The Carrot Tribune - August 2021
In this issue...
Bunnies of the Month for August
Rabbit Chiropractic Care
BUNS is closed to the public due to Covid-19. We're looking forward to reopening the shelter, restarting Hoppy Hour, and holding Basic Bunny and Guinea Pig classes again. Until it's safe to do so, we are here for the rabbits and guinea pigs and for bunny and piggie parents.
Adoptions by appointment only. Contact 805 683-0521 or info@bunssb.org. Hay Sales are available on the Santa Barbara County Animal Shelter Front Porch 24/7.
Bunnies of the Month
These two cuties form a beautiful pair of bonded bunny boys - each unique in personality and appearance. They love their run around time, and do appreciate pets and treats. All in all, they are a wonderful duo who would love to meet a great adopter. Rumple and Humpty would love to start their very own fairytale in a loving forever home!
Rabbit Chiropractic Care
How to Have a Happy, Healthy, Hopping Bunny!
By Dr. Sherry D. Gaber
I worked at a wildlife center for 5-1/2 yrs near Santa Fe, NM and I've given animal chiropractic care to many creatures — from a hummingbird, a porcupine, a black bear, and mountain lion cubs to a 1,400 pound pet buffalo named Charlie. So the first time a client came to me with her two white bunnies I was delighted to share my skills for better movement and increased health.
I asked the owner what her concerns were for her bunnies, Snowflake and BoPeep. Snowflake's rear legs weren't as strong as they used to be and she wasn't thumping any more. BoPeep had a head tilt and her balance wasn't great, and it wasn't due to an ear infection. The owner wanted answers to help both of them and asked if I thought I could help. My answer was "Yes” for both bunnies!!!
I understand the working connections of the nervous system from the rear legs to the brain, and that a misalignment of the skull or first neck bone (vertebrae) can prevent proper rear leg function at any age.
For now let's talk about rear leg weaknesses because it's one of the first symptoms of an upper neck misalignment. Simply stated: there are big nerves (communication fibers) that originate from the lower leg muscles which talk to the brain. The brain needs to hear from these fibers clearly in order to function efficiently. These communication wires travel up the spinal column (back bone) to a part of the brain that interprets how the legs are moving and communicates back to the rear legs to PUSH! But when there's an upper neck misalignment this communication is decreased and there's less PUSH-power in the rear legs. If the back legs can't PUSH well, then, to compensate the front legs have to pull more, which leads to a sore/tender back and shoulders.
As an upper cervical specialist I understood what Snowflake needed — a gentle correction of the first cervical vertebrae. And when I examined Snowflake’s neck I did feel that the first cervical vertebrae was out of its perfect placement, ultimately not allowing that special nerve fiber to work well, and for the rear legs to communicate to the brain.
For the treatment I gave Snowflake a gentle correction of the first neck vertebrae and immediately the owner and I saw Snowflake thump with her left rear leg and then with her right rear leg!!! When I examined the rest of Snowflake, her back was relaxed and I gently stretched out her front legs! It was all good!!!
I knew Snowflake would be bouncing around her house feeling fine in her body and letting her owner know where she was with that great rear leg THUMP! In addition, Snowflake now had less stress in her body. Without the stress of trying to move naturally her body can remain as youthful and mobile as possible. The owner was very happy to hear this and I was very happy to tell her that's just how the body wants to work.
In my next article we will talk about BoPeep's head tilt and the effects it has on body balance, coordination, indigestion and rear leg weakness. Stay tuned!
Dr. Sherry D. Gaber
Certified Animal Chiropractor
505-690-1107
www.sherrygaberdc.com
About BUNS (Bunnies Urgently Needing Shelter)
BUNS is an independent non-profit corporation dedicated to the care and welfare of rabbits and guinea pigs. BUNS works to find bunnies and guinea pigs permanent homes, and educates the public on caring for their guinea pig and rabbit companion.
Your contribution can go a long way towards helping rabbits and guinea pigs in Santa Barbara. Donate today!