Animal chiropractic neutralises the claim of placebo effect of spinal manipulation: Historical perspectives

A review has been conducted of material published in relation to the role of chiropractic care of animals. Interestingly, the initial record of such care in 1896 is only one year after the recognised beginning of chiropractic health care of humans. There have been formal courses established in animal chiropractic, as well as chiropractic hospitals for animals, sections in textbooks relating to vertebral adjustments of quadrupeds, as well as full texts. References to numerous anecdotal reports are presented - one involving an orangutang. Acknowledgement of these early contributions to animal chiropractic and its steady acceptance would contradict critics who may claim that any positive result obtained by spinal adjustments is psychological. Successful resolution by spinal adjustments of health conditions in animal patients negates such claims. It would be up to critics to demonstrate any so-called placebo effect in view of the demand, acceptance and development of this evolving profession.