Association guidelines recommend that a veterinarian should examine an animal and establish a preliminary diagnosis before initiating any alternative treat- ment. In some locations, a veterinarian must supervise treatments by an animal chiropractor that’s not also a vet. Doctor of Chiropractic Donna
Gigliotti, who practices at Macungie Animal Hospital, in Macungie, Penn- sylvania, has been treating animals in collaboration with local veterinarians since 1997. She regularly lectures on the benefits and combines techniques such as neurofascial release, which affects the joints, muscles, ligaments and brain. This type of therapy is highly effective in treating genetic predisposi- tions such as canine intervertebral disc disease, which can occur in any dog, but most particularly the dachshund, Lhasa apso and Shih Tzu. Selected for a genetic form of dwarfism, these breeds have discs prone to this age-related form of degeneration. To help delay such related impacts,
Gigliotti teaches owners to work with their pet to train them to perform balance exercises that develop the core muscles which hold the spine firmly in place. “I don’t want to repeatedly see a dog for the same issues when it’s possible for the animal to maintain the adjustment with the owner’s help,” notes Gigliotti, who is among a few doctors that have com- pleted advanced neurology training for
animals at the Healing Oasis Wellness Center, in Sturtevant, Wisconsin. “Animal chiropractic techniques can also help with symptoms such as lameness, skin problems, bladder and bowel irregularities, sight and hearing loss, breathing difficulties, food and environmental allergies and gait abnor- malities,” advises Doctor of Chiroprac- tic Sherry Bresnahan. Licensed in the care of humans and animals, she holds AVCA certification and applies her ex- tensive postgraduate training at Crystal Lake Veterinary Hospital, in Crystal Lake, Illinois.
Owner Alert “A pet’s biggest asset is an observant owner. No one knows their constant companion better,” says Bresnahan. “It’s why vets hear statements such as, ‘My
cat’s meow is off,’ or, ‘My dog is acting lethargic,’ or ‘My pet’s eyes seem dull.’ In performance animals like horses, it’s generally the rider that spots something that’s off.”
She explains that although she
doesn’t need to apply any more chiro- practic pressure on animals than she uses on people, it is necessary to stand on bales of hay to place the upper body and hands at the correct angle when making an adjustment on a horse or rodeo bull. Chiropractors that specialize in treating animals are adept at reading the body language of nearly any creature, which can speak volumes about their health challenges.
Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect at
ItsAllAboutWe.com.
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by a series of small things brought together. ~Vincent Van Gogh
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