Information for veterinary surgeons

Orthomanual Veterinary Medicine

The idea behind orthomanipulation is that many instances of lameness and neurological disease are due to the misalignment of the vertebrae. Orthomanual manipulation can be described as a direct force, used on an osseous structure of the spine with a malposition or malfunction, using a short lever within a segment in the direction of the natural position of function (1).

In humans, ‘whiplash’ is very well-known. An accident can cause the vertebrae to slide over one another and keep ‘catching’ on each other. Patients then have difficulty concentrating, experience tingling, mood swings, etcetera due to (from the orthomanual perspective) abnormal circulation and over-stimulation of the nervous system.

An example

In animals, instability of the lower back and misalignment of vertebrae in the neck (Lumbosacral instability and Wobbler syndrome respectively) appear regularly. By correcting the vertebral misalignment, recovery is just as possible in animals as it is in humans.

Consider Wobbler syndrome, for instance - a neurological problem that is due to (among other things) malformed vertebrae (2). An abnormality seen in older Doberman Pinschers and in younger Great Danes (3) is well documented.

Cervical Spondylomyelopathy (Wobbler): before treatment

Cervical Spondylomyelopathy (Wobbler): directly after treatment

Misaligned vertebrae

From the orthomanual perspective, this is a case of misaligned vertebrae where the cervical vertebrae position themselves along the A-P axis (anterior-posterior) ventrally, with a slight displacement to cranial. The misalignment can be relieved through very straightforward manipulation. A huge relief for dog and owner.

Animals with lower back instability (Lumbosacral instability) can also benefit significantly. With this, the treatment method is more complicated. This treatment focuses on relieving the misalignment of the Sacrum and the lower lumbar vertebrae.

Discopathy

Using this orthomanual method, a discopathy (cervical, lumbar or thoracal) patient must undergo vertebral re-alignment before any other treatment can occur. It is still essential, first and foremost, to ensure that pain is relieved in the usual way. Administer “Solu-Delta Cortef” and / or other painkillers / anti-inflammatories. The philosophy behind correcting vertebral alignment is that a discopathy is actually a result of incorrect vertebral alignment and not a stand-alone problem. So, first correct the vertebral alignment, then if necessary operate on the dog / cat (4).

Spondylosis

Spondylosis is considered a consequence, rather than a root-cause. Spondylosis is probably a ‘non inflammatory’ process, associated with the degeneration of the annulus fibrosis of the intervertebral disc. Boney tracks and bridges in the intervertebral spaces are characteristic of this. The degeneration between the vertebrae can also bring weakening and instability with it. The body ‘tries’ to stabilise the spinal column by forming little ‘bridges’. Relieving the misalignment and improvement of the overall condition of the animal is likely to ensure the disappearance of the bridges in the long-run. This hypothesis is very acceptable, but must be tested radiologically.

 

Lumbosacral Instability, Lumbosacral Stenosis: before treatment

Lumbosacral Instability, Lumbosacral Stenosis: a year after treatment

This new, but not totally unknown method is very plausible and certainly attractive. The final outcomes following treatment are extremely positive.

Indications

• Orthopaedic patients
1. Young and old cripple animals (acute or chronic)
2. Animals with arthrosis and Degenerative Joint Disease
• Neurological patients
1. Patients with Intervertebral Disc Disease and hernia
2. Patients with weakness in the fore- or hind limbs
3. Patients with neck-, back- and lower back pain
4. Patients with Lumbosacral Stenosis / Instability
• Animals with behavioural problems like restlessness, anxiety and aggression (may be related to pain)
• Orthomanual Sport examination by working- and sporting dogs (preventive)
• Orthomanual Puppy control and examination (preventive and educative)

Speedy referral is recommended

I’d be delighted to talk to you more about this new approach in our practice. If you’d like a look around and / or have any questions, just call me or come visit me at the practice.

Notes:

1. Van de Veen et al.; Variance in Manual Treatment of Nonspecific Low Back Pain between Orthomanual Physicians, Manual Therapists, and Chiropractors, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2005; vol. 28.
2. Oliver and Lorenz: "Handbook of Veterinary Neurology" 2nd ed. W.B. Saunders Company, 1993: pages 180-185.
3. Sickesz M., arts: "Mijn Rug", Ankh-Hermes bv, 2000: blz. 30.
4. Morgan J: "Spondylosis deformans in the dog". Acta Orthopaedica Scandinavica Supplementum 1967; vol 96: blz 1-88.