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Success Stories
Canine chiropractic care has transformed the lives of many dogs, offering relief from pain and improved mobility. By addressing spinal misalignments and promoting overall wellness, it's become a key player in enhancing the quality of life for our furry friends.
Chuk
Chuk was diagnosed with OCD in both elbows when he was about a 1 yr old. Two very expensive surgeries after that, orthopedic surgeon pulled out big chunks of cartilage and bone from his elbows and said given the severity of his condition. Chuk's gaurdians were told that it was likely that he would be immobile by 4 and that he'd have to be put down.
Chuck is now 9 years old!
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) is a significant condition impacting animal wellness, particularly in dogs, including popular breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Great Danes, and Rottweilers. This joint-related ailment, often seen in larger dog breeds, stems from the abnormal development of cartilage at the bone ends. In this condition, the cartilage, instead of maturing into a sturdy bone, remains thickened and fragile, potentially leading to its detachment from the joint surface.
OCD affects various joints including the shoulder, elbow, knee, and hock (ankle), manifesting through symptoms like lameness (unresponsive to chiropractic treatments), joint swelling, stiffness, pain, and reluctance in using the affected limb. Interestingly, while some cases might exhibit audible clicking or popping, this is not a universal symptom.
The diagnosis of this condition underscores the importance of comprehensive pet health care. It usually involves detailed physical exams, X-rays, and possibly advanced imaging like MRI or CT scans. These tools are crucial in detecting loose bone or cartilage fragments, especially since conditions like elbow OCD can be challenging to identify through X-rays alone. In some instances, surgical intervention is chosen based on clinical signs of pain and non-responsiveness to adjustments, bypassing the additional expense of MRI or CT scans.
In terms of treatment, dog chiropractors and veterinarians might initially recommend conservative approaches, including rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy. However, in more severe cases, such as that of Chuks', surgery might be the preferred course of action. Surgery for OCD in dogs seems to work wonders both right away and in the long run. It's one of the few surgeries I really suggest for pet owners to consider. The great thing is, since most dogs with OCD are still young, they tend to heal up faster and better after the surgery.
When it comes to dogs and their front-end issues like OCD in the elbows, shoulders, or neck, their mobility challenges are quite different compared to those with hip dysplasia. As a dog chiropractor, I've noticed this distinctly. Typically, a young, healthy dog carries about 60% of their weight on the front end and 40% on the rear. But this balance can shift based on breed, size, and individual traits.
Dogs naturally bear more weight on their front due to the positioning of their head, neck, and upper body, aiding in balance and stability. However, as dogs age, this distribution often changes, becoming more front-heavy. In senior dogs, it's not unusual for the front to bear as much as 80% of the weight. For these older pets, their back legs are almost just 'along for the ride,' with the front doing most of the work.
In a dog like Chuk with elbow OCD, this natural aging process becomes more challenging and painful. As they grow older and can't shift weight forward due to joint degeneration, more pressure is placed on the rear, potentially leading to pain in both the front and rear, what we term compensatory changes.
In Chuk's case, after four adjustments, his delightful personality shines through, evident in his tail wags when he enjoys a particular adjustment. It wasn't until the fourth visit that I even assessed his elbows, which he allowed me to touch gently. My focus has been to ease his compensatory rear changes and remove restrictions in his cervical spine, enhancing front-end movement. While I can't adjust his elbows or cure his OCD, my role as a dog chiropractor is to keep the rest of his body in top shape, supporting his animal wellness and enabling him to continue enjoying life.
Update I received from Mom after his 4th adjustment. "Chuk played in the yard last night for at least 10 minutes with my 18 month old lab. He's never played, true doggie play, ever. Just can't thank you enough for your care and help with Chuk. I'm so deeply appreciative for you!!
Now that's a big win for Chuk, his family and dog chiropractic!!
Sammy
In the warm embrace of August 2021, our dear Sammy, a loyal canine companion, faced a persistent struggle with shedding those extra pounds. Desiring the best for Sammy's animal wellness and pet health, I sought the expertise of Sue Troglio at Unleashed Energy. Sue delved into Sammy's dietary regimen, scrutinizing her supplements and medications utilizing bio-resonance therapy. During this thorough examination, Sue keenly discerned an issue with Sammy's hips. She suggested the notion of consulting a dog chiropractor for our beloved Sammy.
Under Sue's guidance, Sammy embarked on a journey to better nutrition and supplements, tailored to her specific needs. However, fate had other plans, and in October 2021, Sammy sprained her right front leg, prompting a prescription of gabapentin from our veterinarian. By December, Sammy's limping and back pain demanded additional intervention, leading to the introduction of Carprofen alongside gabapentin.
