Rehabbing Recumbency

Please note:

This article does not replace your veterinarian’s medical advice or prescribed veterinary medical physical rehabilitation, but it can help you with the basics you’ll need to know to understand and support your pet’s journey towards mobility. If you haven’t already, we recommend that you start with our other articles discussing recumbent care:

How to Set Up a Recovery Pen

Caring for the Recumbent Pet

If your pet is unable to rise, stand, or walk, they are considered a recumbent patient or sometimes referred to as a “down dog”. If your dog can rise and stand but can’t walk, they’re considered non-ambulatory. Either way, caring for a dog that cannot move about on their own is a challenging endeavor which can be more difficult due to your dog’s size, temperament, and level of debilitation. Not all hope is lost though! With the right care at the right time, many pets regain some amount of independent mobility. 

Your Pet’s Diagnosis

Physical Rehabilitation for the recumbent or non-ambulatory dog will look different for every condition and patient. What may work well for one diagnosis may be extremely harmful to another, so the more information about why your pet is down the better.

Getting your pet up & moving is a necessary part of their recovery, but doing so incorrectly, too much, too soon or too late can completely derail their progress.

There is no one size fits all recovery plan, so you should always refer to the treatment plan prescribed to your pet by the CROC team or your veterinarian.

Generally speaking, our goal is to help your dog regain the muscular strength and neurological function to be able to get up and walk on their own again. Some conditions will recover faster or better than others and some will never recover despite our best efforts.

Results & the time it takes to achieve them can’t be predicted or guaranteed.

For dogs experiencing Neurological conditions like Fibrocartilaginous Embolisms or Intervertebral Disc Disease, there’s a good chance we can improve function and mobility with dedicated, consistent therapy that begins promptly. For dogs experiencing progressive conditions, like Degenerative Myelopathy or Geriatric Onset Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy, we know that we will not be able to restore function but we can slow down the effects of these conditions and help patients maintain comfortable mobility longer than without therapy. Once they are Recumbent, it’s time to pay close attention to Quality of Life for everyone involved.

Timing Can Make or Break Recovery!

Waiting too long to start Rehab is the most common reason a patient does not achieve optimal results. 

Starting therapy too soon could risk further injury to your pet, but starting too late is highly likely to delay or prevent their recovery. The longer your pet remains inactive, the more muscle mass and flexibility they will lose and the more likely they are to gain weight - all major contributors to poor recovery.

For patients affected by neurological conditions like Intervertebral Disc Disease, there is a very limited window of time (around 6 months from symptom onset for most patients) to encourage the nerve tissues to heal and the longer those patients wait for therapy, the lower their odds of recovery. The sooner we start, the more time we have to get those nerves firing again and the more likely that pet is to regain function.

However, unstructured activity, over-activity, or in appropriate activity can worsen your pet’s condition & potentially significantly impact their ability to recover.

For this reason, it’s imperative that your pet’s therapy is closely monitored by credentialed and experienced Physical Rehabilitation specialists, especially in the early stages of their recovery.

Patients that begin Rehab at the earliest safe opportunity recover better & faster than those that wait.own content

We understand that the idea of challenging your pet’s body after everything they’ve been through can be nerve wracking and we agree that everyone should be cautious with their care. We are proud to say that we are the most accomplished, licensed, certified, & skilled Physical Rehabilitation specialists in Orange County, with more than 10 years experience treating medically fragile patients. You can trust in our expertise as we evaluate your pet’s case and determine the earliest safe opportunity for your pet to begin Rehab. Their prescribed therapy plan will evolve as their medical condition changes to prioritize their safety while maximizing recovery.

Don’t wait to get your pet’s Rehabilitation journey started!

We recommend that you call us as soon as you think your pet might need therapy, even if your veterinarian hasn’t mentioned it as an option yet or you’re not sure that it will be necessary. It’s super easy to book a Consultation several weeks in advance and cancel if your pet doesn’t end up needing therapy, but waiting until the last minute may mean losing weeks that could have been spent recovering just waiting for the next available Consultation appointment. We never want patients to wait any longer to get started than they absolutely have to and once you have completed the Consultation with our medical team, our schedule for therapy sessions is very accommodating.

