Orthomanual Veterinary Medicine Orthomanual therapy for animals, indications

I would like to introduce myself as a clinician for Orthomanual Veterinary Medicine. The idea behind orthomanipulation is that many instances of lameness and neurological disease are due to the misalignment of the vertebrae.

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

In animals, instability of the lower back and misalignment of vertebrae in the neck (Lumbosacral instability and Wobbler Syndrome respectively) appear regulary. 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 (amongst other things) malformed vertebrae.(1). An abnormality seen in older Doberman Pinschers and in younger Great Danes (2) is well documented.

Before treatment	Directly after treatment

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 (HNP II in LS 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.

Using this orthomanual method, a discopathy (cervical or lumbar) 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 (3).
Spondylosis is considered a consequence, rather than a root-cause. Spondylosis is probably a ‘non inflammatoir’ 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 (4). The degeneration between the vertebrae can also bring weakening and instability with it. The body ‘tries’ to stabilize the spinal column by forming little ‘bridges’. Relieving the misalignment and improvement of the overall condition of the animial is likely to ensure the disappearance of the bridges in the long-run. This hypothesis is very acceptable, but must be tested radiologically.

Before treatment

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.

Reasons for referral are as follows:

• animals that are stiff and have difficulty standing up
• animals having difficulties jumping into the car
• animals that have been limping for a while (rest and medicine are insufficient)
• animals that are partially paralyzed, stumble over their fore- or hindlimbs
• animals that have a discopathy (Hernia Nucleus Pulposes) or have had a discopathy
• animals that have behavioural abnormalities such as: restlessness, fearfulness
  or aggression

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 phone or come along to the practice.

Best regards
Dorit Aharon, DVM

UP

Orthomanual therapy for animals, indications

Orthomanual therapy was developed specifically for the treatment of vertebral and joint malarticulation. The basis of humane orthomanual medicine was established by Dr M Sickesz (MD). In 1965 Dr Sickesz discovered that symptoms of the musculoskeletal system are associated with very small, correctable misalignments of the pelvis and spine. Subsequently, she developed a method for the effective treatment of these misalignments and symptoms. From 2000-2001 I was trained by Dr Sickesz to practice orthomanipulation of animals.

Pain in the neck, back and fore- and hindlimbs is common in animals. Pain, lameness, paralysis, difficulty with standing up, going up the stairs and jumping (e.g. into the car) can be due to (amongst other things) misalignment of the vertebrae and joints. With this kind of misalignment, the nervous system around the angled vertebra (or joint) is irritated, leading to pain and loss of function. Some behavioural abnormalities, as in the case of fearful, restless or aggressive dogs, can sometimes ascribed to a (correctable) misalignment of the vertebrae.

The method of treatment is to relieve the misalignment, thereby allowing the spinal colomn to adjust to a normal postion and the nervous system to recover. For animals, one or two treatments are often sufficient. A check up after 3 months is advisable.

Reasons for referral are as follows:
- animals that are stiff and have difficulty standing up
- animals having difficulties jumping into the car
- animals that have been limping for a while (rest and medicine are insufficient)
- animals that are partially paralyzed, stumble over their fore- or hindlimbs
- animals that have a discopathy (Hernia Nucleus Pulposes) or have had a discopathy
- animals that have behavioural abnormalities such as: restlessness, fearfulness or aggression

Dorit Aharon, DVM

UP