Veterinary Services

Pet Chiropractic Care

Animal chiropractic is a branch of veterinary medicine that focuses on the neuromusculoskeletal system’s preservation and health.

Pet Chiropractic Care in Abilene, TX

Chiropractic treatment of animals is a fairly new modality of care when compared to its use on humans.
Pet horses running together in field in Texas

Animals that are in pain around their head, neck, or back can obviously benefit from chiropractic care, but there are many other situations that may not be as obvious to owners. Dogs and other animals that have a hard time getting up, cannot get comfortable when laying down, have an abnormal posture when sitting, constantly pant, eat slower, are not as social as they once were toward other animals and people, or seem more aggravated when approached by other animals are all showing varying signs and degrees of chronic pain and may benefit from chiropractic treatment.

Horses are very athletic and graceful animals that rely heavily on healthy nerves, joints, bones, and muscles to do their jobs (which often involve carrying an additional 100-200Ibs on their back!). In order to do this, horses not only need to be pain-free, they also need to have an adequate range of motion in their joints and have a healthy nervous system that communicates well with their brain. Horses that have chronic lameness issues can respond to chiropractic treatment, but what about horses that are not lame? By restoring normal mobility to joints that have subtle limitations to their movement, equine athletes are able to perform at their highest levels, which translates to higher points and faster times.

Many times problems are not the result of a specific injury, but as a result of repetitive use and the subsequent microtraumas caused by that use, just like in human athletes.

Signs that might indicate that chiropractic care would be beneficial to your horse include:

  • Inability to turn head and neck to the side or twisting at the poll when asked to do so
  • Inability to pick up a lead
  • “Cinchy” behavior (acting painful/bucking when the cinch is tightened)
  • Feeling “disjointed” when ridden or like riding two different horses
  • Unwillingness or inability to turn in a certain direction
  • Fighting the bit
  • Head tossing

Why is Equine Chiropractic Care Beneficial?

If you’ve noticed a change in your horses’ behavior, such as being less playful, not running like normal, or resisting being saddled, then it’s time to consider equine chiropractic care. Equine chiropractic care has risen in popularity over the years because of the many benefits it provides. Keeping horses healthy and performing in prime condition doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right veterinarian care, your horse can thrive throughout each stage of life.

What Issues Will Equine Chiropractic Care Address For My Horse?

Equine chiropractic care addresses a range of issues that horses suffer from in the head and neck as well as the back. When you start to notice that riding your horse doesn’t feel normal or see the signs that they are uncomfortable or in pain, reach out to a veterinarian to perform an exam. With chiropractic care tailored to equines, misaligned joints, spinal issues, and other ailments can be treated with chiropractic care.

Signs That Equine Chiropractic Is Right For Your Horse

There are many signs that equine chiropractic care is right for your horse, and here we list just a few of the common ones. If you notice a difference in your horse’s health but aren’t sure what the issue is, don’t hesitate to involve a vet.

  • Changes in behavior such as bucking or lethargy
  • Imbalances when riding like stumbling
  • Shaking head often
  • Lack of complete range of motion
  • Negative reactions to normal routine
  • Stiffness when riding

Other signs that equine chiropractic care can benefit your horse are tilting their head abnormally, their level of performance has declined, and they don’t want to bend for treats. Also, pay attention to changes in muscle imbalances and short striding.

Schedule An Appointment With A Veterinarian

If you notice any of the signs above or have sensed a change in your horse, reach out to learn more about equine chiropractic care. Through chiropractic adjustments, your horse can perform at optimal levels and enjoy a healthy life. Reach out to learn more about equine chiropractic care and the signs that your horse can benefit from this veterinarian service.

Check out our equine chiropractic services!