completion of this program is mandatory for those who wish to practice animal chiropractic. ANIMAL ATHLETES So, why is animal chiropractic becoming more widely used in the animal athletic world? The simple answer is that chiro- practic works as well for animals as it does for humans. As you might expect, the basic prin- ciples of chiropractic apply to our four- legged friends much as they do to us. Animal chiropractors are seeing the same problems with dogs, cats, and even rab- bits, as they have seen with their human patients. The results, then, when apply- ing this experience to animals, are pre- dictably fantastic. But the realm in which animal chi- ropractic seems to be most appreciated is the world of animal sporting events. Many animal chiropractors are visiting horse barns, treating the likes of thor- oughbreds, trotters, pacers, jumpers and equestrian horses. As well, they are be- coming sought after by participant and trial organizers in dog events, causing them to set up shop at canine athletic events such as fl yball, agility, dock dogs and retriever trials. Why are animal chiropractors becom- ing necessary for the competitors at these events? Could it be that it helps the animals feel better? Can it help correct the cause of their problems? Does it help maintain the health of their animal? Absolutely. It certainly does all that. However, the main reason handlers bring their animals to the chiropractor is because they have found that it gives them a competitive edge. Performance enhancement! Canine and equine sports, just like human sports, are dependent on deter- mining “who can do the job in the most effi cient manner.” The competitor that does the best – wins! Chiropractic ad- justments are giving these animals the ability to compete at their potential as well as enjoy their sport right through their senior years. In the summer of 2007, four animal chiropractors were invited to attend the Agility Association of Canada’s National Championships. More than 600 dogs from all over Canada and the U.S. were registered for the event. The four animal chiropractors performed approximately 200 canine adjustments that weekend. www.canadianchiropractor.ca When many of the handlers were asked why they wanted their dog checked, the answer was, “I want to make sure that my dog can run well this weekend. No aches. No pains. Just keep my dog’s body working effi ciently.” What would most chiropractors do to have a human prac- tice like that? PROVINCIAL REGULATIONS FOR ANIMAL CHIROPRACTIC Animal chiropractic regulations vary considerably from province to province and from state to state. In Canada, On- tario seems to be the least restrictive. Chiropractors can see animal patients as prime contact therapists although there are a number of restrictions. No referral is required, although many veterinarians are referring patients on a regular basis. However, some jurisdictions allow chiropractors to work on animals only on a referral basis while others require a veterinarian to actually be present when a chiropractor adjusts an animal. Other areas restrict chiropractic treatment completely, and a few have absolutely no regulations at all. Provincial and state regulations may apply as there are health issues to be considered. For those concerned about profes- sional liability, The Canadian Chiroprac- tic Protective Association (CCPA), as well as a number of private companies, now offer animal coverage. TRAINING TO BE AN ANIMAL CHIROPRACTOR Most jurisdictions that allow animal chiropractic require that veterinarians and chiropractors take a course that is certifi ed by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA). It is an intensive 220-hour course taught in fi ve modules, with ongoing theoretical and practical examinations. The course outline includes anatomy, basic and advanced neurology, scientifi c validity, biomechanics, ethics and legalities, reha- bilitation therapy, alternative and com- plementary therapy, modalities, basic chiropractic techniques for small animals and horses, case presentations, philoso- phy, alternative techniques, veterinary pathology, chiropractic pathology, and advanced chiropractic techniques. There is also a sizable home study component. You might fi nd “weekend” courses of- fered by other organizations, but few of Above: Dr. McCarthy with Vibe (left) and Piper (right) Below: Athletes line up to be adjusted by Dr. Gloria Bracchetti at national competition. them satisfy the jurisdictional require- ments, or adequately prepare you for the real world. For more information about the animal chiropractic course in Canada, contact Dr. Annette Langlois at the Healing Oasis Wellness Centre of Canada through its website at www.veterinary- chiropractic.ca. • CANADIAN CHIROPRACTOR | JUNE 2008 • 19
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