The Research Ecosystem of Animal Chiropractic: Evidence, Resources, and a Practitioner-Driven Road Map

This presentation explores the evolving research ecosystem of animal chiropractic by integrating new practitioner‑generated evidence, applied research resources, and future research directions. The session will present finalized findings from a large, REB‑approved investigative study conducted with volunteer practitioners at the previous AVCA Annual Conference, examining force–time characteristics of veterinary spinal manipulative therapy using standardized canine mannikin models. Study methods and results will be discussed with emphasis on their relevance to clinical practice, training, and patient safety. Findings will be contextualized within the current scientific literature using curated animal chiropractic research resources, illustrating practical strategies for accessing and interpreting emerging evidence. The presentation will conclude with a practitioner‑centered roadmap for advancing animal chiropractic research through collaborative participation, reproducible study models, and sustained capacity for evidence development within the profession.

Lumbar Spine - so much to know

We will cover the unique anatomy and complex neurology of this area including viscera-somatic and somoto-visceral implications of misalignments and chiropractic adjustments.

The Tongue as a Regulator of Whole-Body Movement: Integrating Airway, Autonomics, Pelvic Function, and the Upper Cervical Spine in Humans and Horses

When the tongue is in dysregulation, the whole body cannot function. Attendees will leave understanding how tongue connection through the nervous system, autonomic system and 4 Pillars of diaphrams influence pelvic motion in the human and the horse and how these functions affect one another.

Body Stresses and Dynamics of Canine Sports

Discussion of performance demands on canine bodies in over ten common dog sports with examples and videos of performance and information on likely areas of body stress/subluxations based on common movement in the sport. Also includes more in-depth analysis of agility dogs including specific obstacle performance details, statistical analysis of hundreds of dogs with agility performance issues reported, and frequency of chiropractic adjustments in particular joints relative to reported issues. Relation of this information to equine sports will also be discussed briefly, as well as insight into observation methods to improve practitioner understanding of sport-specific body stresses. The statistical analysis has been presented previously (2017) but the rest of the talk is a broader view of canine sports that is new material.

Equine Extremity Adjusting

The lecture will cover evaluation, range of motion and adjusting of each articulation of the front and hind limbs of the horse. We will discuss safety protocols and control of the environment. Lecture will include video representation of each adjusting procedure as well as verbal descriptions.

Integrating video replay from your mobile device into your practice for patient analysis and patient education

This interactive workshop introduces the use of mobile video analysis to assess movement, support clinical decision-making, and enhance client education in veterinary chiropractic practice. Participants will learn how to record high-quality video, perform frame-by-frame and slow-motion analysis, and use annotation tools to identify movement patterns. The session will also demonstrate techniques for comparing pre- and post-treatment videos using side-by-side and overlay features. Attendees will engage in hands-on practice using personal or provided devices and explore practical applications such as gait analysis, lameness evaluation, and treatment monitoring. Emphasis is placed on efficient, low-cost tools that can be readily integrated into everyday clinical practice.

Chiropractic and the Immune System

Immune health is neurologically regulated. This lecture explores the relationship between the nervous system and immune function, with emphasis on neural regulation of inflammatory and immune responses. Attendees will review current concepts in stress physiology and discuss how neurological factors may influence immune system behavior. Clinical implications for animal health and integrative care are discussed.

Where the rubber meets the road: Hooves!

In this lecture, we will explore the neurology and biomechanics of ground interactions in horses, learning how imbalanced hooves interfere with posture, locomotion and performance. 

Canine adjusting techniques by size and attitude

This class will address the substantial difference in techniques when adjusting small and large canine, old and young, quiet, fearful and reactive and offer methods in each category

Creating & Maintaining the Healthy Equine Digit

The equine foot is a marvel of engineering, yet can rather easily become problematic without proper, science-based care – both “at the foot” and above. The resulting problems can manifest themselves as difficulties in achieving effective short- and long-term chiropractic treatment. Learn how – and why – proactive lifestyle modifications for the horse can positively impact the chiropractor’s chances for success

Brain Health and Veterinary Chiropractic: Supporting Cognitive Vitality and Physical Health

This presentation explores an integrative approach to animal wellness by examining how supporting brain health with targeted nutrients complements veterinary chiropractic care towards a whole body healthcare management plan, encouraging both cognitive vitality and physical well-being. This course will include an overview of CCDS (Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome) and review research as well as the rationale for incorporating nutritional and herbal supplements that are documented to beneficially modulate the behavioral disturbances, memory loss, and learning disabilities that often develop as a dog gets older, towards supporting an aging brain and maintaining healthy cognitive function.

The Four Centers of Balance for the Horse

Why focus on the 4 centers of balance for horses can solve many physiological and disease issues in the horse, including but not limited to DSLD, kissing spines, laminitis, among others.

