The founder of modern day chiropractic, B.J. Palmer, claimed to have run a veterinary clinic as part of his chiropractic school and research facility. A rational approach to the theory and practice of veterinary chiropractic has been initiated by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. Chiropractors treat faulty musculoskeletal relationships called subluxations as related to the vertebral subluxation complex . Spinal adjustment uses uses short-lever, high velocity, controlled and very specific forceful thrusts directed at specific articulations. Adjustments are designed to restore biomechanical and neurologic function by affecting a single motor unit.
Stabilization is used to prevent the adjustive force from affecting other areas.
The key to chiropractic care is in identifying areas of subluxation in the vertebral column. History and a general physical examination serve as a baseline for chiropractic assessment. In addition one must observe postural abnormalities, analyze gait and perform thorough static and motion palpation of the vertebrae and paraspinal tissues. In addition it is necessary to do a complete orthopedic and neurologic examination. Depending on what is determined in the the evaluation process further diagnostic tests or services may also be required.