Minnesota Animal Chiropractic: Nina

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Nina sees the chiropractor
On October 21st, Nina the Irish Wolfhound had her first visit to the chiropractor. She was seen by Dr. Josee Gerard at Valley View Veterinary Hospital in St. Croix Falls, WI. Nina was being seen due to concerns about her right hip. She had slipped and fallen in the kitchen and seemed to be favoring her right hind leg when going for walks.
Dr. Gerard began by taking a full history on Nina. She asked questions about Nina's most recent veterinary appointments and about our chief concern, Nina's hip.

	After taking the history, Dr. Gerard performed a full spinal exam on Nina, palpating for areas of subluxation in her spinal column. “Subluxation” is the term used to describe a joint that is not functioning properly. Dysfunction in the joints of the spine can affect the nerves that exit the spinal column and go to all the muscles and organs of the body. When these nerves are irritated, pain or organ dysfunction can result. Nina's examination revealed areas of subluxation in her pelvis, between her shoulders, and at the base of her skull.

Dr. Gerard performed the adjustments on Nina that were indicated by the examination. The adjustments were performed either by hand or with a chiropractic tool called an "Integrator®". The Integrator is a hand-held, spring-loaded instrument that is preset by the doctor and delivers an instantaneous and highly focused impulse through it's rubber tip when the instrument is pressed against the vertebrae or other bone to be adjusted. As you can see from the photos, this was a non-stressful event for Nina, who layed quietly and played with her green pepper stuffed toy.
After Nina's adjustments were complete, Dr. Gerard performed a reassessment by observing Nina's gait and watching for the "shake" that dogs so frequently do after their chiropractic treatment. Careful observation of this natural "shake" behavior can help the doctor determine if subluxated areas of the spine have been sufficiently corrected. Nina gave a good one that went all the way from head to tail!	During the final part of the appointment, Dr. Gerard gave Nina's owner some home care instructions and information on what to expect from Nina after her adjustments. Nina's owner is happy to report that following her initial appointment Nina's gait was markedly improved, setting the stage for continued joint health and pain-free evening walks for Nina!