McTimoney Chiropractic for Equine and Small Animals

Animals Also Benefit from McTimoney manipulation

Horses, dogs and small animals may need help when In discomfort. Problems are often first noticed by behavioural changes, loss of performance, listlessness, and just 'not being quite right'. Just like us, animals can suffer back, neck and muscular injuries from trips, falls and bumps causing loss of mobility, pain and stiffness. Most owners are keenly aware of their animals normal state and It can be distressing to see them out of sorts. McTimoney can often help when standard diagnosis has not come up with anything concrete. 

Pictured above, Tina has been invited to apply to work as one of the equine chiropractors backing up the veterinary team at the Equestrian Olympic and Para Olympic Games 2012 - fingers crossed!

What is Chiropractic for Animals?

McTimoney for animals is a non-invasive holistic approach which works to realign and balance the animal's musculo-skeletal system, restoring health and movement, soundness and performance. The aim of the treatment is to maintain the correct alignment of the animal's spine thus ensuring that the nervous system works efficiently. Most animals accept (and often enjoy) the treatment and owners like it because no anaesthetic or drugs are needed.

What does Chiropractic Care involve?

Details of current and past injury and the animal's exercise pattern and general lifestyle will be discussed. This information often gives clues to determine the likely areas of stress on the animal's system. The spine, pelvis and other relevant joints are analysed for misalignments or spasm in the associated muscles. Problem areas are identified and are treated with very precise and rapid adjustments to correct the misalignment and reduce muscle spasm. Chiropractors use only their hands for analysis and treatment and have a very finely tuned sense of touch capable of detecting the smallest misalignment,

Aftercare usually involves rest and/or limited exercise for a few days. The animal may require several treatments, depending on the nature of the problem. At each treatment, the whole spine will be examined and appropriate adjustments will be made. It is recommended that animals receive regular check-ups to help maintain optimum performance and health and as a preventative measure.

What Conditions can Chiropractic Help?

Chiropractic can relieve an animals pain and restore movement and performance. Chiropractors frequently see animals that have suffered injury due to an accident or trauma. However, problems can also stem from ill fitting saddles, conformation defects, troublesome teeth and excess weight.

Particular breeds and working dogs can suffer injury due to the nature of their work. For example, greyhounds are at ristk of injury from running on a tight track in one direction, whilst agility dogs and show-jumping horses can be injured in they land badly from a difficult obstacle. In dogs, long backed and short-legged breeds can be susceptible to back problems.

A check up treatment can be beneficial at the beginning and end of an eventing, hunting or agility competition season - this will ensure your animal is competing at its optimum and at the end of the season, is able to recuperate properly.

When to Seek Help?

Animals show a variety of behavioural or temperamental changes when they are in discomfort - after all, they have no other way of telling us! Most owners will recognise when their animal is in pain, or showing signs of distress. As a general guide, owners should consider seeking treatment if their animal displays any of the following signs:

Dogs:

Horses:

• Unlevelness, especially behind
• Uneven wear of shoes
• Farrier notices difficulty lifting and holding a foot for shoeing
• Sore or cold backs or has had a badly fitting saddle
• Unexplained deterioration in usual performance
• Asymmetry, such as stiffness on one rein, or frequently going disunited in canter
• Unexplained resistances, such as napping, rearing, bucking or refusing fences
• Uneven muscle development

In General

Other indications can include:

Veterinary Permission

Please note that all animals can only be treated with McTimoney with veterinary approval so please contact your vet before embarking on treatment - this is currently the law in the UK. Happily, most vets are aware of the benefits of chiropractic care for animals and normally readily give their permission for the animal to be treated.

Please contact the Bee Well Clincs for advice If you think your animal may benefit from McTlmoney Chiropractic.