Animal Chiropractic

There is a large demand for Animal Chiropractic, especially in progressive metropolitan areas like Toronto. 

Toronto pet owners are more knowledgable and engaged than ever before when it comes to providing ‘the best life’ for their animals. With this knowledge they are beginning to seek rehabilitative and dietary services that did not exist in the mainstream until recently. With each passing year, especially with Generation X’s and Millennials, more and more people are learning about these options, and more and more animals have the opportunity to live longer healthier lives from the benefits these services can provide.

Animal Chiropractic is a key component in a much larger and exciting Animal Wellness Movement occurring in the animal world today.  This progressive movement comprises a large collaborative community of animal wellness practitioners which includes:

The intervertebral disc (IVD) is the material that separates the vertebra, allowing space for the spinal nerves to pass. IVD’s have a poor blood supply and therefore require proper spinal motion to allow water-based nutrients to diffuse in and out of the disc for nourishment. When the vertebral motion is healthy, the discs are nourished and protected. When the vertebral motion is impaired the IVD can become dehydrated which can lead to calcification and a decrease in size. This the underlying cause of Degenerative Disc Disease.

Chiropractic adjustments maintain proper spinal mobility which acts to preserve proper IVD nourishment and helps to prevent premature degeneration.

While Dr. Landry and Dr. Carruthers will work closely with your veterinarians’ care, a veterinary referral for chiropractic is not necessary. 

X-rays of your animals’ spine and/or extremities are not necessary. However, if your veterinarian has previously taken x-rays of your animal, it can be beneficial for us to review them during the initial examination.  The majority of current x-rays are digital and can be forwarded to our main clinic email prior to your animals’ initial visit. 

The rate of improvement will depend on your animal’s age, current health status, activity level, as well as the length of time and severity of the animal’s condition. 

Hip dysplasia is a genetic disorder affecting dogs where the hip joint(s) do not develop properly.  In a normal hip joint, the socket of the pelvis is deep enough to accommodate the ball of the femoral head, allowing proper ball and socket joint motion.  In hip dysplasia, the hip socket is shallow which causes poor anatomic contact between the ball and socket. This results in abnormal biomechanics and excessive movement within the joint, leading to premature wear and tear and ultimately, degenerative joint disease.

As with all orthopaedic conditions, hip dysplasia varies in severity and is typically graded on a scale from mild to severe. Severe clinical cases may require surgery. Although hip dysplasia cannot be reversed, less severe cases can often be managed with a conservative approach without the need for surgery. 

Impaired hip joint motion in animals can often lead to compensatory changes in the thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic areas of the spine. Chiropractic adjustments to the spine, and gentle mobilizations of the hip joints may help ease the symptoms of hip dysplasia.

Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries are the most common orthopaedic cause of hind-end lameness in dogs. The cranial cruciate ligament, equivalent to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans, is a tough band of tissue that restricts excessive movement between the femur and the tibia, the two main bones of the knee.   

CCL injuries in dogs are classified as either a partial-tear (ligament still intact) or a full-thickness tear. Since a full thickness tear involves a complete rupture of the ligament, they are not amenable to conservative rehabilitation and will require surgery.  Partial thickness tears, on the other hand, may be amenable to a conservative rehabilitation depending on the case and severity of injury. 

A conservative approach to managing CCL injuries in dogs can include chiropractic adjustments to reduce pain and address postural compensations, soft-tissue therapy, acupuncture, structured rehabilitation exercises, activity-restriction and nutritional support. 

We will work closely with your veterinarian’s recommendations and tailor a treatment plan specific to your pets’ needs.

Other than feeling the tactile sensation of the laser probe on their fur/skin, your dog will not otherwise feel the treatment from the laser itself.

No. Our SpectraVet Class 3B laser is classified as a ‘cold laser’ and does not generate heat or run the risk of burning your dog.

The number of sessions depends on a variety of factors including the age and condition of the dog, as well as the whether or not the injury being treated is acute or chronic in nature. Typically, chronic conditions require more treatments than those that are acute. We typically recommend a trial of six laser therapy sessions relatively close together at the beginning of a treatment plan.

Yes! Many pet-insurance providers now cover animal chiropractic. If you’re thinking about pet-insurance for your animal, consider selecting a package that includes rehabilitative treatment options like animal chiropractic and animal physical therapy.

The initial exam involves a thorough health history, gait analysis, range of motion testing, and static and motion palpation of the spine and extremities. Treatment includes corrective chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, stretching & rehab exercise prescription.

Follow-up visits involve a review of the animals’ condition and response to initial treatment to identify any significant changes in their health, attitude and overall performance since initiating care. Corrective chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue treatment, stretching and review of any prescribed exercises encompass the majority of subsequent appointments.

Laser therapy can be purchased as an additional treatment add-on for $60 (including HST) when combined with chiropractic and/or canine massage therapy or as a discounted package of six sessions for $300 (including HST).