Paralyzed Dog Walks Again With Chiropractic

In what may be the first report of its kind published in a scientific journal, the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research published a study on May 2, 2016, about dog who was paralyzed in his rear legs being helped with chiropractic.

Chiropractic on animals has been around for decades. Many chiropractors have incorporated caring for animals into their practice. More recently associations have been started to formally teach animal adjusting.

The study authors note that,  Chiropractic adjustments address vertebral subluxations. A subluxation, in terms of animal chiropractic, is defined as a shift in the normal structure of one vertebrae compared to those above and below, causing a biomechanical change that can interfere with nervous system function.  They continue,  This interference can lead to a variety of symptoms depending on where the subluxation is found in the body. 

This case involved a four-year old shih tzu/bichon mix named Ziggy. It was reported that Ziggy had always been a happy and active dog. His owner stated that he had not had any prior major injuries. Before his current condition, he had experienced this problem on two separate times in his past. Ziggy was a jumper and it was reported that he would leap from the back of a couch onto the floor.

The first instance of this problem was minor and Ziggy was given some medications. The second incidence was more severe as he lost the use of his back legs and appeared to be in pain. Again, he was given medications. However, his recovery took much longer this time. The third time, Ziggy had the problem he was worse and he did not seem to make any progress under traditional veterinary care. The options presented to Ziggy's owner were surgery, lifelong medication, a wheeling cart, and possibly euthanasia if he continued to worsen.

Upon being brought in for chiropractic care, Ziggy was completely paralyzed in his back end. An examination confirmed that Ziggy had no reflexes in his back limbs and minimal feeling there as well. His muscles in his hind end showed considerable atrophy while his muscles in his upper spine showed spasm. Palpation of his spine showed problems in his lower spine believed to be subluxations.

Chiropractic care was begun on Ziggy at the rate of two visits per week. After the first visit it was reported that Ziggy slept much better and seemed to be more at ease. After the second visit, Ziggy was able to pull himself up and use his right hind leg. By the eighth visit, his pain sensation had returned to his hind legs. After 12 visits, Ziggy was able to stand up and walk without falling and without using the grip socks. By his 16th visit, it was reported that all his problems had been corrected.

In their conclusion, the authors state,  This case study provides supporting evidence that canines suffering from paraplegia may benefit from chiropractic adjustments to sites of vertebral subluxation.