Animal Chiropractor Training

Lesson 1 • Core Principles and Philosophy

Explains the subluxation complex, innate intelligence, and neurological basis of chiropractic. Grounds all subsequent technique chapters in a unified theoretical framework.

Lesson 2 • Introduction to Animal Species Treated

Surveys the primary species treated, including equine, canine, feline, and bovine patients. Highlights species-specific considerations that inform later anatomy chapters.

Lesson 3 • Professional Ethics and Standards

Covers ethical obligations, informed consent, and professional conduct standards. Prepares students to practice responsibly within veterinary and chiropractic communities.

Lesson 1 • Vertebral Column Anatomy Across Species

Compares vertebral formulas, regional divisions, and structural variations across equine, canine, and bovine spines. Provides the anatomical map used in all palpation and adjustment chapters.

Lesson 2 • Musculature Supporting the Spine

Identifies epaxial and hypaxial muscle groups, their attachments, and functional roles in spinal stability. Connects muscle anatomy to motion restriction patterns assessed clinically.

Lesson 3 • Anatomical Palpation Landmarks

Trains students to locate bony prominences, joint spaces, and soft tissue landmarks by touch. Directly prepares students for static and motion palpation techniques in the next chapter.

Lesson 4 • Neuroanatomy Relevant to Chiropractic

Covers spinal cord segments, nerve roots, and peripheral nerve pathways in treated species. Links neuroanatomy to clinical signs of subluxation and adjustment outcomes.

Lesson 1 • Regional Motion Characteristics

Analyses range of motion norms for cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic regions by species. Provides baseline values for detecting clinically significant motion restrictions.

Lesson 2 • Principles of Spinal Biomechanics

Defines coupled motion, axes of rotation, and load distribution in the vertebral column. Establishes mechanical vocabulary used throughout technique and assessment chapters.

Lesson 3 • Gait Analysis Fundamentals

Introduces gait cycles, stride parameters, and compensatory movement patterns in quadrupeds. Connects gait deviations to spinal and extremity dysfunction assessed in clinical chapters.

Lesson 1 • Neurological Screening Examination

Covers reflex testing, proprioception assessment, and cranial nerve screening relevant to chiropractic patients. Identifies neurological red flags requiring veterinary referral before treatment.

Lesson 2 • Contraindications and Referral Criteria

Identifies absolute and relative contraindications to chiropractic adjustment in animal patients. Establishes clear referral protocols that protect patient safety and professional liability.

Lesson 3 • Orthopaedic and Motion Testing

Applies passive range of motion, stress tests, and end-feel assessment to identify joint dysfunction. Results are integrated with palpation findings to confirm subluxation listings.

Lesson 4 • Comprehensive Patient History

Structures the intake interview to capture signalment, chief complaint, onset, and prior treatments. Accurate history directly informs differential diagnosis and contraindication screening.

Lesson 1 • Static Palpation of the Spine

Teaches assessment of bony alignment, soft tissue texture, and temperature asymmetry in the static patient. Static findings establish baseline data before motion palpation is applied.

Lesson 2 • Principles of Diagnostic Palpation

Establishes hand position, pressure gradients, and tissue-layer differentiation for diagnostic palpation. Correct technique prevents false positives and ensures reliable subluxation detection.

Lesson 3 • Motion Palpation of Spinal Segments

Applies segmental motion testing to identify fixation, hypermobility, and end-play restrictions. Motion palpation findings directly determine the specific vertebral listing for adjustment.

Lesson 4 • Extremity Joint Palpation

Extends palpation skills to shoulder, hip, stifle, and distal limb joints in treated species. Extremity findings complement spinal listings and inform comprehensive treatment plans.

Lesson 1 • Cervical Spine Adjustment Techniques

Covers hand contacts, patient positioning, and thrust delivery for cervical subluxations in equine and canine patients. Cervical adjustments require precise force control due to proximity to the brainstem.

Lesson 2 • Thoracic and Lumbar Adjustment Techniques

Teaches spinous process, transverse process, and costovertebral contacts for thoracic and lumbar regions. Addresses the unique challenges of adjusting large-bodied equine and bovine patients.

Lesson 3 • Pelvic and Sacral Adjustment Techniques

Applies specific contacts and thrust directions to correct ilial, sacral, and sacroiliac subluxations. Pelvic adjustments are critical for restoring hindquarter function in performance animals.

Lesson 4 • Principles of the Chiropractic Adjustment

Defines the high-velocity low-amplitude thrust, its neurological effects, and biomechanical goals. Establishes the technical standards that govern all adjustment procedures in this chapter.

Lesson 5 • Technique Modification by Species and Size

Adapts force, contact, and positioning protocols for canine, feline, equine, and bovine patients. Ensures technique safety and efficacy across the full range of body sizes encountered in practice.

Lesson 1 • Progress Evaluation and Reassessment

Applies objective reassessment tools to measure changes in subluxation, posture, and function over time. Reassessment data drives evidence-based modifications to the ongoing treatment plan.

Lesson 2 • Discharge and Maintenance Care Planning

Establishes criteria for case discharge and designs maintenance schedules to sustain chiropractic gains. Maintenance planning supports long-term animal health and ongoing client relationships.

Lesson 3 • Developing the Initial Treatment Plan

Integrates assessment findings into a structured plan specifying goals, techniques, and visit frequency. A clear initial plan establishes measurable benchmarks for evaluating patient progress.

Lesson 4 • Multimodal and Integrative Care

Coordinates chiropractic care with rehabilitation, acupuncture, massage, and veterinary medical treatment. Integrative planning maximises patient outcomes and strengthens interprofessional relationships.

Lesson 1 • Equine Clinical Case Management

Applies assessment and adjustment skills to common equine presentations including back pain and gait asymmetry. Equine cases develop large animal handling confidence and species-specific clinical reasoning.

Lesson 2 • Canine Clinical Case Management

Addresses canine presentations including intervertebral disc disease risk, hip dysplasia, and sports injuries. Canine cases build proficiency in small-to-large breed technique adaptation.

Lesson 3 • Complex and Multi-System Case Studies

Presents cases involving multiple subluxation regions, comorbidities, and integrative care needs. Complex cases develop advanced clinical reasoning and interprofessional communication skills.

Lesson 4 • Supervised Clinical Case Protocols

Outlines the structure of supervised clinical sessions, including pre-visit preparation and post-visit review. Structured supervision accelerates skill consolidation and identifies technique gaps for remediation.