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Chiropractic therapy (aka VOM)
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
Chiropractic (aka VOM)
IVDD dogs are not the same as a person with a bad disc. Risks with chiro to an IVDD dog is adjustment could cause more disc damage including potential for permanent spinal cord damage.
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