Lowery Animal Hospital - Saraland, AL - Integrative and Holistic Care

Lowery Animal Hospital

305 Saraland Blvd N
Saraland, AL 36571

(251)675-9323

www.lahvet.com

What is Veterinary Chiropractic?


Veterinary chiropractic care is a specialized form of treatment designed to diagnose and address musculoskeletal issues in animals, particularly involving the spine and nervous system. Just like in humans, animals can experience pain, stiffness, or discomfort due to misalignments or subluxations in their joints and spine, which can affect their mobility and overall well-being. Veterinary chiropractic therapy involves hands-on techniques to manipulate and adjust the animal’s spine and joints, helping to restore proper function, improve mobility, and alleviate pain. The goal is to enhance the body's natural ability to heal itself, reduce inflammation, and improve overall quality of life.

How Does It Work?

A veterinary chiropractor uses gentle, controlled adjustments to manipulate the spine, joints, and surrounding tissues. These adjustments aim to restore the proper alignment of the vertebrae, which can relieve pressure on the nervous system and improve the body's overall function. Chiropractic care can address issues like:
  • Chronic pain or stiffness
  • Mobility problems (such as difficulty walking or climbing stairs)
  • Post-surgical recovery
  • Arthritis and degenerative joint conditions
  • Sports-related injuries (in active or working animals)

Benefits of Veterinary Chiropractic Care 

  • Pain Relief: Helps to alleviate pain caused by misalignments or injuries, promoting comfort.
  • Improved Mobility: Assists with movement, especially for older animals or those recovering from injury.
  • Better Posture and Alignment: Promotes proper posture, reducing strain on muscles and joints.
  • Enhanced Healing: Stimulates the body’s natural healing mechanisms for quicker recovery.
  • Non-Invasive: Chiropractic care is a drug-free and non-surgical option for many conditions.

Who Can Benefit from Veterinary Chiropractic?

Chiropractic care is suitable for animals of all types, including dogs, cats, horses, and even exotic pets. It can be especially beneficial for:

  • Older animals with age-related stiffness or arthritis.
  • Active or working animals that have sustained injuries or experience muscle strain.
  • Pets recovering from surgery that require additional rehabilitation support.
  • Animals with gait issues or those showing signs of discomfort in movement.

Is Veterinary Chiropractic Safe?

When performed by a qualified, experienced veterinary chiropractor, this treatment is safe for animals. Chiropractors undergo extensive training to understand animal anatomy and physiology, ensuring they provide the appropriate care for your pet’s specific needs. It’s always important to consult with your veterinarian before beginning any chiropractic treatment, especially if your pet has pre-existing health conditions.

Conclusion

Veterinary chiropractic care offers a natural, holistic approach to maintaining and improving the health and mobility of your pets. Whether your animal is dealing with chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply aging, chiropractic adjustments can help restore balance, comfort, and wellness. Reach out to a certified veterinary chiropractor to learn more about how this treatment can benefit your pet.

 

Understanding Veterinary Acupuncture


Veterinary acupuncture is a specialized form of therapy that involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points on an animal's body to stimulate natural healing processes. This ancient practice, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, is now widely used in modern veterinary care to promote overall wellness and treat various health conditions.

How Does Veterinary Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture points are located along pathways called meridians, which are believed to carry energy, or "Qi," throughout the body. By stimulating these points, acupuncture can improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and encourage the release of the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals. This helps restore balance and enhance the body's ability to heal itself.

Benefits of Veterinary Acupuncture

Veterinary acupuncture can be effective in managing:

  • Arthritis and joint pain
  • Neurological disorders
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Post-surgical recovery
  • Respiratory conditions
  • Chronic pain and inflammation

In addition to treating specific conditions, acupuncture is often used as a complementary therapy alongside traditional veterinary treatments to improve overall comfort and quality of life.

Is Veterinary Acupuncture Safe?

When performed by a certified veterinary acupuncturist, acupuncture is generally safe and well-tolerated. The needles used are extremely thin, minimizing discomfort. Many pets become relaxed during treatment, and side effects are rare. An animal's condition may seem worse up to 48 hours after a treatment or they may be lethargic for 24 hours. 

Who Can Benefit from Veterinary Acupuncture?

Veterinary acupuncture is suitable for a wide range of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, and even exotic pets. It is commonly recommended for aging pets, those with chronic conditions, or animals that have not responded well to traditional treatments. If you believe your pet could benefit from acupuncture, consult your veterinarian to discuss whether this holistic approach is right for their individual needs.