Effort

Rehabbing the recumbent/non-ambulatory pet is rarely an easy or quick process, but can be highly successful and rewarding in many cases. More often than not, you get out what you put in. Recumbent pets will require more time and attention than when they were able bodied and be reliant on you to fulfill their basic needs, often for an extended period of time. To give your pet the best chance at regaining independent mobility, consistency is key, so you should be prepared to commit to the treatment plan for weeks to months.

Work smart, not hard!

The right tools can make it much easier to commit to longer term care & after more than a decade of rehabbing recumbent pets, we’ve tried out a wide variety of equipment. Check out our Gear & Resources page to see our favorites!

Your pet may need round the clock supportive care at home in addition to multiple therapy sessions each week. Our medical team also prescribes a custom homecare program complete with recommendations for massage, PROM, stretching, target exercises, nutrition plans, home modifications, and if appropriate, alterations to your pet’s medication regimen. It is integral to your pet’s recovery to adhere to that prescribed homecare program every day if you want your pet to achieve the best possible recovery. Skipping the “homework” or only partial compliance will significantly impact how much progress your pet will make.

Your pet’s recovery journey may take several months. If you are unable to perform your pet’s prescribed treatment plan for any reason, let us know so that we can better assist you and your pet. If your schedule makes it difficult to stick to your pet’s homework, we also encourage clients to book extra appointments so that our medical team can perform those tasks for you and help keep your pet’s progress on track. Ultimately, just do your best to stick to the treatment plan and keep your expectations realistically aligned with the amount of effort and consistency you are able to maintain.

Before We Jump In…

The following techniques should not be attempted without being prescribed by a veterinarian as some of these may be harmful for your dog depending on their condition or if performed incorrectly.

Many of the therapies described below cannot be legally performed by anyone other than licensed and experienced veterinary professionals.

Keep Them Limber

You know how after a long drive, you get out of the car and your body aches from sitting for so long? Recumbent dogs feel something very similar but on a larger scale. Their muscles simultaneously tighten and shrink from disuse and their joints become stiff and achy. Since they cannot move their body as they normally would, that task now falls to you.

Thermotherapy

Stiff and atrophied dogs need some loosening up before they can stretch and move. Thermotherapy therapy, or heat therapy, reduces inflammation and pain while increasing blood flow and improving the extensibility of tendons and ligaments. When properly warmed up, these tissues are more likely to stretch rather than strain or rupture. The metabolic rate of cells within heated tissue is improved, increasing oxygenation and better cellular recovery. Chronic injuries heal more quickly, joints experience a greater range of motion, and flexibility is maximized. 

Thermotherapy is typically provided via microwavable heat packs applied directly to the patient. For optimal penetration into the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, apply moist heat rather than dry. Your dog should be in a relaxed position and heat should be applied for about 10-15 minutes.

Cryotherapy (cold therapy) may be more appropriate for your pet so you should always refer to your pet’s prescribed treatment plan before proceeding.

Wrap the heat pack in a pillow case or thin towel before putting it on your dog. Massage can be performed simultaneously while stretching and passive range of motion exercises should follow immediately after heating.

Beware of Burns!

Always check that the heat pack is at a safe temperature before applying it to your pet! If you cannot comfortably hold the heat pack to your inner arm or neck, it’s too hot!

Therapeutic Massage

When your pet’s soft tissues are tense from inactivity, overexertion, or pain, blood flow is restricted which then deprives the cells within those tissues of vital oxygen. Reduced oxygenation reduces the metabolic removal of waste products and further impairs performance and healing.

Lack of use causes your pet’s muscles, tendons, & ligaments to become short & tight, progressively limiting their range of motion.

