Shoulder Injuries in Dogs
Dogs can contort their bodies in incredible ways; they are amazing athletes! It's no wonder that injuries happen when their shoulders get bent or turned the wrong way. The Shoulder Joint Shoulder joints in humans are easy to find and palpate (feel) since they lie on the outer sides of the body. The shoulder joint of the dog is more elusive; it lies against their front chest and can be hard to feel, especially in...
Nose Work & Target Training - Useful and Fun For All Dogs
Last week, we saw a Facebook post that really caught our attention - a Corgi named Daisy competing in K9 Nose Work. What jumped out was that this Corgi had degenerative myelopathy (DM) and was in a wheelchair, and her mom wheeled her around in a wagon, going from station to station to compete. In their last competition a few weeks ago, this dynamic duo came in 9th overall! This is Daisy, in...
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,...
Does My Dog Need a Leg Brace - What I Need to Know
There are many reasons why a dog might benefit from a leg brace. Some of the more common include: Wrist or ankle arthritis or pain (lameness, limping) Injury, sprain, or strain Deviation or deformity of the joint Protection against injury Support for the remaining limb after leg amputation varus (outward bowing), hyperextension, valgus (inward bowing) of the wrist Leg injuries or conditions that are mild or moderate can be effectively managed...
Meet the VITAL VET Creator - Why VITAL VET... is Vital for Pets
Meet the creator behind Vital Vet and learn why Vital Vet is a vital resource for pet parents and professionals alike! Pulled from the interview with P.O.W.E.R. Magazine ... Ilaria, you created Vital Vet, LLC to help pet parents who have pets with injuries or special needs. Were you overwhelmed by the success of this venture? I knew there was a need because I too am a parent of a...
Veterinarians International - Helping Animals and Healing Our Planet
Vital Vet is excited and humbled to be partnering with Veterinarians International, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide veterinary care and education to improve the well-being of animals and their communities. Veterinarians International (VI) is a global network of veterinarians, animal welfare specialists, and researchers who partner with local communities to improve the care and conservation of animals in need, both wild and domestic. On April 19, 2021, the VI team learned that a...
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,...