Chiropractic care is a full body approach that focuses on the axial skeleton system to provide appropriate joint motion and function. When joints in the spine experience restriction it causes muscle tension and soreness, along with restrictions and abnormalities to blood flow and to nerve function. Chiropractic uses controlled forces applied to specific joints or anatomic regions to cause a therapeutic response due to the induced changes in joint structures, muscle function and neurological reflexes.

Dr. Yates is experienced working with performance/athletic dogs, injury correction, regular chiropractic maintenance and geriatric care. Chiropractic therapy is very effective in maintaining lifelong comfort by helping animals preserve their optimal mobility as well as correcting compensation patterns caused by injury and lameness issues.

Abnormal weight-bearing and altered-gait patterns can overwork or injure associated back muscles and may cause subluxations and joint fixation. Back injuries can result in increased abnormal forces on joints resulting in lameness or gait alterations. Chronic gait alterations lead to increased wear and tear on joints, causing problems such as degenerative joint disease and arthritis. Maintaining proper balance and function can keep our pets comfortable and healthy longer and help them maintain their mobility as they age.

Chiropractic is good for, but not limited to:

• Chronic musculoskeletal problems.

• Acute tension or stiffness.

• Back injuries

• Muscle spasms and nerve problems.

• Diagnosed pathologies such as hip dysplasia and CCL rupture.

• Skin problems such as lick granulomas

• Providing comfort for geriatric dogs

• Maintaining athletic/performance dogs

Acupuncture is a non-invasive, highly effective treatment for a large variety of issues. In the simplest terms, acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into specific anatomical points to create a healing response. Each acupuncture point has specific actions when stimulated. Acupuncture points have the ability to modulate pain, improve blood flow, speed up healing and release muscle and fascial tension. Acupuncture has been an important medical modality that is believed to have originated in India at least 7000 years ago.

Acupuncture can be useful in but not limited to:

• Arthritis and degenerative joint disease: Chronic pain and loss of mobility from joint disease are the most common reasons pet parents seek dog acupuncture.

• Intervertebral disc disease and nerve pain: Dogs who have a bulging disc, spinal arthritis or a pinched nerve may experience significant relief from acupuncture. It often rapidly improves nerve function, limb strength and helps animals return to mobility quickly when compared to traditional treatments.

• Geriatric patients: Acupuncture is very effective in managing our aging pets. It is highly effective at improving overall well-being, mobility, and comfort. It helps improve energy levels and often allow your pets to remain mobile and happy much longer.

• Surgery: Acupuncture is often used help relieve post-surgical pain. It is very useful in correcting muscle atrophy, reducing surgical site pain and inflammation, and providing improved recovery and decreased recovery time. Acupuncture is especially successful following orthopedic surgeries by helping pets return to full function more quickly.

• Cancer side effects: Acupuncture is often used to help improve energy and reduce pain, nausea and loss of appetite associated with cancer or cancer treatments. It helps with your pet’s overall well-being.

• Hormonal or metabolic conditions: Dogs who suffer from hormonal conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus or Addison’s disease may find relief through acupuncture. Acupuncture is also very effective in the treatments of liver and kidney disease in most cases.

• Trauma: Acupuncture can be very beneficial following traumatic injuries. It helps decrease healing time, improve blood flow, decrease inflammation, and correct nerve and muscle injury.

• Skin conditions: If your dog is being treated for allergic dermatitis or lick granulomas (a skin lesion that develops from a dog consistently licking or biting in one particular area — commonly on the front legs), acupuncture is often a successful complementary treatment. It helps with a wide variety of skin conditions.

• Gastrointestinal problems: Acupuncture may be successful in treatment of GI issues such as diarrhea, IBD, constipation, incontinence, autoimmune disorders etc.