My name is Dr. Megan Hullihen DC, co- owner of Axiom Chiropractic in Cotswold. I enjoy seeing what incredible results specific chiropractic care gives for our patients and recently decided to expand my knowledge in both canine and equine chiropractic. I received my certification from Options for Animals, College of Animal Chiropractic in Kansas and am certified by the IVCA. This marks the launch of my new practice, Axiom Animal Chiropractic! I’m thrilled to help the canine and equine population with specific chiropractic care. If you or someone you know would like their animal to begin chiropractic care, please call us at 704-469-4772 to schedule an appointment.

Here’s some information on animal chiropractic care that will help answer some of the commonly asked questions:

Why Animal Chiropractic?

Benefits of Animal Chiropractic Care:
• Improved organ function
• Improved mobility
• Quicker healing time
• Decreased back pain
• Better overall performance

Common Conditions that Benefit from Chiropractic Care:
• Jaw pain
• Back pain
• Lameness
• Neurological conditions
• Allergies
• Constant licking or chewing
• Resistance to petting

• Back leg paralysis
• Arthritis
• Hot spots
• Injuries from falls and intense training
• Stress
• Muscle atrophy or spasm

What is Animal Chiropractic?

A non-surgical, drug free treatment that involves specifically manually adjusting the spinal vertebrae of an animal in order to correct any biomechanical dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system. When biomechanical dysfunction is left uncorrected, it will lead to abnormal nervous system function leading to possible health issues.

There are many factors that can disrupt the proper movement of the spinal column leading to inflammation. Some causes include, excess weight, arthritis, previous physical trauma, emotional distress, poor nutrition, overuse injuries etc.

If you notice gait changes, lameness, inability to eat, difficulty lying down or using stairs, behavioral changes, resistance to being touched and hunched posture your pet could be suffering from biomechanical dysfunction.

Remember that our nervous systems also influence how our organs function. If there is even a slight amount of pressure on the spinal nerves, the communication from the brain out to various parts of the body via the nervous system is compromised and weakened. In the chiropractic profession we call the misalignments causing nerve pressure, subluxations.

Chiropractic care is a gentle and effective way to correct subluxations. The goal is to maintain normal movement and function of the musculoskeletal system. Yes, even healthy, pain-free animals can benefit from chiropractic care. Maintaining healthy muscle, ligament, tendons lead to improved mobility, flexibility, endurance and lowers risk of injury. We encourage owners to incorporate chiropractic care as a maintenance protocol for their pets.