Although I am not an animal Chiropractor I feel compelled to write a piece on my experience with it, as it is similar to the success I experience with patients on a daily basis. Being an animal lover that is driven by Chiropractic I have had an interest in becoming a D.C. that takes care […]
Although I am not an animal Chiropractor I feel compelled to write a piece on my experience with it, as it is similar to the success I experience with patients on a daily basis. Being an animal lover that is driven by Chiropractic I have had an interest in becoming a D.C. that takes care of animals and people alike for some time (and maybe in the near future I may pursue obtaining this licensure). In short I have a dachshund (who I love dearly) that encountered a back issue. This injury led to her to not being able to use her back legs as well as having some bowel and bladder issues. In short, dachshunds and similar breeds of dogs are very prone to back injuries due to their abnormally long bodies/spines and short legs.
Knowing this was very serious I took her to the Vet and they took radiographs, drew blood-work, and prescribed her anti-inflammatory and pain medications. They also recommended kennel rest and a referral to an animal neurologist/neurosurgeon. They essentially diagnosed her with disc related issues (IVDD) and recommended an MRI if I elected for surgery giving me a 50/50 chance of recovery with more conservative methods. The surgeon spoke of similar recommendations with a worse prognosis and was pushing for back surgery. I contemplated surgery as well as a custom mobility cart for her as I was trying to be open to all options and their outcomes. I felt like her condition had progressed too far along for animal Chiropractic care to be effective but I have seen so many great outcomes with Chiropractic care that I wanted to give it a solid effort before choosing surgery.
I kennel rested her and gave her the prescribed medications along with some natural supplements (fish oils to help with inflammation & healing). I made her a spine/back leg support to take the weight of the affected regions so I could help hoist her up so she would be able to take care of her business outside a little more easily. I also began implementing some supported PT exercises and stretches in the bathtub to help her mobility. Finally, I had an animal Chiropractor make a house call and he confidently rendered her first treatment. He was optimistic & stated he thought it would help and that he had helped dogs with similar conditions. Immediately after the first treatment we placed her on the floor and she shook off and looked at me and began wagging……she then WALKED a few steps with her back legs! Talk about inspiring! Following all the previously listed treatment daily, as well as weekly chiropractic care, we got her walking better than BEFORE with just 2-3 TREATMENTS in approx. 2-3 WEEKS! I avoided a dangerous, unnecessary, and expensive surgery and got her off all of the medications and now she is as good as new! All my dogs now receive routine Chiropractic care and I have witnessed major improvements. I cannot stress enough that you should give animal Chiropractic a try as it changed my life and saved my dog!
