Key Takeaways
- Better Movement and Performance: Chiropractic care helps livestock move comfortably again, reducing pain and keeping them productive on the farm.
- Saves Money Over Time: Treating lameness early prevents costly losses from lower milk production, poor breeding results, and downtime.
- Care That Fits Each Animal: Every animal, from cattle and horses to goats and sheep, receives care designed for its size, purpose, and workload.
- Convenient Farm Visits: Hedlund Family Chiropractic offers on-site services across northeastern Oklahoma, making livestock care easier and more affordable for farm owners.
Farm animals experiencing limping, lameness, or mobility issues directly impact your operation’s productivity and profitability. An animal chiropractor provides targeted treatments that restore movement and reduce pain in cattle, horses, goats, and other livestock through specialized spinal adjustments. These conditions affect agricultural operations across northeastern Oklahoma, causing economic losses through decreased performance and potential breeding complications.
At Hedlund Family Chiropractic in Collinsville, OK, Dr. Justin Hedlund provides on-site animal chiropractic care. Dr. Hedlund is a licensed chiropractic physician who holds certification recognized by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. Under Oklahoma rules, a chiropractor may treat animals when certified or after referral by a licensed veterinarian. This combination of training and compliance with state requirements helps ensure care is delivered safely and legally.
Livestock mobility problems create immediate challenges for farm and ranch operations. Lame cattle may struggle to reach feeding areas or water sources. Horses with spinal issues cannot perform their working duties effectively. When animals cannot move properly, your entire operation suffers. Chiropractic care is a noninvasive, nonpharmaceutical option that can reduce pain and improve mobility for many musculoskeletal issues. For some animals, this means faster return to work than would be expected with more invasive interventions.
However, not all conditions are appropriate for chiropractic alone. Animals with fractures, severe infections, or conditions requiring surgery or medical therapy must receive veterinary assessment and treatment. Some animals may be tender for a short period after treatment, and return-to-work recommendations are made on a case-by-case basis.
Common Causes of Livestock Lameness
Livestock can develop lameness from everyday farm work and environmental challenges. Working animals are under constant physical demand, which puts long-term strain on their muscles and joints.
Cattle often get injured on uneven or slippery ground or in crowded handling areas. Bulls used for breeding carry extra weight that adds stress to their spine and joints. Dairy cows spend much of their day standing on hard concrete, which puts pressure on their legs and hooves.
Horses on farms and ranches face similar issues. Carrying loads, pulling equipment, or working on rough terrain can all lead to back and leg problems. Poorly fitted saddles or hoof issues may cause pain that forces the animal to move awkwardly, creating further strain.
Goats and sheep are also at risk of injury when jumping or climbing in pens and pastures. Even small misalignments in their spine can affect how they graze, move, or produce milk. Breeding animals, in particular, need proper mobility to stay healthy and reproduce successfully.
Environmental conditions can make these problems worse. Mud, rocks, and uneven pastures increase the chances of slips and falls. Harsh weather adds more stress, often worsening existing joint or muscle pain.
Economic Impact of Lame Livestock
Lame animals cost agricultural operations through reduced productivity, decreased breeding success, and increased veterinary expenses. These economic impacts accumulate quickly across a herd or flock.
Breeding animals with mobility problems may fail to reproduce successfully. Bulls that cannot mount properly reduce conception rates across your cattle herd. Mares with back pain may not carry foals to term or may have difficult deliveries.
Working horses with lameness cannot perform their farm duties effectively. Reduced work capacity means you need additional animals or equipment to complete necessary tasks. This increased overhead directly affects your operation’s profitability.
Lameness is a well-documented welfare and economic concern in dairy herds. University of Wisconsin–Madison Dairy Extension extension materials note that clinical lameness reduces milk yield and fertility and increases costs. Because lameness has many causes, effective control typically combines hoof management, housing and nutrition changes, veterinary treatment, and, in some cases, complementary therapies such as chiropractic.
Market animals with mobility problems may not reach their full weight potential or may require extended feeding periods. This delays their sale and increases feed costs while reducing your profit margins per animal.
How Chiropractic Treatment Benefits Farm Animals
A qualified chiropractor for animals can restore proper spinal alignment and joint function to improve mobility and reduce pain. This hands-on approach addresses the root causes of movement problems rather than just managing symptoms.
Manual spinal adjustments aim to improve joint mobility and reduce pain that may interfere with normal movement. Some studies and clinical reports document improved mobility and reduced lameness following chiropractic treatment, particularly when combined with appropriate veterinary care and hoof management. Outcomes vary by species and condition, so chiropractic care is best used as a complementary therapy within a broader health plan. This natural approach avoids the side effects and withdrawal periods associated with pharmaceutical treatments.
Chiropractic care improves the range of motion in affected joints and muscles. Animals can move more freely and with less discomfort, allowing them to perform their normal behaviors and work functions. This improved mobility directly translates to better productivity and performance.
The treatment process is minimally invasive and does not require recovery time, which takes animals out of production. Most livestock can return to their normal activities immediately following treatment sessions. This practical aspect makes chiropractic care suitable for working farm operations.
