Are You lasering the Brain Yet? No? Well, Get On With It Already!!
Laurie Edge-Hughes, BScPT, MAnimSt, CAFCI, CCRT is, in a word, the "guru" of animal rehabilitation and physiotherapy. We can indeed call her a "pioneer" in this field, and she continues to educate, innovate, and even provoke with her weekly tutorials. For many of us in this field, she is inspiring. Veterinary professionals interested in following Laurie should check her out here FOURLEG. Below is Laurie's thought-provoking pitch on lasering the brain. ...
He Can Barely Walk but Can't Be Stopped - Moozie's Story
Moozie (AKA “Asher”) was 4 years old when he was diagnosed with a debilitating neurological condition; he wasn't expected to survive much more than a year. Now, nearly 6 years later, Moozie shows no signs of stopping (the video at the end of this article proves his determination). Moozie is nearly blind, needs tons of help to walk, can't feed himself or drink on his own. But here he is chewing on a big yellow ball,...
Dog Harnesses - VITAL VET REVIEW
I must admit, I don't like dog collars. I've had healthy dogs and dogs with orthopedic and neurologic issues and none of them appreciated being tugged around by their neck. I don't blame them! In general, harnesses provide better support and control, and definitely help ouchy dogs get around better. For dogs with injuries or who have trouble getting around, harnesses are indispensable. For hyperactive dogs who want nothing more than to chase...
Nerve Pain After Injury or Amputation
Dogs with sensory loss, abnormal sensation, or hypersensitivity can benefit from a sensory re-education and/or desensitization plan (see Vital Vet Sensory Protocol below). The plan should be integrated as part of an overall rehabilitation program including therapeutic exercises, functional activities, pain management, and limb or stump protection. What causes sensory loss, abnormal sensation, or hypersensitivity? Neurological injuries - like brachial plexus and sciatic nerve injuries Physical trauma - like large cuts, crush injuries,...
Help for Hip Pressure Sores: VITAL VET REVIEW
Last week, Vital Vet's Product Wizard received this inquiry "My dog has DM (degenerative myelopathy) and now has a sore on his hip bone from lying on it too much. Is there a product that can protect that area?". Here's what the Product Wizard had to say. A pressure sore (also known as a decubitus ulcer) can happen when dogs spend too much time lying on a hard surface. These sores are typically seen over bony areas like elbows,...
Help Painful, Weak Dogs Get Moving Again: Leda's Story
This awesome article was sent to us by Jeff VerHoef of Canine Mobility who worked with "Leda" the Bouvier. He was interviewed by Kate Poss, the founder and writer for This is Whidbey. We've talked about how physical therapy, massage, braces, and anti-knuckling devices can help dogs regain mobility. Now read Leda's story about overcoming severe arthritis and spinal stroke (FCE). It may "take a village" but they're soooo worth it! Reliable resources for treating...
DJ - the Rescue Dog in Bike Shorts
Some animals have a hard time getting adopted from traditional shelters, particularly if they are handicapped, injured, or have a serious medical condition. That’s where Animal Lifeline in Des Moines, Iowa steps in. As a special needs, no-kill shelter - the only one of its kind in Central Iowa – Animal Lifeline rescues animals who need medical or rehabilitative care before they can be adopted out to their forever homes. Animal Lifeline,...
Devices for Pets with Knuckling or Dragging Paws
There are many conditions that produce weakness and can lead to knuckling or dragging of the front and hind paws and limbs. Conditions that can affect the hind legs include degenerative myelopathy (DM), sciatic nerve injury, disc disease, and spinal cord injury. Brachial plexus and radial nerve injuries can cause front paw knuckling or limb dragging. A fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) can affect either or both the front and hind legs and paws. Regardless...