Chiropractic for Dogs and Cats in Hilton Head, SC

Dr. Duffner is a certified pet chiropractor in Hilton Head who can help your companion live a life of less pain and greater mobility. Island Holistic Veterinary Center is extremely pleased to now offer chiropractic for dogs and cats as an alternative treatment option for orthopedic ailments including hip dysplasia, arthritis, back, neck and leg pain, spinal injuries, recovery from surgery, and more.

Brown Dog Crouching

One of the benefits of chiropractic care is that results can become apparent very quickly. Dr. Duffner will work with you and your pet to understand the type and extent of their condition, and discuss all possible treatment options with you in detail. We take a whole-health approach to pet care and may suggest a combination of traditional Western therapies and Chinese medicine.

If your pet is living with acute or chronic pain that also limits their movement, we can help! Call (843) 671-PAWS or make an appointment online.

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What Can be Treated with Chiropractic Adjustment?

Chiropractic adjustment involves administering short, controlled, high-velocity thrusts via hand or instrument to correct misalignment of the spine, joints, and cranial sutures. It can be used to treat a range of issues, including:

  • Back, leg, and neck pain
  • Nerve disorders
  • Muscle spasms
  • Jaw problems
  • Injuries from falls or sports
  • Post-op care
  • Disorders of the bladder, bowel, and other organs

Signs Your Pet May Need to See a Chiropractor

Your veterinarian will need to examine your pet to determine if chiropractic adjustment is necessary to improve their quality of life. Some of the most common indications for treatment include but are not limited to:

  • Lameness (limping, moving gingerly, slow to get up/lie down)
  • Changes in mood and/or behavior
  • Seizures or other neurological issues
  • Recovering from surgery
  • Pet is geriatric

What to Expect with a Pet Chiropractor

Before we administer chiropractic treatment, we first need to examine your pet thoroughly and assess their overall condition. We will need to observe your pet standing and in motion, and may need to perform X-rays to further understand the problem.

Chiropractic care is typically provided as an integrative therapy, used in conjunction with other treatments such as acupuncture and laser therapy. To perform a chiropractic adjustment, Dr. Duffner uses her hands to manipulate the spine or joint with carefully positioned, low-impact force. Depending on your pet’s condition, they might need multiple treatments. Some soreness following a chiropractic adjustment is normal, and your pet might even sleep most of the day after their appointment.

Primary Benefits of Chiropractic for Dogs and Cats

Chiropractic treatments are beneficial to pets in several ways:

  • Can yield immediate results
  • Are drug-free
  • Improve range of motion
  • Relieve back, neck, and joint pain
  • Improve flexibility to prevent future injury
  • Optimize the function of the blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics
  • Can reduce or take away the need for long-term medication

To discuss chiropractic care and how it can help your pet, call us at (843) 671-PAWS.