskeletal system, without the use of drugs or surgery.
Animals’ bodies undergo an immense amount of stress from activities of daily living, and even more stress if they are performance animals. These stresses can heavily influence their musculoskeletal and neurological systems.
According to Dr. Foreman-Hesterberg, Illinois Veterinary Practice Act specifies that veterinarians and human chiropractors who have a valid license in the state of Illinois and have completed an animal chiropractic certification course are the only two professionals who can legally provide chiropractic care for animals in Illinois.
Does My Animal Need Chiropractic Therapy?
“All animals can benefit from chiropractic adjustments,” states Dr. Foreman-Hesterberg.
It can be helpful to watch for signs that your pet is experiencing pain, stiffness, or decreased mobility. Your veterinarian can then evaluate your pet and further investigate whether chiropractic could be helpful.
Dr. Foreman-Hesterberg says, “Most commonly owners notice their older dog slowing down when playing outside or on walks, or the dog may be having a harder time going up and down the stairs.”
For performance animals, an owner may notice that the animal is under-performing or is lame (limping) when exercised.
“Chiropractic is extremely beneficial for animals following an orthopedic procedure, such as a surgery that treats conditions affecting the bones, joints, and other tissues, and for older patients struggling with arthritis,” Dr. Foreman-Hesterberg states. “Neurologic conditions may also benefit from chiropractic. However, the practitioners must have information about the type and severity of disease before making an adjustment. It is important to know areas to avoid. For example, if the animal has a recent diagnosis of intervertebral disc disease or another condition affecting the spine.”
What Happens at an Appointment?
“The first appointment starts with getting a full medical history on the animal from the owner,” says Dr. Foreman-Hesterberg. “Following that, I perform a detailed static (not moving) exam in which the animal is palpated (felt) from head to tail, shoulders to toes, and hips to toes to evaluate for any heat, swelling, pain, and range of motion.”
The animal is also watched in motion (walking) to look for any asymmetry or lameness in its movement.
Dr. Foremen-Hesterberg continues, “A chiropractic adjustment is then performed from sacrum (bone at the base of the spine that forms part of the pelvis) to occiput (the back portion of the skull) and then the limbs are adjusted.”
After the adjustment is complete, the animal is walked around the treatment room for a brief reassessment of their motion and gait, or manner of walking.
How Often Are Treatments Performed?
Most animals will need to be seen once a week for four weeks in a row. Depending on how the animal is responding to the adjustments, the treatments can then be spaced out to every two to four weeks and sometimes eventually to every six to eight weeks.
“Realistically, more frequent visits are not feasible for some owners,” Dr. Foreman-Hesterberg states, “but if the dog is already coming to our rehabilitation service for water treadmill therapy or other such exercises with our rehabilitation technician, Kim Knapp, the animal can receive a chiropractic adjustment at the same time.”
Meet Art the Mule
Art, a 22-year-old draft mule, was first examined by Dr. Foreman-Hesterberg in June 2020. At that time, he was diagnosed with moderate osteoarthritis in his neck and hind legs.
Art’s diagnosis was confirmed through several diagnostic methods, including a physical exam and radiographs (x-rays). On his physical exam, Dr. Foreman-Hesterberg observed a head tilt, ear tilt, and significant pain and stiffness in Art’s neck.
Art was adjusted once a week for four weeks and continued with an adjustment every four to five weeks thereafter. Less than a year later, Art showed a huge improvement in his neck flexibility and range of motion. His head and ear tilt were greatly improved. Art’s overall demeanor was improved and he also finally had comfort and strength under saddle.