Massage Therapy relieves tension while restoring circulation and oxygenation to the tissues, thereby improving your pet's comfort and making it easier for them to participate in the exercise necessary for recovery. Muscles with good circulation will perform better, maximizing your pet's ability to increase their strength and stamina. Tendons and ligaments that are warm and relaxed will stretch farther and be less prone to injury. To top it off, massage releases endorphins that further promote your pet’s physical and emotional recovery.

Your pet will need massage techniques specifically prescribed to them to avoid injury or other complications with their recovery. Refer to your pet’s prescribed treatment plan before proceeding.

Tips to Maximize the Magic of Massage

1. Less is more! The most effective massage is soothing and gentle, using slow kneading and gliding strokes similar to swedish tissue massage. This soft approach allows your dog to truly relax into the massage instead of bracing or tensing up in response.

2. Choose a quiet, comfortable space with minimal distractions and make sure you are calm and relaxed before beginning. 

3. One hand massage is less intimidating than two hands. To avoid feelings of being grabbed, be sure to use a flat, open hand and start the massage without using your thumbs. 

4. If your dog is not used to having their body touched, start with light stroking, then work up to gliding and kneading. If they are particularly fussy and try to move away, let them! You are asking your dog to trust you with their weakened and/or painful body, so don’t make them feel trapped. Try again later with a lighter approach. The more you practice this type of touching, the easier it will become.

5. The shoulders and neck are often the easiest areas to start with.

6. Your dog’s muscles should not feel tight or banded in a relaxed state. If you can strum the muscle like a guitar string, there is tension and pain in that muscle.

7. Do your best to massage both sides of your dog's body equally.

To learn more, check out our video How to Massage a Dog.

Passive Range of Motion & Stretching

Beginning with thermotherapy and therapeutic massage to relieve tension and increase circulation will help make Passive Range of Motion (PROM) exercises and stretching more comfortable and more effective.

Attempting to skip thermotherapy & massage can, at best, be ineffective at treating your dog’s condition, & at worst, cause pain or even injury. 

Your pet will need PROM & stretching techniques specifically prescribed to them to avoid injury or other complications with their recovery.

Our team provides all clients with a custom Treatment Plan to follow at home that has been prescribed to best address the pet’s specific needs. By following a customized Home Care Plan, you’ll know that the stretches and exercises within are not only safe for your dog, but also handpicked as the most beneficial for their recovery.

PROM exercises involve moving your pet’s joints back and forth several times within its range of available movement. This promotes blood flow to the soft tissues and acts to lubricate the joint in order to maintain your pet’s overall range of movement. Stretching returns tight muscle fibers to their natural, elongated state to restore and maximize range of motion. Both assist in preventing tension and improving flexibility, which can then translate to an increase in your dog’s strength, stamina, and comfort.

For stretching to be physiologically beneficial, start with warm, relaxed muscles and make sure stretches are performed slowly and held for a longer period of time. It is best for your dog to be laying down but they must be relaxed and muscle groups being stretched should not be weight bearing or engaged in any sort of work. If a muscle is not relaxed during PROM or stretching, there is a higher risk of injury to the muscle fibers or cells (pulling a muscle). Slowly moving the limbs to their maximum reach reduces risk of monosynaptic stretch response, which will tighten the muscle fibers and contract the muscles in reaction to moving the limb too quickly.

There are different types of stretching but passive stretching, where you move your dog’s limbs for them, is the most beneficial for easing tension, increasing blood flow, and elongating the soft tissues. 

All movements should be smooth & performed while stabilizing and supporting the joints. Apply gentle pressure to the muscles to manipulate your dog’s body into each stretch; NEVER pull!

“If my pet doesn’t have feeling in their legs, is thermotherapy, massage, or stretching still necessary?”

YES! Lack of sensation does not negate the need to keep your pet’s tissues healthy. For example, you can’t feel your liver but as a vital organ, it's important that we support liver health and function. The better your pet’s tissues are supported, the more likely they are to regain function.

