Treatment for all animals - Chiropractic

Chiropractic is indicated for many conditions, primarily those involving orthopedic or neurological pain or dysfunction.

Chiropractic may be helpful if your pet has been diagnosed with neck or back arthritis, disc disease, or hip dysplasia.

Consider chiropractic treatment if your pet has any of the following symptoms of muscle, joint or nervous tissue damage.

• General slowing down, can't do the things they used to enjoy
• Limping
• Loss of ability to jump up into the car or onto furniture
• Abnormal posture such as holding the head low or the limbs held too far under the body
• Uncomfortable lying or sitting in one position
• Difficulty getting up after lying down
• Gait abnormalities such as bunny hopping, pacing, not tracking straight
• Muscle loss or weakness in one or all limbs

What to do next and what to expect

In many cases, it is beneficial if your pet sees your primary care veterinarian first. If you need a general practitioner in Denver, see link to Dr. Jasek's site under the dog and cat FAQs (Go to the Build Your Knowledge page in this website). As with any veterinary visit, your pet's appointment with me begins with a physical exam. Chiropractic may be indicated after a physical exam if there are no further questions for investigation. But it is likely that I would request further workup to reach a diagnosis. My services do not include xrays, ultrasound or other diagnostics that require equipment.

Some owners worry that chiropractic may be rough and could harm their pet. Be assured that your beloved pet will be treated gently, with care and respect! I use safe, low motion chiropractic treatments. As I have training in both manual and instrument assisted adjustments, I offer a combination of these approaches to provide your animal with the most appropriate technique. Some pets are afraid of the sound made by the adjusting tool. For them I use my hands, combining massage techniques with chiropractic adjustments. In some cases I start with acupuncture, which can relax the animal, making the chiropractic treatment more effective.

The first appointment takes approximately an hour, sometimes longer. For many animals, chiropractic and acupuncture are indicated together. If you are able to fill out the new client form before your appointment, this will save some time. Follow up treatments can often be done in half the time. For most conditions a 3-4 treatment series approximately once per week is recommended. Some conditions do respond faster, others can take longer.

Feel free to call or email if you have questions. Common questions:

• Your pet has a condition you do not see listed here
• You are not sure what diagnostics your pet might require
• Your primary care vet has made a diagnosis and you are not sure if chiropractic is indicted alone or in conjunction with other therapies.