Life
doggie
chiropractics
veterinary medical
manipulation (vmm)
I recently received training at the
Integrative Veterinary Medical Institute
(IVMI) where I learned that there are
many issues we can help using “doggie
chiropractics” or better called Veterinary
Medical Manipulation (VMM). Most pet
owners are surprised to discover that doing
motion palpation (or adjustments) in dogs or
cats are a lot gentler than a regular human
chiropractic exam.The following are some signs
that a manipulation or adjustment could help;
• Abnormal gait or lameness
• Abnormal posture or stance
• Reduced performance or lack of power
• Sitting to one side or “Puppy Sitting” or refusal
to lay down in horses
• Reluctance to move, jump or climb stairs
• Discomfort when being groomed
• Neck or back pain
• Geriatric animals- to maintain function and
mobility
Physiologically, treating the restriction in the
flow of information from that nerve compression
will improve the affected joints range of motion,
reduce pain, inflammation and muscle tension.
This may also result in improved organ function
and generalized wellness.
The main contraindications for a VMM are in
pets with fractures, pregnancy, infectious skin
Meet the Doctor
disease, spinal lesions that are unstable, and
any significant generalized weakness caused
by a disease process. VMM is performed by a
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) trained
in this modality. The term Chiropractic comes
from the Greek and loosely means to “work with
hands” but this term has been appropriated by
human practitioners. Therefore the term Medical
Manipulation was adopted by veterinarians.
Animal Chiropractic care has been steadily
growing since the 1980’s. Nowadays, it is a great
modality in clinics that practice the holistic or
Integrative medicine approach.
In fact, Veterinary Medical Manipulation can be
used in conjunction with massage, acupuncture
and herbal therapy. Acupuncture and Veterinary
Medical Manipulation work synergistically and
can provide excellent results. In my experience
using the Balance Method Acupuncture
technique along with either Massage, Tui-na,
Assisi Loop therapy or Cold Laser prior to the
manipulation will not just loosen and relax
the muscles near the restricted area but will
result in less discomfort to the patient. Also, the
overall results seem to last a lot longer. Healing
without drugs and invasive treatments is a proven
possibility for our companion pets.
Mitsie Vargas DVM, CVA, CTCVMP is an author
and owner of Orchid Springs Animal Hospital.
She was named FVMA’s Veterinarian of the
Year.You can reach her at drv@osahvets.com,
@osahvets on Twitter or her Facebook page.
Orchid Springs Animal al Hospital
615 Overlook Drive
Winter Haven
863.324.6964
osahvets.com
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