Chiropractic Care

The traditional application of feline and canine chiropractic care is for back pain other orthopedic disease, but routine visits can improve many aspects of a pet's life! Owners often report that their dog or cat has more energy and stays healthier, longer!

Chiropractic care is centered on the nervous system and joints. A misalignment of these joints (called a chiropractic subluxation) can negatively affect nerve function, especially if it is in the spine. Altered nerve function can lead to a number of problems, including pain, fatigue, muscle weakness, poor balance and immune system suppression. An adjustment in designed to restore proper alignment to joints and restore natural function to the nervous system. Through this, chiropractic care works to eliminate the cause of problems instead of simply treating the symptoms!

Dr. Sivula gently feels along this dog's spine to evaluate the vertebra and check for chiropractic subluxations.

But what causes our pets to have chiropractic issues? A simple car ride with unexpected starts and stops, landing a little off balance or pulling on a leash can all affect your dog or cat's spine. Long toenails can lead to changes in gait, or lameness in one leg can influence shifting in posture. These simple things can lead to chiropractic subluxations anywhere in the body. Age can also lead to problems in the spine and vertebra as cartilage breaks down. Being overweight is also a common contributing factor to chiropractic problems.

It is important to mention that Dr. Sivula is a certified member of  the AVCA - the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. AVCA doctors have undergone intensive post-graduate courses that require a minimum of 200 hours of study, and have passed a certification exam similar to that administered for a state license to practice medicine. It is also mandatory that AVCA doctors attend continuing education classes on a yearly basis to keep current on new and advanced techniques.

Most pets find an adjustment very relaxing, and it is very unusual for a dog or cat to be sore after a treatment. Dr. Siuvla will begin with a thorough examination that includes palpation of all your pet's joints and a complete case history. The frequency of recheck visits depends on each individual patient.