Chiropractic therapy (aka VOM)

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Neuro Corner Answers

Dr. Andrew Isaacs
DVM Diplomate ACVIM (Neurology)
Dogwood Veterinary Referral Center

Primary interests include intervertebral disc disease, seizure management, luxations/fractures of the spine, and surgery for brain tumors

Question

LINDA ASKS:

Is chiropractic treatment a therapy that can be considered with a dog suspected or known to have IVDD?

ANSWER

The short answer is that I would not advise chiropractic care in a chondrodystrophic dog (Dachshund, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Basset Hound, Beagle, etc.) with clinical signs suggestive of intervertebral disk disease.

Without a diagnosis, the degree of spinal cord compression is unknown. An adjustment to a dog with severe spinal cord compression could result in a deterioration of the clinical signs to the point of being completely paralyzed and maybe not being able to feel their toes.

Advanced imaging of the spine (MRI/CT/Myelogram) allows your veterinarian to make an informed decision. In some cases, chiropractic treatment may warrant consideration. However, without knowing what is causing the clinical signs it would not be advisable. ~Andrew Isaacs, DVM

Disclaimer:

This information is presented for educational purposes and as a resource for the dog IVDD community. The coordinators are not veterinarians or health care professionals. Nothing herein should be interpreted as medical advice.

Dodgerslist Facebook and all should contact their pet care professionals for advice. The coordinators are not responsible for the substance and content contained herein and do not advocate any particular product, item or position contained herein.