ANIMAL
CHIROPRACTIC
SERVICES
Scope of Practice
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Consultation
A typical consult comprises the following;
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History taken
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Gait assessment, other observations (mentation etc)
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Physical examination, comprising (but not limited to);
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General physical assessment (BCS, muscle tone, inflammation etc)
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General spinal ROM
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Spinal intersegmental ROM
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Peripheral joint ROM (including orthopaedic tests where needed)
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Neurological exam
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Other assessments as needed
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Review any radiological images provided
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Discuss findings/proposed treatment plan with owner
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Proceed with consent
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Treatment
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Primarily directed at improving spinal intersegmental biomechanics
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Preference for using a hand-held spinal adjusting instrument
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Small animals tolerate this very well
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Has proven a very safe, effective option
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Rarely use manual spinal manipulation (domestic dogs don't tolerate this particularly well)
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In most cases, home management strategies are discussed, to prevent reinjury.
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Followup
Typically, after the initial, and 3rd or 4th visit, a brief followup email is sent to the referring vet summarising the patient's progress.
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'Maintenance' visits
A number of owners may request chiropractic for maintenance/supportive care. They are often chiropractic patients themselves who have experienced benefits of this type of care first hand. These scenarios typically involve;
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ongoing management of age/trauma related degenerative changes (with/without symptoms)
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management of gait anomalies (asymptomatic) in show dogs
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management of spinal function in high-performance dogs (e.g. agility)
This type of care typically addresses the functional capacity of the animal, through better spinal biomechanics. Visit intervals range from 4-6 weeks up to 3-6months, depending on circumstances.
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This serves to compliment an animal's usual veterinary care, not compete with it.
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