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Dogs

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Why is it so important that my dog’s musculoskeletal system is aligned and balanced?

The dog’s musculoskeletal system has multiple functions, to protect the internal organs, to provide a certain level of rigidity to their frame, maintaining good body posture and to also control and direct the energy present within the body during movement.

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The back provides the link between the fore and hind limbs. It transfers the propulsive forces, provided by the hind limbs and the pelvis, forward. This requires the back to perform various movements such as dorsoventral flexion/extension (up and down) and lateral bending (left to right).

These movements require the whole spine to be free from dysfunction and tension in order to properly function.

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The dog’s back (particularly in fast running breeds) is important as up to 80% of the energy used to run fast comes from the movement in the back!

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The spine is made up of lots of individual vertebrae that form joints with the ones next to them. This is the main area where spinal dysfunction can occur, creating areas of tension, nerve impingement and discomfort.

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The aim of McTimoney chiropractic is to relieve these areas of dysfunction which prevent the whole spine from functioning freely.

Signs your dog might give you that it is time to seek help

Spinal dysfunction can be caused by chronic, (long term or built up over time) or acute (short term) reasons. Possible causes of this in your dog can include;
 

  • Jumping over fences, gates, up banks etc.

  • Pulling on a collar lead or halter

  • Slipping on floors

  • Jumping in and out of cars, on and off the sofa etc

  • Playing with other dogs, playing tug etc.

  • Large/ long legged dogs eating at floor level rather than a raised dish can sometimes struggle
     

Signs that this has become a problem can be;
 

  • A sudden change in performance or behaviour eg. squeaking when jumping off the sofa or out of the car

  • Discomfort being groomed

  • Stiffness when getting out of bed

  • Reluctance to go on a walk

  • Reluctance to play

  • A change in the way they normally move, for example crabbing or pacing, measuring a jump more than normal

​The treatment process

Kim will start by taking a detailed history of your dog. This also gives your dog a chance to get used to Kim on their own terms.

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Kim will then ask you to show her your dog moving, this will comprise of a walk and a trot up. This allows her to assess your dog’s gait and way of moving which can indicate areas of imbalance.

Palpation or assessment of the skeletal system (neck, back and pelvis) helps Kim to detect areas of spinal dysfunction.

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Kim will then treat and release these areas of dysfunction with a combination of McTimoney Chiropractic, massage, stress point therapy and stretching.

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Is there anything I can do to help my dog in between treatments?

Kim will provide detailed and tailored aftercare advice that we help you to rehabilitate or maintain your dog’s body balance and comfort.

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