Never heard of it but go for it.I'm sure it can't hurt and it might just help.Have you done any research online?

My dog Katie is having surgery next week for a similar issue. The neuro surgeon will remove a section of the top of her spine and replace it with a jelly/foam substance so that the nerves won't be compressed. (Lumbosacral laminectomy). I don't understand how chiropracty/ic could resolve this type of issue. Non surgeon that I am, it seems that what ever is putting pressure on the nerves has gotta go in order to free up the nerves :) Katie has lost anal tone but we are getting to this early enough that she has not become incontinent (but is very wobbly and can't walk well or do stairs).

9 isn't very old, but it sounds like you've been through a lot with your pup and are making good decisions based on all of the factors. Hope things go well for you both.

Lilliepad,
Yes, I've done tons of research online (regarding her condition and also chiropractic). According to online research, it seems like it might help, but I wanted to know if anyone here has had experience with it. I am just curious to know firsthand if it helps - either way, I'm gonna do it....but I want to have positive vibes about it, and hearing that it has worked for others would give me some optimism.

Cynthia,
Thanks for your advice. It's interesting that you are going through something very similar...and I wish you much luck with your dog. I hear ya on the surgery thing - but I'm just scared that it might do more harm than good (after radiation, the blood vessels can burst and the area is just really tough to work on). I asked the neurologist if removing the scar tissue in order to free up the area would be a simple thing, and she said it would be a very difficult surgery (not only because of the radiation effects, but also because scar tissue is VERY difficult to remove), and the surgery is also pretty risky. Ugghhhh - what to do!
Anyway, with your dog's problem, it sounds like they are replacing discs with that jelly/foam substance, and that makes complete sense. Like you, it's also hard for me to believe that chiropractic could resolve the scar tissue issue that Sawyer has, but I just feel like I have to try something other than surgery...at least for now.

I have a great feeling about her going to a chiropractor, so I have to just go with my gut. I guess it's a longshot for anyone on here to have done the same (I never even thought there was such a thing for dogs!).

Gabi

Our vet is the only one in the area that does chiropractic work on his patients. My DIL worked for him for a while and said he had lots of patients that came in routinely for work.

One of the vets at work does chiro and another does accupuncture. I've done accupuncture on two of my dogs and they responded well. I've never had the chiro done to any of my guys but I've seen patients respond very well to it.

Lisa

Thank you so much for your input. Every little bit helps :)

{{!gwi}}

{{gwi:517808}}

Our 7 year old lab has been going to a vet who does chiro on her for over a year now. Meisha has hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease and, last Christmas, needed surgery for a torn cruciate. She is doing extremely well and most of the time, it's hard to tell she has any problems. However, when we leave her too long without an appointment, we can definitely see when she needs it. I don't know if chiro would help in your situation, but for our girl, it has been absolutely the best thing we did.

Great pictures of a beautiful dog.

Oh, Gabi, what a nice picture of her on the red blanket. Is that recent?

I don't see how a chiropractor won't help - the spine has so much to do with everything in our body, anyone who has ever for any reason had it go "out of whack" and gotten instant relief from a few adjustments done by a chiropractor knows that!

Even if it makes only a small difference to her comfort, it is worth every penny.

Jen,
Thanks :) Yes, it's a very recent picture. I see what you're saying - it's definitely worth a try. The only thing I'm thinking is that her spine isn't the problem (in other words, the spine isn't "out of whack"...I wish it was that simple!) - it's the scar tissue on the spine which is the problem. But the chiropractor seemed pretty confident that he can free the scar tissue up, so I will be confident too! And I agree, even if it helps just a little - like if it helps her symptoms - then it's worth it. I just want to make sure I'm putting my time and her time into the right thing - but I can't be sure until after I try it.

Laurabs,
Thanks :)

Meishasmom,
Thanks for making me feel more optimistic about this treatment approach. And I'm glad you're lab is benefitting from it.

Gabi

yes, I know what you mean, but her spine and nerves are being affected by the scar tissue, and that is the chiro's area of expertise, so hopefully it will help!! I feel optimistic for you. And very glad to hear other people have positive experiences to share.

Everyone have a great thanksgiving!

Ok, so I took Sawyer to her first chiropractor appointment yesterday. Is it crazy that I've already noticed results???

She has not been able to jump into my SUV in 3 years (since the tumor was found and removed) - I have to lift her rear into the car after she puts her paws in the car. However, after we left the chiropractor, I opened the car door and was about to help her in....and she all of a sudden LEAPED right into the SUV!! I was stunned.

Also, another big problem that I had mentioned above is bowel movement incontinence due to reduced anal tone. For the last few months, she would have accidents sporadically (maybe twice a month). Then it got worse over the past 3-4 weeks...and she has been having no less than 2 accidents a day, every single day. Well, she has not had an accident since yesterday morning, and I woke up for the first time in WEEKS today to no feces in the house!

