Veterinary Chiropractic Course

Lesson 1 • Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Overview

Contrasts spinal anatomy across equine, canine, and feline species. Builds the structural knowledge required for species-specific adjustment techniques.

Lesson 2 • Subluxation Theory and Clinical Relevance

Defines vertebral subluxation complex and its proposed physiological effects. Prepares students to recognise and document subluxation patterns clinically.

Lesson 3 • Biomechanics of the Vertebral Motion Unit

Defines the vertebral motion unit and its coupled movement patterns. Provides the mechanical framework underlying subluxation theory.

Lesson 4 • Neurological Basis of Spinal Function

Explains how the nervous system mediates musculoskeletal function and pain. Links neurological concepts to the clinical rationale for chiropractic intervention.

Lesson 1 • Restraint Equipment and Safety Protocols

Covers appropriate use of halters, leads, muzzles, and positioning aids. Establishes safety standards that protect both patient and practitioner.

Lesson 2 • Feline Handling and Restraint

Applies minimal-restraint principles specific to feline patients. Connects calm handling to improved diagnostic accuracy and treatment compliance.

Lesson 3 • Canine Behaviour and Stress Signals

Decodes canine calming signals and fear indicators relevant to clinical settings. Reduces patient stress and practitioner injury risk during assessment.

Lesson 1 • Neurological Screening Examination

Applies reflex testing, proprioceptive assessment, and cranial nerve screening to animal patients. Identifies neurological deficits that modify or contraindicate chiropractic treatment.

Lesson 2 • Static and Motion Palpation Techniques

Teaches systematic palpation of spinous processes, transverse processes, and paraspinal musculature. Palpation findings form the primary diagnostic basis for adjustment selection.

Lesson 3 • Patient History and Case Intake

Structures a thorough history-gathering process covering signalment, chief complaint, and prior treatments. Accurate intake directs examination focus and differential reasoning.

Lesson 4 • Orthopaedic Assessment and Gait Analysis

Evaluates joint range of motion, muscle symmetry, and weight-bearing patterns. Differentiates orthopaedic from neurological lameness to guide treatment planning.

Lesson 1 • Adjustment Sequencing and Treatment Planning

Designs logical adjustment sequences from least to most reactive spinal regions. Sequencing principles reduce patient guarding and optimise treatment outcomes.

Lesson 2 • Contraindications and Precautions

Categorises absolute and relative contraindications to spinal manipulation in animals. Students apply decision rules to modify or defer treatment appropriately.

Lesson 3 • Adjustment Mechanics and Force Vectors

Defines the biomechanical components of a chiropractic thrust including line of drive and depth. Correct force vectors determine adjustment efficacy and patient safety.

Lesson 4 • Practitioner Body Mechanics and Ergonomics

Applies biomechanical principles to protect the practitioner during repeated adjustments. Proper stance and weight transfer reduce cumulative injury risk.

Lesson 1 • Canine Thoracic Spine Techniques

Executes thoracic adjustments in dogs using prone and lateral recumbent positions. Technique selection accounts for breed conformation and intervertebral disc vulnerability.

Lesson 2 • Canine and Feline Cervical Techniques

Adapts cervical adjustment methods to the smaller anatomy of dogs and cats. Force and contact modifications prevent injury in small-breed and toy patients.

Lesson 3 • Equine Thoracic Spine Techniques

Targets thoracic vertebrae T1 through T18 using dorsal and lateral contact approaches. Thoracic adjustments influence saddle fit tolerance, back pain, and hindlimb engagement.

Lesson 1 • Equine Sacral and Pelvic Techniques

Corrects sacroiliac joint dysfunction and sacral misalignment in horses. Pelvic symmetry restoration improves hindlimb tracking and reduces compensatory patterns.

Lesson 2 • Equine Lumbar Adjustment Techniques

Addresses lumbar vertebrae L1 through L6 using deep paraspinal contact methods. Lumbar mobility is critical for collection, impulsion, and hindquarter power in performance horses.

Lesson 3 • Pelvic Limb and Hip Assessment

Evaluates hip joint mobility and pelvic limb symmetry as complements to spinal findings. Identifies hip pathology that may mimic or coexist with lumbar subluxation.

Lesson 4 • Canine Lumbar and Sacral Techniques

Applies lumbar and sacral adjustments to dogs in lateral and sternal recumbency. Technique modifications address lumbosacral stenosis risk in large and giant breeds.

Lesson 1 • Forelimb Joint Assessment and Adjustment

Evaluates and adjusts shoulder, elbow, carpus, and fetlock joints in equine and canine patients. Forelimb restrictions often reflect or perpetuate cervical and thoracic dysfunction.

Lesson 2 • Therapeutic Stretching Protocols

Designs species-specific active and passive stretching routines to complement spinal adjustments. Stretching maintains joint mobility between treatment sessions and engages owners in home care.

Lesson 3 • Myofascial Release and Trigger Point Therapy

Applies sustained pressure and stretching to release myofascial restrictions and active trigger points. Soft tissue preparation enhances joint mobility and reduces post-adjustment soreness.

Lesson 1 • Complete Case Workup and Documentation

Integrates history, examination, and imaging into a structured SOAP-format clinical record. Accurate documentation supports continuity of care and professional accountability.

Lesson 2 • Regulatory Compliance and Ethical Practice

Navigates professional regulations governing animal chiropractic practice across jurisdictions. Ethical frameworks guide scope-of-practice decisions and client communication.

Lesson 3 • Multi-Visit Treatment Planning

Constructs evidence-informed care plans specifying visit frequency, goals, and discharge criteria. Plans adapt to patient response and owner compliance across acute and maintenance phases.

Lesson 4 • Practice Setup and Client Communication

Covers equipment selection, facility requirements, and effective client education strategies. Strong communication builds client trust and improves treatment adherence.