Avoiding Muscle Contracture

Thermotherapy, Massage, Passive Range of Motion, and Stretching is a lot to get done every single day (and often multiple times a day) but the alternative is far worse. When a dog’s leg experiences long periods of disuse, the muscles not only waste away, but also contract and tighten, locking the dog’s leg into one position.

This process is called Muscle Contracture & is both painful & difficult to reverse, so the goal is to avoid it entirely by keeping your dog flexible & moving.

Once Muscle Contracture takes hold, it will take several months of intensive Physical Rehabilitation to have any chance at reversing it and there is no guarantee that it will be reversible. If your pet is already compromised by a neurological condition or poor musculature, Muscle Contracture will be a significant hindrance and may ultimately prevent your pet’s recovery.

Change Requires Challenge

Rest and pain relief are not enough for recovery! Thermotherapy, Massage, Stretching, and Range of Motion are passive treatments that improve comfort, maintain flexibility, and prepare the tissues for work, but when it comes to muscle and nerve function, it’s a “use it or lose it” situation.

We know what some of you are thinking - “How am I supposed to exercise a dog that can’t walk?”

Exercise comes in many forms and the custom treatment plan we prescribe to your pet will include several Target Exercises that are meant to safely maximize the function your pet still has and encourage the return of function they lost. Often, exercises for recumbent pets don’t appear to be exercise at all, when they are in fact powerful contributors to your pet’s recovery. Many are intended to “remind” the body how it’s supposed to work.

The connection may be interrupted, but keeping the functioning nerves firing and trying to connect the tissues to the brain encourages nerve tissue to repair and regrowth.

Even if a pet can’t move its legs or feel their feet on the ground, the nerves in their feet are still receiving information & trying to communicate that information to the brain.

Other exercises are intended to harness the power of reflexive movement.

Think of how your foot will curl if the underside is lightly tickled. You didn’t consciously tell your foot to do that, but those muscles were still activated and the movement happened without you even thinking about it. The same concept applies to your dog!

With the right approach, we can stimulate your pet’s nerve function AND activate their reflexes to encourage muscle contraction, which can then later translate into kicking, standing, preventing falls, and hopefully walking. Of course, actively using muscles in the way we usually associate with exercise will always result in better and faster muscle growth, but any movement is better than none.

While there’s no way to guarantee it, this reflexive movement can eventually become conscious movement for some patients.

For recumbent/non-ambulatory dogs that are expected to make any kind of recovery, the first stages of exercise often appear tedious and insignificant. We start by re-teaching the dog to be able to lay sternally, where its legs are underneath them and their head is up, and after that, sitting up. These might seem like simple things, but strength, stamina, proprioception, and balance are crucial to be able to do these simple things and when we start, your dog may have very little strength, stamina, or balance and they may not have any proprioception at all.

Once they are able to sit unassisted, we start working on standing. Your dog has likely spent a noteworthy amount of time just laying down, not supporting their own weight, so we have to retrain the body to be able to hold itself up again. This is where weight management plays a huge role in the level of difficulty your dog experiences during recovery.

Getting to the point of standing may take weeks to months and during that entire time, you will still be responsible for all the movement and maintenance that your dog cannot do on their own and we will be working/supporting all aspects of your dog’s body to encourage healing and recovery.

Fortunately, while conscious movement is the best case scenario, it isn’t always required for walking. Not all patients can regain conscious movement of their legs but many instead learn something called a “spinal walk”.

Spinal Walking is when a dog still doesn’t have sensation or proprioception in their legs, but they develop a reflexive walk.

Since the signals aren’t getting through the spinal cord to the brain (and vice versa), they are instead relying on more basic reflex signals to get their legs moving enough for them to be able to walk.

This reflexive walk isn’t always pretty but it is functional and if we’re given the choice between paralysis and a goofy looking walk, we’ll take goofy any day of the week!

