| Animal
Chiropractors heal through the power of
touch
By Stephanie
Harper
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Chiropractic theory
also believes in the body's natural ability
to heal itself. "I try to be the
facilitator for animals," explains
Dr. Staples "and allow it to maintain
a balanced internal environment, or homeostasis.
Chiropractic adjustments work with the
body to express this natural ability.
Depending on their practice, animal Chiropractors
either treat animals in their office or
make house (or barn) calls. Dr. Staples
travels to people's farms or houses to
see their animal companions, and finds
that allowing animals to remain in a familiar
environment helps them to be at ease.
The session begins with some quality time
where doctor and animal get to know one
another and gain trust. Using gentle stroking
and non-threatening body postures, she
assures the animal that she is there to
help, not to harm. She observes the animal
to find out as much as she can about how
the pet is feeling. "I firmly believe
that animals are quite adept at communicating
with us. We just don't pick up on their
body language," says Dr. Staples.
Throughout the initial and subsequent
visits, a special connection is formed
between her and the animal. With each
adjustment, the animal learns that Dr.
Staples is a friend that listens and a
friend that heals. She intuitively feels
through her hands what the animal is experiencing,
and has come to believe that "the
power of touch goes beyond words."
And how does Dr Staples feel about her
clients? "The incredible look in
those animals' eyes and those slurps up
the face," she explains, "that
kind of stuff you can't put a price on."
Animal chiropractors will completely asses
your animal's case and discuss your pet's
health with you, as well as with your
regular veterinarian. The cost of an initial
exam, assessment, and first adjustment
can vary from $50 to $150 for large animals,
and from between $30 to $65 for small
animals. Follow-up visits involve a brief
exam and an adjustment and are usually
less expensive. There may be a traveling
fee, depending on how far away you are,
and the frequency of visits depends on
the severity of the case. Before you allow
anyone to adjust your animal, be sure
that he or she is certified by the American
Veterinary Chiropractic Association.
Animal
Chiropractic can help with the following
conditions:
- Lameness
or stiffness after a fall or accident
- Irregular
movements, such as dragging a limb
- Difficulties
in getting up and down or climbing stairs
- Changes
in temperament or performance
- Decreased
activity levels
- Arthritis
(animals contort their spines in an
effort to relieve chronic pain)
- Ailments
including epilepsy, intervertebral disc
disease, wobbles-like symptoms, lick
sores, and geriatric problems
- Back and
neck pain or weakness
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Published in the Summer 2000 issue of
Animal Wellness Magazine
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