Chiropractic care has a history that dates back to the late 1800s, but it was originally solely for natural healing in humans. However, animals can benefit from this type of care as well. In some cases, equine chiropractic can save a horse from requiring surgery. At Ashton Animal Clinic, we work with several equine chiropractors in the area. If you are interested in a referral for a chiropractic consult, please call the clinic. 

General Information About Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is a specialty in alternative medicine that focuses on the joints, bones, and other musculoskeletal issues. Chiropractic is a term that describes the relationship between the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, and overall health and well-being of the patient.

The treatment your horse will receive targets the root of his or her pain and discomfort, rather than covering it up. Often, treatments focus on how subluxations, also known as misalignments in your horse's spine, affect the rest of his or her body. 

What We Use Equine Chiropractic Care For

Your horse may benefit from chiropractic care for a number of issues besides pain and discomfort. For instance, chiropractic care can help with lameness and stiffness.  Another way chiropractic care can help equine patients is with short strides and range of motion issues. Sometimes our doctors recommend chiropractic care for behavioral problems as well.

What to Expect During Diagnostics

The first portion of your horse's appointment will consist of you providing our staff at Ashton Animal Clinicc with information regarding your horse's medical background. We'll collect information about your pet's lifestyle as well, so we can get an understanding of the stress his or her soft tissue and bones are under.

The chiropractor will also press on different parts of your horse's body to assess for pain and inflammation. Additionally, part of the evaluation will focus on your horse's spine to look for postural abnormalities and asymmetry. They will observe how your horse stands and moves. During the assessment, the chiropractor will specifically check the range of motion of his or her joints.

Treatments We Use

Just like in humans, one of the primary treatments for animals is a chiropractic alignment, also referred to as an adjustment. During this treatment, the chiropractic specialist moves the vertebrae in your horse's spine manually. The pressure placed on the joints is gentle, so it doesn't hurt your horse. The alignment helps take stress off the surrounding nerves and tissue. Additionally, it promotes circulation throughout the spine, so your horse will heal more optimally from an injury.

Special Considerations

Equine chiropractic care is a complementary medicine that we use in addition to his or her other vet care. We may use it to treat a problem, but your horse will still need routine veterinary care to optimize his or her health, quality of life, and overall well-being.

Chiropractic care can be a useful treatment for acute and chronic issues. You may be able to see an improvement in your horse's behavior as well. To learn more about equine chiropractors in the area, please contact Ashton Animal Clinic today at (815) 453-2171.