Frequently Asked Questions

"Animal Chiropractic offers a hands-on, non-surgical, drug-free approach for correcting many joint, disc, and soft-tissue disorders as well as associated neurological dysfunction related to improper spinal function and movement." -College of Animal Chiropractors 

Animal chiropractors are licensed Doctors of Chiropractic and/or Doctors of Veterinary Medicine who have taken a minimum of 220 hours of specialized training from an accredited animal chiropractic program.  It is not intended to replace your veterinarian, but to complement veterinary medicine by providing a conservative care option. This collaborative effort will best serve your beloved pet's needs, although a referral is not required. 

Dr. Samara graduated from the Veterinary Chiropractic Learning Centre in 2022 and has over 20 years of clinical experience in rehabilitative healthcare. 

Veterinarians and animal chiropractors can collaborate to best serve the needs of animals and their owners. Animal chiropractic is designed to complement, not replace, traditional veterinary medicine or surgery, offering pet owners a conservative care option for various movement-related conditions. Chiropractic is a natural, safe, and effective hands-on approach to numerous neuromusculoskeletal issues and injuries.  

There are many signs that can tell you that your animal could benefit from chiropractic care, here are just a few:

• MSK problems, e.g. reluctance to move or apparent stiffness getting up
• Neck, back, or tail pain, eg. IVDD
• Muscle spasm, tenderness, or ‘roach back’
• Nerve problems/irritation (eg. yelping with movement or licking/chewing an area)
• Change in ability to do things, i.e. difficulty navigating stairs, jump onto furniture, get in/out cars
• ‘Not moving right’ or reduced performance
• Injuries from falls, slips, or rough play, eg. CCL injury, sprain/strain
• TMJ or jaw problems
• Abnormal gait patterns, eg. limping, toe dragging, etc. 
• Poor confirmation
• Preventive measure to maintain an animal's health and performance 

HORSE/LARGE ANIMALS

• ‘Back soreness’ or sensitivity to touch while grooming
• Changing leads, shortened stride, dragging toes
• Difficulty or refusing to lift a leg
• Poor or decreased performance or speed
• Muscle wasting or spasm; asymmetry when comparing sides or hip levels
• Unequal bending from side to side
• ‘Roach back’ appearance
• Behavioral changes such as refusals, bucking, or ‘girthiness’
• Previous diagnosis e.g. osteoarthritis, sprain/strain
• Lack of drive from behind
• Injuries from falls or training

DOGS/CATS/SMALL ANIMALS

• Pain or sensitivity to touch
• Showing evasion maneuvers, such as dropping their head or back to avoid touch
• Muscle tension/stiffness, or muscle wasting and weakness
• Asymmetrical posture, eg. "sloppy sit"
• Abnormal gait or limping
• Poor or decreased performance
• Change in ability to manage stairs, jump on furniture, or get in/out of car
• Weakness or splaying of limbs
• Excessive limb licking +/- allergies
• Urinary Incontinence

NOTE: Undiagnosed lameness must be evaluated by a veterinarian before commencing care with an animal chiropractor.

The initial examination includes a thorough health history, gait analysis, static and motion palpation of the spine/ joints/ muscles/ extremities, range of motion testing, and neurological assessment. 

A referral to a veterinarian for x-rays and further examination and testing may be required to rule out a more serious problem. If you already have x-rays, please have a digital copy available for review. 

Treatment will consist of, but is not limited to soft tissue therapy, IASTM, joint mobilizations, joint manipulation, manual stretching, low-level laser (light) therapy, kinesiology taping, home exercise program, etc. 

The goal animal chiropractic is to restore proper movement of the affected joints to reduce pain, improve mobility, and allow the nervous system and body to function at its maximum healthy potential. 

Manual therapy, such as chiropractic adjustments or manipulations performed by a qualified animal chiropractor, involves controlled and gentle maneuvers applied to areas of joint and muscle restrictions in the spine or extremities. These techniques help restore normal motion, reduce stiffness, relax muscles, alleviate pain, and optimize nerve function by activating the parasympathetic nervous system ("rest and digest").

The "crack" you might hear during a chiropractic adjustment, particularly in humans, is known as a cavitation. Joints are encased in a strong capsule and filled with fluid for lubrication. When the joints are slightly separated during an adjustment, tiny bubbles of CO2 can escape from the fluid, creating a "pop" sound. This is not the sound of bones cracking! Cavitation does not always occur and is not an indicator of the adjustment's effectiveness. Cavitation is uncommon in animal chiropractic treatments because their joint physiology differs from that of humans. 

Your fur baby may experience brief discomfort during an adjustment if the area is inflamed. However, this is not typical and will resolve quickly. When performed correctly by a properly certified practitioner, animal chiropractic is a safe and effective treatment for your pet. Most animals genuinely enjoy their chiropractic adjustments! 

The first visit for small animals typically takes about 30 minutes, while follow-up visits are around 15-20 minutes. For large animals, initial visits generally take about 45-60 minutes, with follow-up appointments lasting approximately 30 minutes.

The recommended treatment schedule for chiropractic adjustments in animals often varies based on factors such as the animal's condition, health status, and any specific needs they may have. However, the recommended treatment plan for a new fur patient with an acute injury is a course of three treatments spaced 1-2 weeks apart.. For routine health maintenance and performance optimization, many animals benefit from regular assessments and adjustments every 6-8 weeks.