Letting the Cat Out of the Bag: The Secrets of Successful Feline Chiropractic

With more than 85 million cats now integrated into U.S. households, the demand for feline chiropractic care is becoming increasingly popular. Recognizing this growing trend in her own Animal Chiropractic Practice, Dr. Petra Sullwold DC shares her clinical experience and techniques for adjusting her feline friends. This session will provide a comprehensive review of feline-specific neurological concepts, how to assess and adjust the feline vertebral column and extremities by hand.

The Analysis, Diagnosis, and Chiropractic Adjustments of Show Pigs

The lecture will give a quick anatomy review of the swine skeleton. We will review basic biomechanics of gait in the swine and how it relates to both functional movement and the animal's ability to perform in the show arena. Through both video and presentation slides, the attendee will gain knowledge of the most common subluxation patterns and functional gait abnormalities seen in this class of animals. The lecture will review handling and restraining recommendations. We will also discuss different treatment options and chiropractic techniques used to correct the subluxations.

Comparison of Equine and Canine Fascia and its Relevance

A detailed presentation on the newest fascial research in canine and equine studies with an attention to the clinical relevance of the data

Canine Advanced Technique: Exploring Clinical Challenges, Innovations and Hands-On Mastery

This advanced canine technique seminar is designed for practitioners who wish to build on foundational adjusting principles by deepening their technical skillset, exploring innovative approaches, and collaboratively addressing clinical challenges. The session provides a platform for open dialogue and peer exchange, encouraging participants to reflect on and refine their current adjusting strategies. Attendees will have the opportunity to present specific listings or techniques they find challenging, share novel ideas, and learn new setup options for complex canine adjustments, including first rib, upper cervical, and occipital listings, among others. Through presentation and discussion, participants will walk away with greater confidence and a fresh perspective on canine chiropractic care.

Biotensegrity, Nociception and the Brain; the Fascial Connection

Explore the concept of biotensegrity, discovering that all creatures float through time and space, as opposed to being stacked upon the ground. Discover the complex web of fascia that supports the structure of our patients, and how alterations in this web can affect the creature as a whole, both in movement, as well as in function. Discuss the implications of compromised tension, it’s interactions with nociceptors and mechanoreceptors, and theoretical treatment applications.

Be your best and watch your practice soar

I will share with you the good old fashioned and trustworthy methods I have use for over 30 years to retain and attract clients. These methods do not require social medial or selling yourself.

The Anatomy of a High-Ranking Website: Best Practices for SEO Success

This presentation, "The Anatomy of a High-Ranking Website", will provide you with practical tips for optimizing your website's search engine visibility. We'll cover topics such as keyword research, creating high-quality content, optimizing your website's structure and navigation, building high-quality backlinks, and avoiding common SEO pitfalls. You'll also learn how to measure and track your SEO progress, stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices, and leverage advanced techniques like local SEO and mobile optimization. By the end of this presentation, you'll have a solid understanding of the key components of a high-ranking website and the strategies you need to achieve SEO success.

The Adaptation Model of Disease

This lecture introduces a model of disease based on adaptability. Health is presented as the ability to respond effectively to stress, while disease reflects reduced adaptability and increased rigidity in physiological responses. Attendees will explore how compensation patterns develop over time and why animals may appear clinically normal until adaptive capacity is exceeded.

Advanced Upper Cervical Biomechanics in the Equine

Jump in and explore the latest understanding of the upper cervical complex in horses as explained from a human upper cervical doctor for over 15 years. You will gain a greater understanding of how the upper cervical complex informs the movement and alignment of the entire horse. New Lab dissection videos will also be shown.

Stimulating Cranial Nerves for Balancing Mind and Body

In this lecture we will be discussing the various cranial nerves affecting balance, posture, and emotional regulation in preparation for and during chiropractic adjustments. We will review their locations/branches, how they affect the body, and provide a variety of recommendations that the owner or handler can do while waiting to prepare, as well as techniques the chiropractor or an assistant can use during the adjustment.

Extremity Adjusting

The lab will demonstrate each extremity articulation and how to evaluate and adjust according to the findings at the time. Each participant will have the option for hands on experience with instructor guidance to build confidence and improve skills for adjusting equine extremities.

Balanced Hoof Trimming

Watching a proper horse hoof trim is an experience not many people have had, simply because the overwhelming majority of professional hoof care providers in the U.S. have not been educated on the importance of proper hoof balance and the unintended but very real negative consequences of imbalance. This lab will demonstrate how a horse's hooves should be trimmed to facilitate the horse's long-term comfort and soundness while realizing the best movement possible, with an emphasis on identifying the properly-balanced hoof.

Acupressure Diagnostic Points

The hands-on lab is designed to demonstrate to the attendees acupressure points that are diagnostic and helpful to check for complete adjustments and underlying issues that can lead to chiropractic subluxations.