Electricity, Needles, Lasers, & Sound Waves

We utilize a mixture of clinically proven therapy modalities to help our patients feel better and recover faster. Our facility is outfitted with a variety of medical grade equipment including two Class IIIB Therapeutic Lasers, a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) unit, a Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) unit, and a Therapeutic Ultrasound machine.

For your pet’s safety, these medical devices should only be used by experienced veterinary professionals.

Electrostimulation

Neurological injury or disease are the most common reasons for pets to be recumbent or non-ambulatory as they interfere with nerve signal transmission & can result in phantom pain, incontinence, incoordination, weakness, and/or paralysis.

Your pet cannot regain their ability to walk if their muscles aren’t working, & muscles won’t move if nerve signals to initiate movement aren’t getting delivered.

Electrostimulation involves shaving small patches of your pet’s fur to place small, sticky electrodes over areas where motor nerves enter the muscle or the muscle belly itself, then introducing gentle electrical currents to help the nerves "practice" transmitting signals again. The more the neural pathways "practice", the more likely they are to heal or regenerate, potentially restoring your pet's mobility. E-stim also causes involuntary muscle contraction, helping to maintain musculature, improve circulation, & relieve tension.

Voluntary movement will always be superior to the involuntary movement made by E-stim, but some movement is better than none. 

E-Stim can be combined with PROM or target exercises for greater effect or used to amplify other treatments such as with Electroacupuncture. Replicating normal limb use or additional tactile stimulus, like tickling the toes, can be particularly helpful to maximize nerve activation & retrain muscle fibers.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture originates from Traditional Chinese Medicine & the concept of Qi. It is believed that placing needles in specific points along the body's Meridians unblocks disruptions to Qi flow that might cause illness.

Modern science found that modifying this technique to stimulate specific nerves & muscle groups initiated endorphin release, increased blood flow, & increased nerve activity resulting in pain relief & improved healing.

It can also be combined with E-Stim to enhance the benefits of both modalities as the acupuncture needles allow gentle electrical currents to bypass the skin, giving direct access to the nerves & muscle beneath.

Many animals tolerate Acupuncture quite well. The needles used are sterile and extremely thin, so while the tissue's response to the needle can feel a little funny at first, it is generally not painful. The biggest factor for success is a pet's ability to sit still so that we can safely place the needles & keep them in place for the duration of the session. Plenty of pets relax or even fall asleep once they recognize the comfort that Acupuncture provides.

Laser Therapy

Laser is an acronym for Light Amplification of Stimulated Emission of Radiation and Laser Therapy involves applying that focused light into the tissues to achieve Photobiomodulation (the alteration of cellular function).

Photobiomodulation can help with tissue repair, most notably in patients with chronic pain and/or injury. Studies have also shown that Laser Therapy promotes accelerated nerve regeneration and improved functional recovery of peripheral nerves.

Pain relief from Laser Therapy may be dramatic & substantial, lasting for hours, days, or weeks.

Therapy is commonly described as a very soothing, warm sensation. Many patients feel a significant reduction in pain with just one treatment, but some patients need multiple treatments before they start feeling the effects. The effects of Laser Therapy treatment are cumulative, so patients that get successive treatments will benefit more than a patient that only gets one treatment every once in a while.

It’s important to note that we exclusively utilize veterinary medical grade Class IIIb "Cold" Therapeutic Lasers to maximize efficacy & safety.

Lasers of this caliber are not available for purchase by the general public & the devices that are readily available do not have enough power to achieve the same results. Check out The Low Down on Laser for more information.

Therapeutic Ultrasound

We typically think of Ultrasound as the diagnostic imaging machine doctors use to see inside the body, such as during pregnancy. Therapeutic Ultrasound is not for diagnostic imaging but uses the same technology to create heat deeper into the soft tissues than external sources, like heat packs, can reach, thus facilitating tissue healing & reducing pain.

Ultrasound is particularly useful for patients that have developed Muscle Contracture.

