Animal Chiro for Aging Pets

DR Fiona Kates DC,
GRAD DIP AN CHIRO

Do you own a pet who is slowing down, or looking stiffer?

Older pets can often look stiffer, stretch more (until they are too sore to do so) and have trouble jumping up or down, but then confuse you by suddenly being able to play, chase balls or do zoomies. Adrenaline can over-ride soreness and stiffness at the time, but usually your pet will look worse after they have raced around and then had a rest

Osteoarthritis is, unfortunately, part of getting older for most animals. It can be a result of a lifetime of normal use of joints, or of excessive use / repetitive stress of joints over a shorter period of time. The presence of arthritis is also affected by the pet’s genetics, breed, weight, and any injuries or surgery to the joints or spine

I see many older pets, who are having mobility issues. These can range from the start of stiffness after exercise or rest, through soreness resulting in lameness in a leg or weakness through the hindquarters, to difficulty sitting, standing for long or squatting to toilet and with obvious pain.

Chiropractic should be used in conjunction with other treatments that are appropriate for the stage that has been reached. These may include arthritis supplements or injections, pain or anti inflammatory medication, hydrotherapy and acupuncture.

Why should you consider chiropractic for your older pet?

Aging and arthritic joints are accompanied by tight sore muscles, limited range of motion, weakening of limbs or the spine and often referred pain from the joints. Chiropractic, as a manual therapy, can directly affect these issues. By massaging the soft tissues, we can improve circulation, soften and lengthen muscles and prevent compensating areas from becoming painful. Scar tissue can be gently broken down and joints can be mobilised to improve and maintain function.

Small, gentle “adjustments” of the legs and spine increase joint mobility and improve the functioning of the motor nervous system, affecting both reflexes and coordination.

I also use low level laser therapy (LLLT) on many of my older patients. This cold laser and red light treatment can be used on sensitive, painful tissues without applying any pressure, and gives local pain relief, improved circulation and healing, and reduction of muscle spasm. This is especially useful for patients who are too sore in places to cope with massage.

Many older animals have more than one health issue to contend with. As chiropractic does not involve medication, it is very unlikely to have a detrimental effect on other conditions that your pet is being treated for. However, a full history is taken before any treatment is started to ensure the best outcome for him/her.

All consultations are approached with the aim of making them as stress free for the patient as possible. Each pet is given time and space to accept and adapt to the examination and treatment, and it is very gentle and specific. Chiropractic manipulations, such as can be seen online, are very different to my techniques. You will not hear loud cracks, or yelps/yowls with my treatment!

If you would like to have a no obligation chat with me regarding your concerns about your pet, please call me on 0404 180 772.

I look forward to hearing from you!