Where are we now, and where do we need to go? Evidence-based updates to support chiropractic treatments in humans and animals

The scientific evidence to support chiropractic care, specifically the adjustment, has had exponential growth in the last 30 years. In this presentation, Dr. Simon Wang will provide updates of chiropractic research for humans and animals. This presentation will outline what research has led to spinal manipulation being included in human clinical practice guidelines. What types of research helps us understand the mechanisms of the chiropractic adjustment. What research has been completed on animals, and what research the Animal Chiropractic profession still needs. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the current state of evidence-based care and strategies on how to approach conversations with other health care professionals, patients, owners and trainers

Is your practice doomed to be buried with you? The Art of Scaling an Animal Chiropractic Practice.

Few animal chiropractic practices live beyond their founders. Many never hire an associate nor provide the founder with retirement proceeds. Developing the leaders of Animal Chiropractic for the future is the basic goal of this lecture.

Building a Mobile Animal Chiropractic Practice While Running a Human Clinic: Systems, Scheduling and Social Media

This presentation outlines a practical framework for building and managing a successful dual practice model. Attendees will learn how to structure schedules that accommodate both patient populations, develop efficient mobile workflows, and create systems that support sustainable growth without burnout. The session will also explore how social media—particularly Instagram—can be leveraged to build visibility, educate the public, and generate referrals from both pet owners and veterinary professionals. Real-world insights from operating a mobile animal chiropractic service alongside a human practice will be shared, including strategies for time management, marketing, and relationship building with veterinary partners. Participants will leave with actionable steps to confidently launch or expand a mobile animal chiropractic practice while continuing to serve their human patients.

Recognizing Functional Deconditioning and Compensatory Gait Patterns in Aging Dogs: A Biomechanical Approach for Animal Chiropractic Practitioners

This noncommercial, clinically focused session is designed for animal chiropractic practitioners interested in improving recognition of subtle functional decline and compensatory movement strategies in aging and neurologically challenged dogs. The session will emphasize biomechanics, observational pattern recognition, neuromuscular compensation, and practical application rather than product promotion. The educational goal is to provide animal chiropractic practitioners with clinically useful frameworks for recognizing early functional deterioration and improving interdisciplinary communication surrounding canine mobility preservation.

The Neuro Exam - Applicable Information for the Animal Chiropractor

This two-part exploration offers a detailed and clinically relevant look at the neurologic examination as it applies to animal chiropractors. The first section will provide a thorough review of the examination process itself, reviewing each essential step, from assessment of the cranial nerves to evaluation of gait, posture, reflexes, and sensory function. We will review a systematic approach that will help the practitioner identify subtle neurologic abnormalities and better understand the functional status of the animal patient. The second section will move beyond examination technique to consider the clinical meaning of those findings. We will explore how neurologic deficits or asymmetries could influence treatment decisions, alter prognosis, and shape our expectations for recovery. We will also discuss whether these findings can serve as clinical benchmarks, allowing us as practitioners to monitor patient progress within treatments and over time, assessing the effectiveness of our therapeutic interventions.

Giving the best start in life: Juvenile Interventions

Every human chiropractor knows that baby’s first adjustment sets it up for a lifetime of balance and health.  Same goes for animal babies!  We will look at how to set your breeder clients up for greater success and more show quality puppies by following early childhood intervention protocols.

Chiropractic as a Lifestyle, Not Just a Treatment

Chiropractic is about maintaining adaptability, not fixing damage. This lecture presents chiropractic care as part of a broader lifestyle approach to maintaining health and adaptability. Topics include preventative care, movement, environmental influences, and the integration of nutrition and neurological health. The emphasis is on long-term function rather than episodic treatment.

Intro to Farm Animal Adjusting: Getting your foot in the barn. Barn Culture / Showing and Adjusting

Introduction to livestock adjusting, including anatomy, neurology, & adjusting demos. Emphasis on getting your foot in the barn, including show culture, how chiropractic can help your owners get the banner & communicating what you found to the animal owner.

Canine Advanced Technique

This advanced canine technique seminar is designed for practitioners who wish to build on foundational adjusting principles by deepening their technical skillset, exploring innovative approaches, and collaboratively addressing clinical challenges. The session provides a platform for open dialogue and peer exchange, encouraging participants to reflect on and refine their current adjusting strategies. Attendees will have the opportunity to present specific listings or techniques they find challenging, share novel ideas, and learn new setup options for complex canine adjustments, including first rib, upper cervical, and occipital listings, among others. Through hands-on application, participants will walk away with greater confidence, enhanced technique precision, and a fresh perspective on canine chiropractic care.

Low Force Adjusting Technique

In this lab you will learn how to find the primary misalignments and then use low force techniques to correct. Goal is to help doctors focus in learn techniques that offer results and are more comfortable for the patient and easier on the doctors body.

Canine Adjusting by size and attitude

Practical application of the different techniques required for best practices with petite to giant dog breeds as well as young to ancient and quiet fearful and reactive

Dissection of the Equine Lower Limb and Foot

The lower limb and foot of the horse contain a number of specialized structures that can be challenging to understand when viewed out of context. This laboratory experience will allow participants a first-hand look at these fascinating structures and their relationship with each other, providing a better understanding of the significance of their function in the overall health and comfort of the horse.