What might cause my dog to have a vertebral subluxation complex (VSC)?

• Slips, falls or trauma - like jumping off furniture, roughhousing, or accidents

• Collar or leash strain

• Aging and everyday wear-and-tear

• Repetitive strain – from activities such as agility, flyball, or frequent jumping

• Environment - where animal sleeps, flooring, etc

• Birthing process

• Conformation issues

• Compensation from injuries/recent history of surgery

• Lack of exercise/obesity

Some signs your dog may have a VSC

• Difficulty getting up, laying down, or jumping

• Decrease in range of motion of neck or limbs

• Unusual posture or gait

• Change in attitude/behavioral changes

• Performance problems

• Urinary or fecal incontinence

• Change in bite work

• Refusal to eat or play

• Undefined lameness (after a veterinarian has assessed situation)

• Skin sensitivity

• Chronic conditions

• Post-surgical recovery

• Aging dogs showing signs of slowing down