Animal Chiropractic Care

Dr. Dr. Shana Buchanan, MBA, Certified in Veterinary Acupuncture, Certified in Veterinary Chiropractic, Veterinary Food Therapist, Certified in Chinese Veterinary Herbs

Chiropractors view the spine as the fundamental aspect of overall health.  Since the spine houses the nervous system, any abnormality of the spine affects the entire body.  Therefore, the nervous system is the governor of the body, and a chiropractor’s goal is to maintain proper spinal alignment.  In general, chiropractic is a drug-free approach to pet health care.  A few terms associated with chiropractic are vertebral subluxation, homeostasis, adjustment, and innate intelligence.  A subluxation is defined as a joint that does not properly move compared to other adjacent joints.  Therefore, a subluxation is a misalignment or joint dysfunction.  This is not only confined to the spine, but the majority of the subluxations are vertebral subluxations.  Homeostasis is defined as an internal stability and equilibrium of an organism.  This is achieved by adapting or eliminating an environmental stimulus.  Chiropractic helps the body’s internal balance or homeostatic state since adjustments eliminate any hindrance on nerve function.  An adjustment is a short lever, high velocity controlled thrust by the hand that is directed at specific articulations to correct subluxations.  The purpose of an adjustment is to realign the joints so that normal movement can occur and eliminate nerve interference.  This eliminates any pain or discomfort and allows for proper neurologic function to ensue.   Innate intelligence is the body’s ability to heal itself.  Chiropractic care removes any hindrance to this natural process and allows the body’s healing process to occur.  Additionally, innate intelligence of the body encompasses the body’s natural ability to adapt to changes in its internal and external environments in order to maintain a state of health.  In order for proper chiropractic care of your pet, a history and examination are required.  The examination includes posture analysis, gait analysis, vertebral and extremity static palpation, vertebral and extremity motion palpation, orthopedic evaluation and neurological evaluation.  The examination takes place upon your pet’s entrance into the clinic.  Observing the animal’s demeanor and ambulation into and out of the office is vital in the examination.  Even though you might only see the motion and static palpation, the examination starts as soon as you walk through the door!

The individuals who are allowed to adjust animals are Doctors of Veterinary Medicine (DVMs) and Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) who have gone through a certification process.  A DC must work under a DVMs recommendation in Texas.  The certification consists attending an Animal Chiropractic Accreditation Commission (ACAC) of the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) accredited animal chiropractic program which includes 280 plus classroom and laboratory instruction hours.  After successfully passing the ACAC exit exam, the DVM or DC will sit for the Animal Chiropractic Certification Commission (ACCC) written and practical examinations.  After passing these three tests, the certified doctor must obtain 30 hours of approved Continual Education (CE) every 3 years.  

The national affiliate of animal chiropractors is the AVCA.  The website contains information such as finding an accredited animal chiropractor in your area and additional information on the benefits of chiropractic.  The website address is www.animalchiropractic.org.   If you have any questions regarding animal chiropractic care, please, feel free to contact me at the office, or you can search the above website for further information. 

Acupuncture

Dr. Shana Buchanan, MBA, Certified in Veterinary Acupuncture, Certified in Veterinary Chiropractic, Veterinary Food Therapist, Certified in Chinese Veterinary Herbs
As you recall, TCVM includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, and food therapy.   Additionally, TCVM recognizes patterns of disease and imbalance in the body, and the treatment is to bring the body back into balance, or homeostasis.  Since TCVM deals with energy, it does not identify diseases the same as Western Medicine.  Identification of patterns of disharmony is accomplished through examination, tongue and pulse diagnostics, and history.  The treatment plan is then formed in order to bring the body back into homeostasis.  Acupuncture is an excellent method of bringing the body back into balance.  Acupuncture point stimulation is used to stimulate the body’s intrinsic healing mechanism in order to restore vitality.  Furthermore, acupuncture not only deals with the internal problems but the external environmental factors that influence the body.  In contrast, Western Medicine tries to replace deficiencies and does not examine the external environment.  This is why an integrative approach of using both TCVM and Western Medicine can help the body heal quicker with fewer side effects. 

