Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy or Animal Chiropractic in Veterinary Rehabilitation

Area of Science:

• Veterinary medicine
• Animal rehabilitation
• Integrative veterinary care

Background:

• Veterinary rehabilitation is a common multimodal approach for animal patients.
• Veterinary spinal manipulative therapy (animal chiropractic, AC) is an increasingly utilized therapeutic modality.
• Understanding AC's role in veterinary diagnostics and treatment is essential for clinicians.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of animal chiropractic (AC) in veterinary rehabilitation.
• To emphasize the importance of understanding the neuro-anatomical and biomechanical basis of AC.
• To guide clinicians on appropriate indications, contraindications, and when further diagnostics are necessary.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on veterinary spinal manipulative therapy.
• Discussion of neuro-anatomical and biomechanical principles relevant to AC.
• Analysis of indications and contraindications for AC in veterinary practice.

Main Results:

• Animal chiropractic (AC) functions as a receptor-based healthcare modality.
• AC can provide both diagnostic and therapeutic benefits in veterinary rehabilitation.
• Knowledge of AC's mode of action, effects, and limitations is vital for safe and effective use.

Conclusions:

• Veterinary clinicians should understand the principles and application of animal chiropractic (AC).
• Appropriate patient selection and understanding of AC's neuro-anatomical and biomechanical effects are critical.
• AC should be considered within a multimodal approach, with awareness of when further diagnostics are indicated.