When equine chiropractor Gary Christou was called to the 2.5-metre diamond python he agreed to make a move into “unchartered territory”.

Horses and dogs are the regular patients of the Orange-based practitioner and he’s seen a few birds, a kangaroo and sheep, cattle and goats in the past.

But Diamond, aged about eight years and loved by his Dubbo family, proved to be good to work with during Friday’s consultation.

The reptile’s owner, who said he had a “lovely temperament for a snake”, had called on Mr Christou for help, telling him he had treated her dogs in the past.

The chiropractor found Diamond had three vertebrae about 10cm behind his skull that needed unlocking.

The pet python responded well to the “non-invasive mobilisation and stretching”, so that he was able to straighten once more, Mr Christou said.

“That’s very encouraging,” the equine chiropractor said.

“It was also very encouraging that he didn’t attack me.

“All living creatures can get guarded . . . he was very gentle to work with, which was a pleasant surprise.”

Mr Christou, who has been an osteopath for humans for years and a chiropractor for animals for 35 years, believes more species could benefit from the treatment.

But while he agreed to see a snake, he may not be game to treat every animal.

“I don’t think I’d like to be doing it for a lion or a tiger,” he said.

Caption:

Diamond the pet diamond python receives treatment for a bad neck from equine chiropractor Gary Christou. Photo: BELINDA SOOLE