As stated previously, acupuncture deals with energy, Qi, and the body’s natural ability to heal itself.  The term acupuncture derives from the Latin words:  acus meaning needle and pungare meaning to pierce.  Acupuncture is performed by placing small, solid, metal needles into specific locations in the body, acupuncture points, to prevent and treat disease.  After inserting needles the needles can either be left in place for a particular amount of time, have moxa, or mugwart, burned on the tips, or have electrodes connected to stimulate the area, similar to a TENS unit. 

How do we know where acupuncture points are located and their uses?  Acupuncture points have been studied for over 3,500 years.  Therefore, the points that are used have been thoroughly researched and anecdotally proven through centuries of evidence.  It is believed that each acupoint communicates with a specific organ and reflects the conditions of that organ or meridian.  When the organ or meridian has changes, the related points may become sensitive or show altered signs such as cold or heat.  The stimulation of each point by acupuncture can reach the related organ via the point and the meridian.  When scientists dissected acupuncture points, it was discovered that the majority of points had an associated artery, vein and nerve.  For the main artery, vein and nerve groups it was recognized that these groupings were TCVM Master and Influential Points of the body.  The smaller groupings have influential affects on the body but at a smaller scale.  There are some points on the body that do not relate to definitive acupuncture points.  These points are called “Trigger Points,” or “Ahshi Points.”  Ahshi points are sensitive, nonspecific acupoints that reflects pain or abnormalities associated with that certain part of the body.  Therefore, an acupuncture treatment will consist of points for the organ, the meridian, and local points that are identified. 

The big question is what can acupuncture treat?  In my opinion, most, if not all diseases, should have an integrative approach of treating the animal with TCVM and Western Medicine.  The animal will only benefit by this dual modality.  Additionally, this modality does not have to be an even split between the two methods but a cognizant approach to the animal.  There will be times that a patient’s environment, weight, and activity level needs to be addressed before, during and after the treatments in order for acupuncture to be efficacious and have favorable outcomes.  Additionally, acupuncture treatments will occasionally not produce the desired effects as a result of the disease process.  Here is a brief, and incomplete, list of acupuncture treatments:

• Analgesia, analgesia, analgesia!!
• Neurologic Disorders:  nerve growth stimulation and trauma recovery
• Emergency Medicine:  respiratory arrest, shock, CPR
• Cardiovascular Disease:  blood pressure, arrhythmias, heart failure
• Chronic Respiratory Conditions:  chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, acute/ chronic upper respiratory disease, allergic and infectious tracheobronchitis
• Gastrointestinal Disorders:  motility, gastric ulcers, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
• Reproductive Disorders:  anestrus, cystic ovaries, impotence, abortion/dystocia, retained placenta, uterine prolapse, post operative spay/castration analgesia
• Immunologic Disorders:  FIV, feline lymphocytic-plasmacytic gingivitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), immune-mediated joint disease, feline bronchial disease
• Dermatology Disorders:  pyoderma, anal sac disease

In conclusion, acupuncture is a treatment modality that will only benefit the animal by correcting the problem, relaxing the pet, and bringing the body back into balance.  The best aspect of acupuncture is that you cannot overdose the animal since this is typically a benign form of treatment. Acupuncture cannot change conformation, heal fractures, nor make neoplastic growths resolve as a sole treatment modality.  However, acupuncture can alleviate certain problems associated with structural issues or secondary problems associated with diseases of the body. 

