Trigger Point Therapy: Keeping Dogs Active and Pain Free
My first experience with trigger point therapy was when I was a cross country athlete in college. I was into heavy training, lack of rest, and the desire to push my body to the limits to qualify for nationals. One day, as I was running down a hill during a training run, I heard a pop and felt a burn up the back of my leg like I'd never felt...
Conservative Care for Canine Hip Dysplasia
Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is one of the most common orthopedic issues seen by veterinary professionals. One study1 found that there was a 15.5% incidence level of hip dysplasia out of over 1 million dogs in the US and Canada. Hip dysplasia is a genetic disease where there is poor congruency of the head of the femur and the acetabulum of the pelvis. However, the degree to which it expresses...
CPR For Dogs: A Step-By-Step Guide To Saving Your Dog’s Life
Seeing your dog in a life-threatening situation can be a frightening and stressful experience, especially if the dog is unresponsive. Equipping yourself with the knowledge to effectively recognize and take action treating your dog’s condition can keep you calm and greatly increase your dog’s chance of survival. Two life-saving procedures you need to know are artificial respiration and CPR for dogs. This article will outline how to identify whether your...
Comparing 3 Types of Dog Harnesses
A well-trained dog means having better control on your walks. This can be achieved with training, but appropriate walking equipment can be just as helpful. Studies show how different types of dog harnesses are better than a simple leash and collar combo due to their safety and comfort for the dog. However, because every type of dog harness has its own set of unique features, owners are sometimes confused and unsure...
Elbow Dysplasia and Home / Exercise Adaptations
Elbow dysplasia is hereditary but is also associated with rapid growth and high energy diet. Large breed dogs tend to be affected. Examples are: German Shepherds Basset Hounds Saint Bernhards Bernese Mountain Dogs Labrador Retrievers Newfoundlands Australian Shepherds However, elbow dysplasia could be seen on rare occasions in smaller breeds. In this condition, the elbow suffers structural defects related to the cartilage. First starts with gradual degradation of the joint...
WHY WATER-BENEFITS OF HYDROTHERAPY
Benefits of Aquatic Therapy Aquatic therapy, also known as hydrotherapy, is not a new concept but the benefits of water for patients, of all types, is getting more and more attention in the physical therapy industry. It’s something sport programs have been utilizing with athletes for years and now patients suffering from a wide range of conditions are now utilizing. Hydrotherapy in an underwater treadmill or pool uses the natural...
DOES YOUR DOG HAVE STIFF JOINTS?
“Stiff joints” is a general term for changes in the joint caused by normal or abnormal wear and tear. Because your dog’s joint pain directly impacts his mobility and how well he’s able to get around, it can have a serious effect on your dog’s quality of life. For dogs who have stiff joints, the cartilage (the tissues that “cushions” the joint between the bones) is worn away faster than...
Are you being S.M.A.R.T with your rehabilitation goals?
Don’t cringe! I know you probably covered S.M.A.R.T. goal setting to exhaustion as part of your training but how many of us are actually using this protocol in our daily practice and why is it important anyway? S.M.A.R.T. is a universal protocol that we can make relevant to veterinary physiotherapy and rehabilitation. A quick google search will see countless variations of the acronym and will find it being used in...