chiropractic?

[Susan and the girls]

What do you think of chiropractic care for cats?

The reason I'm asking is that this morning, I noticed that Belle's tail doesn't stand up straight like Daisy's, Scarlett's, and SweetPea's. It does stand up at the very base, but about an inch and a half down it starts sorta "hanging." It moves at the tip, but when I squeeze at the spot where it starts hanging, she "mews" as if it hurts. I looked back at my cat video (yes, I have a cat video of my kitties, as well as a HUGE photo album...) and it looked like the last good shot I had of her tail was March, and it was standing up fine.

I called the veterinarian who did accupuncture on Lily for pain relief (and to see if she could get her bladder function to return) because she does chiropractic treatment, and the earliest they could schedule an appointment is Monday (the 28th). I asked the office staff to PLEASE talk to the doctor and tell her who I was and see if she would consider working me in. I really hate to let it go if it is something they need to see her for right now.

The vet's office just called to say that they could work her in tomorrow, but only as a drop-off. I wanted to be with her, and so I asked if I could hang around, and they said they didn't know when they exactly they would be able to see her. They said that if she isn't in any obvious pain or is eating ok, it would be ok to wait. Just a second ago, she was perched at the window watching what was going on outside. Then she jumped up onto the bed to rest, and she's licking her tail, cleaning herself. She is acting just like normal napping, purring, headbutting me while I dry my hair, so I decided to keep my Monday appointment.

Traci, Davet, anyone? What kind of "faith" do you put in chiropractic? This vet is not only a regular vet, but she is certified in animal chiropractic as well as accupuncture. Say what you will about accupuncture - I was very skeptical myself until I witnessed the marked change in Lily's pain level when she did accupuncture. I watched as Lily gobbled down food soon after accupuncture (whereas before the treatment I was having difficulty getting her to eat at all). I trust this vet, and as soon as I get all the "stats" on her office hours, specialty areas, etc, I'm going to post it under Jason's "vet info" post, along with my regular vet's info.

Also, what do you think about Belle's tail? The vet said it could have been from jumping down from something wrong/landing wrong, or anything simple as that. I can't tell you how much this worries me. I want to get her help as soon as I can. I know that my regular vet wouldn't do anything for the tail at all - it's just not a part of what they do. I mean, really, you can't put a "splint" on the tail, or something like that, can you?

A big part of my worries stem from my memories of Lily's pain, and a small part of my worries come from the fact that I had MY first ever chiropractic visit yesterday (after suffering for a week and a half with awful numbness in my hands and feet) only to find out my back is ALL ouf of whack. (I have problems that he guessed had been there for 22 years or so --- three areas that were visible on the x-ray even to me, pinched nerves, crooked neck, out of line everywhere....)

Opinions? Guidance? Diagnosis?

[Traci]

I do not put any faith or stock in veterinary chiropractic or acupuncture at all. I feel it is a waste of time, and in most cases, a scheme to get you coming back because it's not effective.

Reference Articles

Acupunture Abstract Page

Veterinary Chiropractic

Why do you feel your vet will not properly examine Belle's tail? Have you asked him to? Have you given him her history, told him about the recent changes and your concern? If not, now is the time to do so, it could be nearly anything from a sprain, to a damaged vertebrae, to a neurological problem or simply from a prior injury. If he's not willing to fully examine her, find a new vet, but not necessarily an acupunturist, nor a chiropractic.

[Susan and the girls]

point well taken.... calling my vet now.....

[Susan and the girls]

Vet appointment made with my regular vet on Thursday at 11:30.

(See, I really *do* value the advice and smarts of my friends here! Especially Traci....thanks for the honesty!!!)