Alternative Veterinary Medicine

r        Dr. Shana Buchanan, MBA, Certified in Veterinary Acupuncture, Certified in Veterinary Chiropractic, Veterinary Food Therapist, Certified in Chinese Veterinary Herbs
               
TCVM has been used to treat animals in China for thousand of years.  TCVM was developed by trial and error in order to understand domestic animal diseases.  This process began in the pre-historic times to the present day while continuing to grow with the incorporation of new information through the generations, similar to Conventional Western Medicine.  Chinese Medicine, or Eastern Medicine, believes in balance and energy, and practitioners recognize animal diseases as an imbalance in the body.  The body is an integrated, energetic structure and a disturbance of energy flow creates disease processes in the entire organism.  When a disease pattern is identified, TCVM can restore balance and health by helping the body regulate itself.  Diagnostic tests of TCVM include pulse palpation, tongue evaluation, specific acupuncture point palpation, and history.  The aspects of TCVM include:  Yin and Yang, Meridians, Qi, Zang-Fu Organs, and Five Elements. 

            Yin and Yang is symbolized by the above Tai diagram.  This symbolizes harmony in the universe.  The circle represents the universe and is equally divided into Yin (black and female) and Yang (white and male).  They are continuously merged since a small circle of Yin is within Yang and vice versa.   The Yin descends to nourish Yang, and Yang rises to support Yin.  Yin and Yang compose and divide all things yet they cycle unceasingly in the state of eternal transformation. 

            The Meridians are pathways by which Qi and Blood circulate throughout the body.  The pathways are not physically visible.  However, they unify all parts of the organism, connecting the internal organs with the external body, thus maintaining harmony and equilibrium.  Along each meridian, there are special points called acupuncture points.  These specific points are used as acupuncture diagnostic points and treatments for diseases. 

            The Qi is the force or energy that controls the harmony in any living body.  Qi has been referred to as the vital force or life energy that activates and maintains the life process.  Most of the Qi can be replenished from proper nutrition, regular exercise, and the environment.  Certain types of Qi cannot be replenished since they are only formed during conception.  TCVM manipulates and regulates Qi flow through the Meridian channels.

            The Zang-Fu Organs are the internal organs that are Yin or Yang.  An animal’s health depends upon the function of these organs.  The Fu, or Yang, organs are hollow organs of the body.  Fu organs function to absorb nutrients and eliminate waste products.  The Fu organs are the stomach, small intestines, large intestine, gall bladder, bladder, and triple heater.  The Zang, or Yin, organs are solid organs of the body.  Zang organs process the absorbed nutritive substances and store the metabolic products.  The Zang organs are the liver, spleen, kidney, heart, lung, and pericardium.  Each of the Zang-Fu organs is represented by the Meridian system on the external portion of the body. 

            The five elements involved in TCVM are the elements of the natural world.  The elements are Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth.  The Zang-Fu organs are categorized by these, and therefore, the elements describe the nature of the Zang-Fu organs with their inter-relationship between the body and the natural world.  The five element theory helps veterinarians in the clinical diagnosis of disease and disease treatments.               

            TCVM veterinarians help regulate the balance of the body by influencing the Yin and Yang, the Qi, the Meridians, and the Zang-Fu organs of the body.  First, this is accomplished by performing acupuncture on a weekly basis for 6-8 weeks, then gradually decreasing the frequency to the most effective level.  A second method of regulating the body balance is by herb therapy.  Herbs should be given in combination with acupuncture treatments and not alone and should only be prescribed by a veterinarian.  A third method of regulating the body’s balance is by food therapy.  Different foods contain certain properties that will help the body heal and prevent diseases.  However, food therapy for veterinary patients should be explored with caution.  Veterinarians should perform acupuncture treatments and prescribe herbal and food therapies for veterinary patients.  All animals can benefit from TCVM treatments, and I believe that an integrative approach of incorporating Western and Eastern Medicine will have maximum benefits for the patient. 

References

Schoen, A. (2001).  Veterinary Acupuncture:  Ancient Art to Modern Medicine (2nd ed.). Missouri:           Mosby, Inc.

Schwartz, C. (1996).  Four Paws Five Directions:  A Guide to Chinese Medicine for Cats and Dogs.         California:  Celestial Arts Publishing. 

Xie, H & Preast, V. (2002).  Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine:  Volume 1 Fundamental     Principles.  Florida:  Jing Tang.

Xie, H & Preast V. (2007).  Xie’s Veterinary Acupuncture.  Iowa:  Blackwell Publishing.