March of 2022 marked a turning point, with Sammy still reliant on these medications and my growing concerns about her long-term health. Worried about the unsettling side effects, particularly the onset of acid reflux, I reconnected with Sue from Unleashed Energy, seeking guidance on how to wean Sammy off these medications while ensuring her animal wellness.
In a moment of serendipity, Sue recommended Dr. Andi Harper, a seasoned dog chiropractor renowned for her holistic approach to pet health. Our journey with Dr. Harper began on April 8th, 2022. Beyond chiropractic adjustments, she offered invaluable insights into Sammy's diet and supplement requirements, ultimately allowing her to bid farewell to carprofen and gabapentin.
Surprisingly, Sammy's front leg limping, as it turned out, was linked to neck issues and the misaligned hips Sue had identified earlier. Dr. Andi's care brought about a remarkable transformation. Sammy, once relegated to a stiff-legged bunny hop, now frolics with the vigor of a normal dog, effortlessly engaging her hip muscles and alternating her legs.
Perhaps most strikingly, Sammy's acid reflux concerns vanished into thin air once she was liberated from the medications that had troubled her. Dr. Harper's holistic approach to animal wellness and pet health not only restored Sammy's mobility but her overall happiness as well. Remarkably, our 12-year-old Sammy now exudes the vitality of a six-year-old pup.
An additional boon emerged when we realized that the cost of gabapentin and carprofen was soaring, hitting our finances hard. The decision to redirect our funds towards chiropractic care became a no-brainer, especially considering the remarkable improvements Sammy experienced. Dr. Andi's expertise extended beyond chiropractic adjustments, helping us discover the ideal diet and supplements to heal Sammy's stomach.
Without a shadow of a doubt, I wholeheartedly endorse Dr. Andi Harper for her exceptional dog chiropractic treatment and commitment to whole dog healthy living. Her care has not only rekindled Sammy's zest for life but also provided a profound testament to the transformative power of holistic pet health, all while sparing us from the mounting costs of medications.
By Georgia Lavelett, Proud Pet Parent to Sammy 12 years old
Jaxx - My Journey To Raw Feeding
Are you contemplating the transition to a raw food diet for your pet, feeling that intuitive nudge towards enhancing your pet's health and overall wellness, yet hesitant to make that significant change? I understand your situation intimately, having been there myself. For over a decade, my pets, both dogs and cats, have thrived on a raw food diet, a journey that led me far from the days of conventional kibble.
My story begins with Jaxx, my standard poodle, acquired during a summer break after chiropractic school and before my professional practice began. Growing up with greyhounds and accustomed to their dietary habits, Jaxx presented a new challenge: he was indifferent to food, showing little interest in regular dog meals or treats. This was a peculiar behavior for a dog, and it set me on a path of exploration and learning.
At the time, my mother was preparing homemade meals for our greyhound Lucy, who was in kidney failure. Although not raw, these meals were a healthier alternative to store-bought kibble. Jaxx started on this diet too, but it wasn't long before I sought out, at the time I considered, a higher quality commercial kibble, still unaware of the benefits of a raw diet.
As I established my practice as a dog chiropractor, my understanding of pet health evolved. Conversations with clients introduced me to the concept of a raw meat diet. Drawing parallels with human nutrition knowledge from my chiropractic training, the benefits of a raw diet for carnivorous pets became clear to me. However, the transition wasn't immediate. Financial constraints and lack of resources made it challenging to switch to a raw diet initially.
The breakthrough came with dehydrated raw food brands like Honest Kitchen, offering convenience and a step closer to natural feeding. But even with this improvement, Jaxx's health issues, like sporadic eating, diarrhea, and vomiting, persisted. It wasn't until I started incorporating wild game meat (hunted by my husband) and discovering reliable raw food suppliers like Blue Ridge Beef (years ago) that I fully embraced the raw diet. This shift significantly enhanced the health and well-being of my pets.
Jaxx, despite his eating quirks and health issues like hiatal hernia, which I learned to manage through my chiropractic skills, lived a fulfilling life. His journey taught me the importance of persistence and adapting to each pet's unique needs.
Today, I feed five dogs and two cats a raw diet twice daily, a commitment to their health that I believe offers the greatest benefits. This includes a variety of meats, organs, and even unique items like duck heads and turkey hearts, sourced sustainably and ethically (you find it all at RawDogFoodandCo.com). This journey with Jaxx and my other pets has reinforced the idea that pet wellness is a journey, not just a destination, encompassing aspects like nutrition, animal chiropractic care, and the overall environment we create for our beloved animals. Whether you're at the start of this journey or navigating through it, remember that each step is crucial in enhancing the life and health of your pets.