I really hope this is the start to a healthy life for my dog. Thanks everyone for your input!

Gabi

Gabro, just caught your post today, and was thrilled at the outcome.

I took my cat to a chiro vet and although in the long run in didn't alleviate his problems, I would definitely encourage anyone to give it a try.

And as someone who has back/neck/shoulder issues from years of repetitive motion distress, I can relate to the instant relief that my chiropractic adjustments produce.

I too was hesitant about taking my pet to a chiropractor, so I asked mine about vets that treat animals only to discover he had been treating his own on a regular basis. It really quelled my fears about any dangers involved.

Well thanks for that - I'm so glad to hear that you have done the same. Sorry you didn't get the outcome you wanted.

This is not a vet chiro that I'm using, he's actual a human chiro...but he works with a lot of pets. I think I might start going to him for me! I wonder if he'll give a 2 for the price of 1 discount :)

Gabi

Oh Gabi, that is AWESOME!! I am so glad to hear it! And I am not surprised at all that it would really help her.

Will you be going once a week or what? The price shouldn't be a factor, so I would go as much as is recommended. I can't tell you how thrilled I am that it is helping...that is so great! :D

Thanks Jen. I will be going once a week, but if he recommends more, then I will go more.
Thanks for being so happy for "us" :)
Gabi

Have a friend in Kentucky who travels all over the country doing chiropractic on horses.

Gabi, anything new to tell? Like how the past few days have been? I think it is so important to keep everyone updated on this kind of treatment, because sometimes when you think there is no hope or no other options, you can try these methods!

Jen,
Sorry I didn't see this post. As I said in the email, Sawyer is doing GREAT! You are SO right about updating everyone as to this kind of treatment (since it seems pretty rare), so I'll give a quick update here.

Tonight will be Sawyer's 3rd visit to the chiropractor. Since she started going to him 2 weeks ago, she has been improving SIGNIFICANTLY. She has only had ONE bowel movement accident in the house since then (as opposed to TWO PER DAY). She can still easily jump into my SUV. And overall she just *looks* happier - and other people have commented on that as well.

When I told her neurologist about the chiro visits, she told me she was thrilled and that I should definitely continue to go (I would've continued to go regarless of what she said, but it's still nice to hear that she agrees with where I'm putting my efforts). Also, the neuro said that she is shocked that she is improving, because after the MRI revealed scar tissue several weeks ago, she thought that Sawyer would quickly decline.

I will continue to periodically update...but anyone who has a problem with their dog that "medicine" or "surgery" can't fix (or if it's too expensive), try chiro. The great thing about it is that you don't have to spend tons of money wondering if it's going to work - you should probably be able to tell if it's working after 1 or 2 visits. Of course I'm just basing this on my experience, but that's all I got! Anyone else who decides to try this, please post the results here.

Thanks everyone,
Gabi (and Sawyer)

Here's some pics that were taken recently (since getting her adjustments at the chiro) - doesn't she look so HAPPY?!

Kisses:

Eating a carrot :)

Posing for the camera:

So glad to hear that Sawyer is doing well with the chiro treatments. We just returned from taking Meisha for her appointment. We've been away so it's been a little over 5 weeks since she last went and, as always, we were amazed at the difference from walking her in to when she came out. Even though she walking well,(and not limping as is often the case after a few weeks), coming out she was litterly prancing like a puppy so we know how much better these treatments make her feel.
Our vets office just officially opened their new rehabilition wing a week ago. They have a heated therapy pool and an underwater treadmill (can be used as a regular treadmill or water is added to appropriate levels for different sized animals). Meisha is scheduled to try the underwater treadmill on Thursday afternoon to see how she makes out. Also, they are offering the first visits for these things free to make sure the animals are OK with them. Our vet wants her to try and build up her back end muscles again after all her problems this year and feels this will be the gentlest method using the water buoyancy. As I was an aquafitness instructor for years and I specialized in arthritis classes, I am thrilled that this will be available for animals as well.

How long does Meisha spend with her chiro? It's so strange to me that Sawyer's chiro spends 5 minutes with her and she is a completely different dog when the appt. is finished. I was curious if it's the same with Meisha's appointments.

I can't wait to hear how Meisha does with the aquatic therapy. There is a place like that near me (with aquatic therapy, PT, massage, acupuncture), but it is almost an hour away without traffic. As much as I would love to take her for the aquatic therapy (the underwater treadmill), it's just too far of a drive every week. I might look into that though, since her back leg muscles are very weak. Please let me know how Meisha does with it.

That's about the length of time she spends on Meisha. It was about 10-15 minutes this time last year but that was for the 6 weeks right after her cruciate surgery and much of that time was spent on her leg with stretching and range of motion therapy.
Our appointments still take about 15-20 minutes though because our vet likes to ask questions about how Meisha is doing and she spends time "visiting" with Meisha before she actually works on her.
It should be interesting on Thursday since Meisha is not overly fond of the water (strange for a lab!) and she is very timid of new things but the staff seem to think she'll do just fine.
The office is offering a "Swim & Spa" package for people who just want to bring their dogs in for a swim and massage. Apparently, there has been a great deal of interest in this.

