Dr. James "Doc" Ferguson has been a practicing chiropractor since 1984. He added the treatment of animals to his practice after completing Parker University's Animal Chiropractic 220 hour course in 2007-2008. He also took and passed the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association board certification in 2008. The information below is provided from Parker University, Dallas, Texas:
Animal chiropractic is a drug-free approach to pet healthcare. It focuses on the nervous system housed inside the spinal column. households own at least one dog and 38% of U.S. households own at least one cat. According to an APPA report, veterinary care by U.S. pt owners in 2015 was $15.42 billion. Animal chiropractic care may be appropriate in the treatment of:
Neck, back, leg, and tail pain
Muscle spasms, nerve problems
Disc or joint problems, limping
Injuries from slips, falls and accidents
Jaw, TMJ problems, difficulty chewing
Event or sports injuries
Any recurring conditions such as vomiting, respiratory or urinary infections, diarrhea or constipation
Seizures or neurological problems
This exceptional set of courses imparts practical, relevant clinical education and training for both chiropractors and veterinarians. Animal chiropractic affords you the potential to advance your clinical practice knowledge, technical skills and specialized training in the care of animals. This program provides a unique opportunity for veterinarians and chiropractors alike. Read more on the research done on animal chiropractic. Each module is a combination of online and classroom settings, which are conducive to learning and provide for robust multi-media presentations. The extensive education resources include:
a highly qualified teaching team
animal skeletons and anatomical models
ample case studies
both live and stuffed practice animals
cadavers and one of the best anatomists in the country to provide the dissection
Our program focuses on the equine and the canine, but also mentions cats, birds, pocket pets, cows, pigs and other animals. The instructors do cover the vertebral formulas of many of the species and talk about the unique considerations of many of the animals, especially when it comes to restraint. Each module concludes with an invaluable hands-on live animal field lab. This unique format gives you a full day of participation in small focus groups with a number of horses allowing you to experience a working environment.