Siathica

Hi Bob,

Difficult to advise you on this one as it certainly depends on exactly what is causing the lower spinal problems, and on the expertise of the manipulator, as the wrong aggressive type of manipulation could cause the dog a lot of pain, and could make the probkem worse instead of better.

If the injury has been there long enough to cause bone inflammation and bone remodelling to have taken place no amount of manipulation is going to realign the the spinal structure correctly again as it's just going to go back to where it was in the first place.

If the area is to be manipulated it must first be loosened by the use of hot packs or hot towels, as well as thoroughly being massaged. With heat treatment twice daily for three days after any manipulation attempts.

It should also be understood that it is highly likely that the area will require being adjusted at least once more after seven to ten days of rest and walking only with no guarantees that the spine would hold its alignment with being buffeted during racing, so further regular adjustments are on the cards.

Cheers,
Tom