I wish there was a place like that near me! I called the place I was talking about and they said they don't do "sessions" - it's just a full day of everything (aquatic therapy, massage, etc.), and it costs $140 each day!!! I mean, who can afford that? I was thinking I could bring her in for a short 30 minute aquatic therapy session, but they said no, I'd have to leave her for the whole day. That's ridiculous.

Yes, definitely strange for a lab to not like to swim :) I'm sure she'll like the appt...looking forward to hearing how it goes.

Gabi

I really can't see how chiro can help but if you saw results then you saw results.

I think massage therapy would benefit her more and chiro can also cause damage.

You can take a class on massage therapy for dogs or find out how online and perform it yourself saving you both time and money.

Massage helps to break up scar tissue. And tone muscles.

Time and money you could spend on other things for Sawyer!

I hear you on thinking that massage can help more, and I was also a little skeptical about chiro. But the results I see are not a coincidence. I think it would be wrong for me to stop something that is working for her just to try something else that may or may not work. There is no harm in the adjustments that she gets. He doesn't crack anything, he just uses an acupressure type tool to push the spine into alignment, and he even massages the area where the scar tissue is.

I am not a firm believer in chiropractic at all - in other words, I think it can help with some things, but I also think it can hurt - for example, if a parent takes their child to a chiropractor for an ear infection instead of a medical doctor, that's just going to make the child suffer longer with the infection and it will get worse (a chiro can't cure an ear infection!).

Anyway, I think it may be a good idea to learn about pet massage, and I will look into that. Doing both massage and chiro would probably be a great combination.

Thanks,
Gabi

A combo of the two sounds like an excellent idea.

A few years ago I went to a chiropracter, one recommened by my real doctor, for a back problem.

Well it didn't end there. He said I also had problems with my neck, legs and feet. Funny b/c none of my other doctors or I thought so.

He gave me a heel lift for one leg that was "shorter than the other" (I've seen plenty of orthopedists and none have noticed that). I reluctantly took it and it caused really sharp pains in my leg so I stopped using it after a day and threw it out.

A few weeks later they charged me for the purchase of the heel thing. I was never told that it was extra nor how much it costs. I wish I could have given the damn thing back.

On to my neck. My neck felt just fine but every day he would try to crack it and yanked my neck to the point of it hurting, which I told him.

All in all it was a bad experience.

I spoke to the chiro last night and asked if I should try massage in addition to chiro. He said no. He doesn't want me to mess around with that area on her spine (where the scar tissue is). I think it would be ok to massage her back legs for tone reasons, but I will listen to him and not touch her spinal area where the scar tissue is. He seemed pretty against it, and I trust him 100%. I'm not saying that all chiro's are good and trustworthy (so many of them tend to say "one of your legs is longer than the other and that's the cause of all your problems" - HA!), but this one is good.

Gabi

I tend to think along the lines of ms minnamouse but if the chrio is working then one cannot argue with the results!

I've been to both chiro and PT and once you find a really good PT you'll never use chiro again. I found that the PT could determine where the problem originated and with therapy and prescribed exercises all symptoms disappeared.
In my experience chiro tended to give temporary relief so a repeat visit would always be necessary. With the PT, I never have to go back after the first few visits.

I'm surprised the chiro won't let you do some massage or at least show you the correct way. My DH just went thru knee surgery on both knees and is now in the process of breaking down scar tissue. He's doing it on his own after being shown the correct way by the PT.

You could always try an animal masseuse or therapist and see if there's more you can do at home.

Annz,

I see what you are saying. Maybe I will see what an animal masseuse has to say.

About PT...I've been to many different PT's, and I think they are horrible. They stick some E-stim pads on you and then tell you what kind of exercises to do...they don't ever want to do any work, and they have 5 other patients they are working on at the same time. I never benefited from any PT. I'm sure there are good PT's out there, just like there are good chiropractors out there - unfortunately I never found one.

Meisha had her appointment this afternoon to use the underwater treadmill. The vet assistant put a little "bathing suit" on her (for accidents, of course) and then gently showered her off before taking her into the treadmill area. The water was added to the right level and then the treadmill was started, slowly at first, and gradually increased until Meisha was doing a relaxed walk. The vet assistant stayed in with her and walked her on a short leash. It was 6 minutes walking, treadmill off with a few minutes of stationary stability exercises and then 6 more minutes walking. The water was let go, Meisha was brought out and they dried her really well and then did stretching exercises with her.
Our vet stayed the whole time explaining that she wanted to observe how Meisha walked in the water and for signs of stress. DH and I were also told to watch for any signs of her getting upset as we know her better and might see something they didn't.
We were amazed at how well Meisha did and how happy she seemed in there. She left with her tail wagging!
We have another appointment next week.