Regular chiropractic maintenance helps prevent minor problems from developing into major injuries. Preventive care costs considerably less than treating advanced lameness conditions or replacing valuable breeding animals.
Treatment Approach for Different Livestock
Cattle Chiropractic Care
Cattle receive specialized chiropractic treatment that addresses their unique anatomy and size requirements. Large animals require specific techniques that can effectively adjust their substantial musculoskeletal structures.
Bulls and breeding cattle benefit from regular chiropractic maintenance that keeps their reproductive systems functioning properly. Spinal pain and reduced mobility can interfere with normal breeding behavior in some animals. In selected cases, chiropractic care that reduces pain and improves mobility may help animals resume normal breeding activity. Fertility is influenced by many factors, so chiropractic should be part of a comprehensive breeding health program rather than a stand-alone fertility treatment.
Dairy cows respond well to chiropractic treatment that addresses the physical stress. Proper spinal alignment improves their ability to stand and move comfortably during milking and feeding activities.
Equine Treatment Methods
Working horses require chiropractic care that addresses the specific demands of their farm duties. Equine chiropractic treatment improves their ability to carry loads, pull equipment, and navigate challenging terrain. Regular treatment maintains their working capacity and extends their useful life on the farm.
Small Livestock Benefits
Goats and sheep benefit from gentle chiropractic techniques appropriate for their smaller size. These animals often show dramatic improvements in their movement and behavior following treatment. Breeding animals particularly benefit from care that improves their ability to mate successfully.
Our Farm Animal Chiropractic Services
Our animal chiropractors in Collinsville, OK, provide on-site treatment for livestock operations throughout northeastern Oklahoma. Dr. Justin Hedlund holds certification from the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association and has extensive experience treating farm animals. We provide on-site mobile visits to reduce transport stress and cost. Animals receive care in their familiar environment, reducing anxiety and improving treatment outcomes.
Treatment sessions are scheduled based on your operational needs and animal requirements. We can treat multiple animals during a single visit, making the service cost-effective for larger operations. Bulk pricing discounts are available when treating multiple animals at the same location.
At Hedlund Family Chiropractic, our examination process identifies mobility problems through visual assessment and hands-on evaluation. We observe animals in their normal environment to detect subtle movement abnormalities. Physical examination reveals areas of muscle tension, joint restriction, and spinal misalignment.
Each animal receives individualized treatment based on their specific condition and intended use. Working animals may require more intensive treatment than those used primarily for breeding. Treatment plans consider each animal’s role in your operation and their individual response to care.
Practical Pricing for Agricultural Operations
Our affordable chiropractor services make livestock chiropractic care economically viable for farm and ranch operations.
Large animals like horses and cattle require more intensive treatment and fall into the higher price range. Smaller farm animals, including goats and sheep, typically cost less due to their size and shorter treatment times. Multiple animals treated during the same visit often qualify for bulk pricing discounts.
Travel costs may apply based on your farm’s distance from our Collinsville location. However, treating multiple animals during a single visit makes the travel cost negligible when divided across several animals. Most operations find the convenience of on-site service worth any additional travel fees.
Payment is due at the time of service, with various options accepted, including cash, check, and credit cards. This straightforward approach simplifies budgeting and allows you to focus on your animals rather than administrative tasks.
The cost of chiropractic treatment is minimal compared to the potential economic losses from lame livestock. Early intervention prevents minor problems from becoming major expenses that could affect your operation’s profitability.
Bringing Clarity to Farm Owners’ Questions and Concerns
Q: How often should working cattle receive chiropractic treatment?
Treatment frequency depends on workload, individual response to treatment, and the underlying condition. Some operations schedule routine maintenance every three months, while others use a problem-driven schedule. We recommend individualized treatment plans created in consultation with the farmer and veterinarian.
Q: What size operations do you typically serve?
We treat operations of all sizes, from small hobby farms to large commercial ranches. Multiple animals at one location make the service more cost-effective through bulk pricing discounts.
Q: Is chiropractic treatment safe for pregnant animals?
Chiropractic treatment is safe during pregnancy when performed by a qualified chiropractor for animals. Gentle techniques accommodate their condition while providing pain relief and improved mobility.
Maximizing Your Livestock Investment
Being one of the best animal chiropractors in Northeast Oklahoma, we help protect your livestock investment through improved mobility and performance. Healthy, comfortable animals are more productive and profitable for your operation.
Hedlund Family Chiropractic understands the practical needs of agricultural operations. Our mobile service and flexible scheduling work around your farm’s routine and seasonal demands. We provide the specialized care your livestock needs without disrupting your daily operations.
Early treatment prevents minor problems from becoming major expenses that could affect your bottom line. Your animals and your operation deserve the benefits that professional chiropractic care provides.
Affordable Chiropractor Services to Protect Your Herd’s Health and Profitability
Professional livestock chiropractic services from Hedlund Family Chiropractic in Collinsville, OK, help maintain your animals’ health and productivity. Our specialized approach to farm animal mobility keeps your operation running smoothly and profitably. Contact us to schedule an evaluation for your lame or uncomfortable livestock.
