Spinal Therapy for Dogs

Mctimoney-Corley Spinal Therapy is a method of restoring health by gentle corrective manipulation of the bones of the head, spinal column, pelvis and limbs thereby ensuring the proper functioning of the nerves and endocrine systems which control the natural self-healing capability of the body.

“I use a fast reflex manipulation technique which works with the body, not against it, and does not damage it. Any misaligned bones or impinged nerves are not forced back into place but are coaxed into position by adjustments which also encourage soft tissue release”

Mctimoney-Corley Spinal Therapists usually treat the whole body at each session; this is because a problem in one part of the body can lead to problems in other areas. When used regularly it can also be used as preventative therapy. For working and elderly animals it is recommended that they have twice yearly maintenance treatments. It is important to realise that Mctimoney-Corley Spinal Therapy does not just relieve pain, but it can, and often does, remove the cause of other disease. No cell or organ of the body can function properly without its correct supply of nerve impulses.

By palpating the spine, limbs and muscles I gain information about sites of pain throughout the body. Gentle manipulation corrects subluxations and misalignments removing sites of pain, relieving stresses on the nervous system and restoring balance and straightness to the whole body. Manipulation adjustments help relieve pressure on nerves, free up muscle tension/spasm and enable realignment of the spine thereby reducing pain. This allows the body to function normally, to its optimum, and to heal itself. Treatment can however cause initial inflammation and rest followed by a careful exercise regime is necessary to allow for optimum healing.

Jo Sutton Walker is a professionally trained and qualified member of the Association of Mctimoney-Corley Spinal Therapists and specialises in the treatment of animals. The treatments are drug free and highly effective - it is usual to treat the whole body at each session; this is because a problem in one part of the body can be masking problems in other areas.

Treatment

You will be asked a wide range of questions regarding any problems, worries and the history of the animal. You will also be asked about its age, breed, feeding, fitness level, type and amount of exercise, temperament, any past treatments and your future goals.

It is likely that you will be asked to show the animal at a walk and/or faster paces to identify lameness or gait abnormalities.

There is an initial thorough examination followed by a palpation of the spine to feel for muscle tension, spasms, pain and skeletal misalignments which may indicate trapped nerves. Joints will also be checked for the appropriate range of movement.

After assessment appropriate manipulation adjustments will be applied to relieve pressure on nerves, free up muscle spasms and enable re-alignment of the spine thereby reducing pain and allowing the body to function normally.

Treatment can create inflammation and it is recommended that the animal is rested for a stated number of days. There is generally no restriction on free time in the garden etc. Alternative exercises may be suggested.

Working Dogs

The career of many working dogs comes to a premature end due to injury and lameness. It is always a shame to retire a well-trained, talented dog prematurely and every effort should be made to resolve any lameness issues as soon as they occur. Lameness can often be due to injury to the foot however if a mystery lameness or stiffness develops which cannot be easily remedied then the pain could be higher up the leg into the shoulder, pelvis or spine.

A working dog has to be an athlete and as with all athletes injuries can and do occur. A slip, twist or fall, over-exertion or over-jumping, getting hung up on a fence, jumping down from a moving vehicle or many other situations can cause an injury to the back, neck or pelvis which results in reduced performance. The dog can go on to finish the day but later, when the body has cooled down and the tired muscles are trying to recover pain in the back or joints can develop.

Pain can develop in any section of the spine and can affect the function of the limbs – hence lameness. A trapped nerve in the neck can reduce the flexibility and strength of a front leg. Similarly an injury to the lumbar spine can cause hind limb lameness.

Generally the working dog loves his work and will want to work hard all day every day. This can lead to an expectation by owners that reduced performance, stiffness, or lameness is due to ‘old age’ and a slowing down after a lifetime of work even if the dog is not particularly aged. I have treated dogs of only 5 or 6 years which have been written off as retired, however treatment together with a careful exercise programme has enabled a full recovery and a return to work.

Racing Greyhounds

It is equally as important for the racing greyhound or indeed any human athlete to be able to move freely without being restricted by back pain. The greyhound must also be able to maintain its balance at high speed whilst cornering on a tight track – balance is a factor which is impaired by back, neck or pelvic pain. The racing greyhound ideally will stretch out and lower its head and neck to gain the most use of its athletic ability and therefore to gallop as fast as possible for as long as possible. The racehorse gallops in a similar way and it is widely recognised that if the head comes up then the horse is slowing down. This could easily be a symptom of underlying pain which is causing a restriction of that free movement which is imperative for top level performance.

Sometimes the signs of a problem are blatant – for instance the dog stops jumping, or displays an obvious aversion to work - most of the time the signs are much more subtle. The animal may slightly change its way of moving in order to avoid pain and if untreated

this becomes a chronic and long term problem, the slight change of gait becoming a progressive shortening of stride and a reduced level of performance. Some also show a change of temperament, being tired or seeming depressed or becoming aggressive.

Show Dogs

For any dog it is important for their health and wellbeing that they are free moving and without pain. For show dog it becomes imperative that they move well in the show ring and according to their breed standard. A dog which demonstrates a restriction in its movement will not do well. Like all dogs they are just as prone to injury and lameness from any number of causes. Lameness, stiffness of action, or a general loss of ‘sparkle’ are more serious in the context of a successful show dog but can be remedied with treatment to relieve pressure on nerves, free up muscles in spasm, and realign the spine in order to reduce pain and restore balance and straightness to the body.

Once an injury has occurred the animal may slightly change its way of moving in order to avoid pain and if untreated this becomes a chronic and long term problem, the slight change of gait becoming a progressive shortening of stride and a reduced level of performance. Other signs are a lack of straightness through the back, an unwillingness to sit, preferring to lie down or stand, loss of stamina and stiffness of limbs and joints. Some also show a change of temperament, being tired, depressed or even aggressive.