Tissues that are warm are better oxygenated & more flexible, allowing for optimal stretching that makes it possible to safely regain range of motion more quickly.

Ultrasonic waves can't travel through air, so it is best to shave off a small patch of fur at each area to be treated & apply a generous amount of ultrasound jelly. Treatment lasts several minutes for each area & causes a painless, warming sensation. Many patients relax & snuggle while they wait. For most cases, stretching & exercise commences immediately after treatment.

Underwater Treadmill Hydrotherapy

Once we’ve utilized our other modalities to prepare your pet’s body and deemed it safe for them to participate, initiating Underwater Treadmill Hydrotherapy is immensely helpful in supporting their return to mobility. In addition to providing low impact, high resistance exercise, the buoyancy the water provides gently lifts your pet’s body, allowing them to move more than they could on land. The more movement they can manage, the more their muscles can regrow and the more their nerves can heal or regenerate.

Patients often start to demonstrate regained strength & coordination in the water long before they do on dry land.

Many patients that don't like baths or swimming find Hydrotherapy in our Underwater Treadmills enjoyable thanks to the gentle introduction to the water. Your dog will walk onto a dry treadmill belt, then warm water slowly & quietly rises to their customized specifications. Throughout your dog’s Rehab journey, we'll alter the water level, belt speed, duration, & reps to perfectly tailor their hydrotherapy session & maximize their recovery.

Pro Tip: Swimming is NOT safe or effective therapy for most recumbent/non-ambulatory patients!

Swimming requires fast, intense motion that causes the spine to move in a twisting motion, overworks some muscle groups while underutilizing others, and can be very hard on your pet’s joints - all things your pet needs to avoid if they are to recover. Using an Underwater Treadmill provides a controlled hydrotherapy environment that encourages the slow, deliberate movement required to safely build muscle and improve coordination without causing excess strain to any other areas of the body, making it the safest option for fragile patients. Check out our article, The Deep Dive into Swimming for more details.

A New Set of Wheels

Some clients elect to pursue a cart (sometimes referred to as a wheelchair) for their

dog, but this option is highly dependent on the individual dog’s condition. 

Pro Tip: We strongly advise against the use of a cart for any dog that has the potential to regain mobility, as it is likely to prevent recovery.

If it is not possible to pursue physical rehabilitation therapy or your pet’s prognosis for return to independent mobility is poor, a cart may be a good option. Not all dogs are good candidates for this and it’s quite the investment so it’s important for pet parents to approach this with realistic expectations. 

Carts for animals do not work the same way as a wheelchair for humans & require significant physical strength & stamina from the dog.

While using a cart, dogs are forced to rely on the functional parts of their body to move their entire body weight AND the weight of the cart with fewer opportunities to rest as, unlike human wheelchairs that allow the user to sit and recover, dogs are unable to sit or lay down until removed from their cart. This means that cart candidates must be physically fit enough to withstand the challenge.

Dogs that are good candidates should be fitted for a custom-built cart.

Barry was professionally measured by the CROC Team & his rear wheel cart was built specifically for his body shape & size.

This cart is a popular online purchase, but comes in a limited range of sizes. It rarely fits well & can result in pain & even injury.

Dog bodies come in every shape, size, and proportion, so their medical devices should be chosen with great care and/or custom made for them. The only company we recommend for carts is Eddie’s Wheels whom we regularly collaborate with by performing cart measurements and providing long term cart support to the pets we measure. Over the years, we have seen many other carts and found serious flaws in all of them, with some even causing severe pain for the dog using it. For this reason, we recommend approaching

To learn more about carts for dogs

Visit our articles The Wheel Deal: Let’s Talk About Carts & The Wheel Deal Part 2: You Got the Cart; Now What?.

Keep Them Healthy Lean!

It’s important to find and maintain just the right balance of nutrition and exercise so that your pet has enough fuel for healing and exercise without adding unnecessary weight.

We generally recommend a Body Condition Score (BCS) of about 4 out of 9.

