As an adjunct to traditional veterinary care, animal chiropractic offers a hands-on, non-surgical and drug-free approach to your animals’ health and well-being. Animal chiropractic is an effective alternative therapy aimed at detecting and correcting many bone/joint, disc and soft tissue disorders related to subtle vertebral misalignments (sometimes referred to as, "subluxations") and the improper spinal biomechanics they cause. 

After conducting a thorough health history and physical examination of your animal, animal chiropractors use their hands to carefully palpate and identify areas of the spine that are not moving as well as others. Restricted movement between two adjacent vertebrae -- known together as a "motion unit" -- can interrupt the nerves that exit between the affected vertebrae, leading to pain and impaired function of the muscles and tissues they innervate.  

To correct these restricted areas of the spine, animal chiropractors use their hands to deliver a high velocity, low amplitude thrust at precise angles specific to the joint plane in order to restore proper movement of the motion unit. Maintaining proper structural alignment permits optimal functioning of the nerves, muscles and soft tissues surrounding the joints, resulting in pain relief, and improved movement, stance and flexibility. Many animal chiropractors often include soft tissue therapy (similar to massage), range of motion exercises and education for the owner as part of their comprehensive treatment. Animal chiropractors will recommend a course of treatment and will work closely with your veterinarian to provide the best quality of care for your animal. 

Dr. Taron Carruthers is a human chiropractor who has taken extensive, post-graduate training in veterinary chiropractic techniques. She graduated with honours from the Veterinary Chiropractic Learning centre in 2014 and has successfully completed the international competency board examinations set forth by the College of Animal Chiropractors. She is an avid equestrian and life-long horse and dog owner and continues to be amazed at the positive impact chiropractic care has provided her clients, as well as animals of her own.  She offers mobile chiropractic services and also offers small-animal in-clinic appointments at Mountain Chiropractic & Natural Health in Collingwood, Ontario.