Equine and Small Animal Chiropractic Services

Dr. Pribyl completed 210 hours of animal chiropractic training at Options For Animals Animal Chiropractic College. The course consisted of five, one week modules taken over a five month period. Dr. Pribyl was tested on each module and completed a final comprehensive examination and practical examination following the final module. She also received certification from the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA) after completing their written and hands-on examination.

Animal chiropractic is a therapy that can be used in conjunction with primary veterinary care to improve and maintain the health of the patient. Chiropractic focuses on the biomechanics of the spinal column and its relationship with the nervous system.

A chiropractic examination is performed by gathering a thorough patient history, gait evaluation, gross observation for asymmetry of muscle and bony structures, palpation for heat/muscle tone/pain, and motion palpation. The joints of the spine are examined by motion palpation for vertebral subluxation complexes. A vertebral subluxation complex is present when there is limited mobility within a joint. Where vertebral subluxations occur, there is a loss of normal flexibility which can result in stiffness and altered performance. Subluxations in the spine can have a negative impact on the function of the nervous system by affecting the nerves that exit between the vertebrae.

The vertebral subluxation complex is treated by a chiropractic adjustment. A chiropractic adjustment is a high velocity (very fast), low amplitude (gentle), thrust in a very specific line of correction in the plane of the joint. The doctor’s hands are used to perform the adjustment.

Animals are exposed to a variety of situations in daily life that can lead to vertebral subluxation complexes including:

• Trauma
• Transport
• Performance demands
• Saddle/collar fit
• Age
• Lack of movement
• Chronic health issues/lameness
• Difficult births

Some of the symptoms of vertebral subluxations in the horse include:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased performance
• Sensitivity to touch
• Abnormal posture
• Abnormal gait