by: Lauren DePaul Schreiber

Our lives are continually enriched by our pets; as such, don’t you feel it is your duty as their caretaker to provide the best care possible? Even if that means thinking outside the box? That is where Dr. Leah VanBlarcom comes in! Dr. Leah VanBlarcom is an AVCA Certified Animal Chiropractor at Bergen County Veterinary Center. She provides treatment that is supplemental to conventional veterinary medicine. Dr. VanBlarcom answers some of the most commonly asked patient questions for us.

What is animal chiropractic and how can it help my pet?
Animal Chiropractic care is the application of specific adjustments to the joints of the body that are not moving properly. These adjustments are intended to restore proper movement and function to the body. When joints are not moving correctly or are “stuck,” we refer to it as a “subluxation”. These subluxations can cause a number of issues such as: pain, stiffness, gait abnormalities, behavioral changes, trouble getting up and downstairs and/or jumping up and down, etc. A Chiropractic adjustment is ultimately a procedure in which a trained specialist (me!) uses either their hands or a special instrument to apply a controlled, sudden force to a spinal joint. The goal of this is to not only improve spinal motion and ease of moving in general but to also improve the body’s overall physical function. The adjustment is the perfect complement to traditional veterinary care because it promotes healing and restoration of proper movement. Not only can chiropractic care treat an existing problem, but it can also be effective as a preventative measure. By keeping the body in proper alignment, we are promoting continual health and often preventing certain issues from happening in the first place. In short, chiropractic care can be used for prevention, to help senior pets struggling with pain due to arthritis and other ailments, as well as keeping working and show dogs functioning at the high level of performance that is expected of them.

Why do vets and chiropractors work together?
We work together so we can best treat your animals! It has been proven that working together has undeniable advantages in the treatment of ailments our patients might be experiencing. We are reminded of it daily. Often, we are not aware of an issue until our pet exhibits a physical symptom. These physical symptoms are most commonly age and/or injury-related. We need to look at chiropractic care as another tool and additional treatment that a veterinarian has access to, to be as effective as possible in the care and treatment they provide and recommend for our pets. I would never tell anyone to use it in replacement of traditional medicine as it is most effective when used in conjunction with.

Feel free to schedule an appointment with Dr. Leah VanBlarcom to find out why chiropractic care may be a great option for your furry friend!