What to expect during a chiropractic (VSMT) appointment:

Your appointment will begin with a discussion of the patient's medical history, so that we may best understand the reason for your visit.  The doctor will evaluate the movement of your pet.  During small animal visits sufficient movement is often seen when walking to and around the exam room.  During equine visits, we may include in hand assessment or lungeing of the horse. 

During the exam the doctor will feel, or palpate, your pets’ joints.  When a restricted joint is found, it is corrected by an adjustment.  The adjustment is a very specific and gentle thrust into the joint.  After the adjustment, the joint is palpated again to be certain that it is moving more freely.  The adjustments usually look like quick little pushes on the animal.  In order to be at the correct angle to the spine during horse appointments, the doctor will stand upon “bales”.  These are large Styrofoam blocks inside of cases that resemble hay bags.  During our small animal appointments, the patients often stand, sit or lie down upon these blocks.  Most animals truly enjoy being adjusted and are relaxed and happy during your appointment.