Veterinary Chiropractic
Dr. Brandon Gates is certified in veterinary chiropractic by the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA) to work on all species, including dogs, cats, horses, and farm animals.
The IVCA is an international non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in the field of Veterinary Chiropractic. The association endeavours to establish consistently high standards of Veterinary Chiropractic through approved educational courses, certification examinations and the membership code of conduct and standard of proficiency.
Membership to the IVCA is only granted to qualified veterinarians or chiropractors (or individuals qualified in both professions) upon successful completion of approved veterinary chiropractic postgraduate training, successful completion of the IVCA certification exam and adherence to membership rules and regulations.
Dr. Gates is a graduate of Options for Animals College of Animal Chiropractic. Options for Animals was founded in 1989 by Dr. Sharon Willoughby who was a veterinarian and chiropractor. Options for Animals is the original veterinary chiropractic school.
Options for Animals was founded and is still bound by the following principles:
-
Relieve the pain and suffering for animals through the benefits of chiropractic care which is our ultimate goal.
-
Advance chiropractic as a health care choice for animals in the world community.
-
Create a new profession of animal health care synthesized from veterinary and chiropractic practice.
-
Encourage the interaction of the veterinary and chiropractic professions into one of mutual respect with the health of our animal patients of paramount importance in the pursuit of common goals.
-
Teach based on love, the spirit of discovery, and a commitment to give.
-
Bear the burdens of the pioneer so that the path will be clearer and straighter for those that follow.
What you can expect from an animal chiropractic visit:
Evaluation
A detailed case history consisting of information from the owner, prior x-rays or laboratory analysis, and previous diagnoses and therapies are the foundation of a successful evaluation. A thorough chiropractic evaluation includes an examination of the animal prior to an adjustment. This examination includes: posture, gait analysis, vertebral and extremity static and motion palpation.
Diagnosis
Information from the case history and the examination are combined to determine the best treatment plan for your animal. During our examination, we look for abnormal or restricted movement of the joints of the spine and extremities which have an effect on the nervous system and the entire body. This diagnosis of the underlying problem(s), known as a vertebral subluxation complex, separates animal chiropractic from spinal manipulation.
Treatment
The adjustments given to animls typically involve gentle, high force, low amplitude thrusts to the spine and/or extremity joints applied in a specific way in order to restor normal movement. Adjustments to an animal is very different compared to an adjustment to a person. The anatomy and angles of the joints are quite different, and if a professional is not properly trained, your pet could be at greater risk of injury. These adjustments involve little or no pain and most animals enjoy being adjusted.
Results
The typical response to chiropractic care ranges from immediate improvement to improvement within the first 24 to 72 hours. The results depend upon several variables such as the length of time from the intial development of clinical signs, age of the animal, the severity of the decreased/restricted motion of the joints of the spine and or extremities, etc. Animals with more severe issues can show great improvement in the first few days to a week and then may have a relapse of the initial complaint. This is not unusual as this is a healing process. Therefore, it is important to make note of this relapse to help gauge your animal’s rate of response and probable healing time. Normally after the first 2 or 3 adjustments then most initial relapses are resolved as the animal responds positively.
Follow-up
A follow-up adjustment may be required in 1 to 2 weeks to continue the healing process. If improvement is noted then the follow-up visits may be spread out further. Depending on the severity of the issue, chiropractic maintenance care usually is recommended anywhere from once monthly to once every six months. Our overall goal is to help your pet maintain their optimal health without relying on pharmaceuticals.