Canine Cervical Adjustments

Question 1

C = Occiput Superior

Answer 1

DP: In front of dog
DC: Ipsilateral broad hand WRAPPING fingers under the mandible
SC: Ridge of occiput (eyebrow level)
Stab: Dr = Under chin down C1/2 opposite side
Assist: Behind dog, two hands over C1/2 w/o covering occiput with thumbs
LOC: L-M, Cr-Ca

Question 2

C = Atlas Superior

Answer 2

DP: Contralateral side of dog facing same way
DC: Hook of index finger; Elbow crossing midline laying over dogs spine
SC: Cranial aspect of Atlas wing on affected side
Stab: Head on opposite side down to C3
LOC: L-M, Cr-Ca,

Feel for hair of dog on the elbow - let you now if you are down enough

Question 3

C = Atlas Posterior

Answer 3

DP: Contralateral side
DC: Tip of thumb / MCP contact (better)
SC: Wing of atlas closest to dorsal arch
Stab: Opp hand stab head (under mandible) and C1-C3
LOC: 90 degrees to pane of atlas, D-V

Question 4

C = C3 - C5

Answer 4

DP: Contralateral side
DC: MCP
SC: LPJ on affected side
Stab: Opp hand and forearm stab neck on opp side
LOC: 45 degrees to all axis, L-M, D-V, Ca-Cr
NOTES: Ensure dog does not turn away from adjusted side

Swimmers stroke to get angle

Question 5

C = C6-7

Answer 5

DP: Ipsilateral side
DC: Supported thumb
SC: LPJ on affected side
Stab: Opp hand and forearm stabilises the neck on opposite side
LOC: L-M

“Napoleon” hand

Question 6

C = TMJ

Answer 6

DP: Contralateral side(If big) behind dog
DC:Tip of thumb
SC: Angular process of mandible
Stab: Contralateral hand stabilises head (wrap under chin)
LOC: Follow jaw line, Ca-Cr

Contact hand wants to be almost vertical (C3 plumb line)

Question 7

C = Posterior Cervicals

Answer 7

DP: Behind dog
DC: V-Trough
SC: Laminae of vertebrae
Stab: Opp hand stab head and neck
LOC: “Scoop” action D-V

Question 8

What CX adjustments require assistant stabilisation?

Answer 8

Occiput superior