Canine Thoracolumbar Adjustments

Question 1

Lumbars and Caudal Thoracic Posterior (L7-T11)

(i.e. L4P, T12P)

Answer 1

DP: Variable
DC: ‘V’ Trough
SC: Dorsal aspect of SP
Stab: Body against thrust
LOC: D-V

Question 2

Cranial Thoracics Posterior (from +/- T10 cranial)

(i.e. T6P)

Answer 2

DP: Variable
DC: TIGHT ‘V’ Trough
SC: Dorsal aspect of SP
Stab: Body against thrust (If higher up, go between front legs over sternum)
LOC: D-V and Cd-Cr @ 45 degrees

notes: ensure forearm running same angle as spine at 45 degrees

Question 3

Lumbars and Caudal Thoracics Posterior Right or Left (L7-T11)

(i.e. T12 PL / L6 PR)

Answer 3

DP: Contralateral
DC: ‘V’ Trough
SC: Dorsal aspect of SP
Stab: Body against thrust (under dog)
LOC: D-V, L-M 15 degrees off vertical

NOTES: Lean over midline

Question 4

Cranial Thoracics Posterior Right or Left (T1-10)

(i.e. T3PR / T6PL)

Answer 4

DP: Same side as listing
DC: Supported thumb (underneath the hand)
SC: SP
Stab: Body against thrust (Forearm alongside SPs on opposite side with hand under mandible)
LOC: L-M

(‘Napoleon”)

Question 5

Lumbars Posterior Right or Left (L1-7) - Mamillary contact - Technique II

(i.e. L1PR)

Answer 5

DP: Contralateral side of listing
DC: Supported thumb - PROJECTED
SC: Mamillary process
Stab: Body against thrust (under dog)
LOC: D-V

Question 6

Ribs Dorsal

(i.e. T12 rib D)

Answer 6

DP: Contralateral side
DC: ‘V’ Trough with palm facing in to spine of dog, THUMB FORWARD
SC: Dorsal rib arch
Stab: Body against thrust (under dog right up under rib area)
LOC: D-V

NOTE: get stabilisation under rib

Question 7

Ribs Dorsocaudal

(i.e. T12 Rib Dcd)

Answer 7

DP: Contralateral facing cranially
DC: ‘V’ Trough with palm facing in to spine of dog, THUMB FORWARD
SC: Dorsal rib arch
Stab: Body against thrust (under dog right up under rib area)
LOC: D-V, with Cd-Cr component (roll forward)

NOTE: get stabilisation under rib

Question 8

Ribs Dorsocranial

(i.e. T12 Rib Dcr)

Answer 8

DP: Contralateral FACING CAUDALLY
DC: ‘V’ Trough with palm facing in to spine of dog, thumb forward
SC: Dorsal rib arch
Stab: Body against thrust (under dog right up under rib area)
LOC: D-V, with Cr-Cd component (roll forward)

NOTE: INSTRUCT OWNER NOT TO ALLOW DOG TO BITE BUM
NOTE: get stabilisation under rib

Question 9

What are the landmarks you count off in the thoracolumbar spine for a dog?

Answer 9

1st VP = T2
1st dip = T6
2nd Dip = T11

Question 10

What are the caudal thoracic vertebrae in a dog?

Answer 10

T11, T12, T13

Question 11

What must you ensure with your setup when doing posterior cranial thoracic adjustments in the dog?

Answer 11

You have a small defined ‘v’ trough

You feed into the spinouses

Keep your wrist straight

Arm at 45 degrees

Forearm same orientation at spine so no L-M or M-L

Question 12

How do you find your vertebra listings in the exam?

Answer 12

Work off the landmarks (T2, T6, T11). Dont need to count off
Guesstimate