Equine chiropractic

Veterinary Chiropractic focuses on the preservation and health of the neuro-musculo-skeletal system. This field of animal health care is recommended to be used alongside good traditional veterinary care. When implemented into your preventative health care plan, it can help maintain your horse’s musculoskeletal function as well as their general overall health.

It is ideal to treat healthy, athletic horses before a problem arises. Chiropractic care can help maintain proper structural alignment permitting optimal function of the muscles and nerves. This supports the joints resulting in improved movement, stance and flexibility.

The practice of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the vertebral column) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that relationship affects health and movement. Chiropractic is a form of manual therapy that uses controlled forces applied to specific joints or anatomic areas to cause a healing response. This alignment promotes increased agility, endurance, and overall performance. The chiropractic manipulation/thrust only occurs if there is abnormal or restricted movement and it is important to have a trained professional perform this to recognize when there is an injury where chiropractic would be contraindicated. The goals of chiropractic treatment are to restore normal joint motion, stimulate nerve reflexes and reduce pain and abnormally increased muscle tone. Some commonly treated conditions are:

• Poor performance

• Pain and stiffness when moving

• Changes in posture

• Negative changes in behaviour or attitude

• Abnormal gait, shortened stride or lameness

• Difficulty in taking a lead

• Bucking

It is important to have standards of care to abide by as now Veterinary Chiropractic is recognized by the Veterinary Council. Dr. Kendra McLeod is certified through the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association.