11/13/2025
We often encounter a challenging circumstance in our practice: conventional veterinarians frequently hesitate to refer patients to us and instead opt to prescribe medications such as Gabapentin, fentanyl, and codeine. While these medications can alleviate discomfort, they primarily serve to sedate the muscles, which are essential for correcting disc alignment. It is important to note that muscle relaxants do not address the underlying misalignment that can lead to spinal cord impingement and eventual paralysis.
For example, we recently treated a patient who had visited a local veterinarian at the end of October and unfortunately experienced a significant deterioration in condition, resulting in going from mild lameness to neurological deficits in the hind limbs. Despite attempts at acupuncture and medication, important lower lumbar subluxations were not addressed. We are optimistic that through disc repositioning and the application of cold laser therapy, we can improve the patient’s condition.
It is crucial for dogs experiencing disc issues or paralysis to receive chiropractic intervention within 24 to 48 hours. Delaying treatment may result in the need for more extensive chiropractic care and increases the risk of permanent damage or paralysis.
It is concerning that some veterinarians prefer to refer patients to surgeons or prescribe medications rather than consider chiropractic care, which we demonstrated a high success rate for these conditions. This approach raises questions about prioritizing patient welfare over potential financial incentives.