The less weight there is for them to haul around, the less strain is imposed on their already weakened body. Many recumbent dogs are also old enough to have developed arthritis, so all the more reason to reduce any extra work on their joints. For more information visit our article Body Condition Score & Canine Weight Loss.

Pain Medication & Supplements

Since there are many reasons a dog may become recumbent, it can be difficult to recommend any medications or supplements across the board but it is important to treat any sources of pain as pain will inhibit your pet’s ability to heal. CROC does not prescribe medications, but we can help evaluate your pet’s current pain management plan and give you the information you need to discuss it with your regular veterinarian. Check out our article Pain Meds & Supplements to learn more.

Medical Marijuana & CBD

CROC strongly discourages the use of marijuana products for canine patients.

While emerging research shows some promise for cannabis based treatments in veterinary medicine, there is still much more to be done to prove safety and efficacy. The lack of regulation is highly concerning as there have been countless reports of harmful, even life threatening, ingredients being used in products marketed for pets. Lethargy and incoordination are common side effects of marijuana so recumbent and non-ambulatory patients that are already weak and have diminished coordination make poor candidates for these products.

Cannabis products marketed for pets are not currently regulated in California & multiple incidents of harmful, even life threatening, ingredients in these products have been reported.

Chiropractic Manipulation

We know this is can be a soft spot and that many people enjoy chiropractic for themselves. In Veterinary Medicine, Chiropractic is a very controversial and divisive topic. We do not want to shame anyone for previous choices made with the intention of helping their pet. We do feel compelled as thoroughly educated Veterinary Medical Professionals to share our perspective.

Human Chiropractic has been practiced since the late 19th Century but is still in contention regarding its efficacy today.

At CROC, we have treated multiple patients that were receiving chiropractic care and were in significant pain when they came to us, which resolved when chiropractic sessions stopped while proper Physical Rehabilitation Therapy continued. 

CROC does not offer Chiropractic services because not a single one of the many Board-Certified Specialists we’ve consulted with will approve or recommend Chiropractic therapy.

In addition, the American Veterinary Medical Association, America’s leader in advancing the science and practice of veterinary medicine to improve animal and human health, has not published any policies supporting Chiropractic. Reviewing Chiropractic on a basic level -  Chiropractic treatment involves applying jarring and intense force on the body, which is also one of the worst things for a patient that has spinal instability or just had spinal surgery.

At this time, there are no Peer-Reviewed studies to substantiate claims that Chiropractic is an appropriate or safe treatment for Veterinary patients.

If your pet has a spinal condition such as Intervertebral Disc Disease, the force of Chiropractic can cause serious injury up to and including permanent paralysis.

This is the normal healthy spine of a young dog. Notice that the vertebrae & the spaces between them are very well defined

This is a senior dog with severe Spondylosis Deformans (spinal osteoarthritis).

As intervertebral disks degrade, the spine starts to move abnormally and osteophytes (bone spurs) will form in an attempt to stabilize each joint. Eventually, osteophytes can become so severe that they bridge between each vertebrae. At this point, we have a spine that is poorly cushioned by degraded intervertebral disks and surrounded by extra bone.

Bone rubbing on bone and nerve impingement become chronic sources of pain and stiffness. Pain and stiffness are common reasons that pet owners will pursue Chiropractic for their pet.

Could you imagine applying jarring and intense force on a spine like this?!?! OUCH!!!

If your dog is experiencing enough pain that you are exploring other treatments like Chiropractic, please check in with us or your regular veterinarian first. There are certainly better and safer options for pain relief available.

We're here for you & your dog

Overall, caring for the recumbent/non-ambulatory dog is a tall order. There's a lot to consider when deciding how to move forward, but having realistic expectations for yourself and your dog can help make the situation a bit easier to manage. The CROC team is here to support you and offer advice at any time during your pet's journey but it's also a good idea to find support with your regular veterinarian and others within your household.