Why is Knowing if Your Dog is a Lefty or a Righty Important for Sport?
Have you ever noticed your dog preferring one side over another? It may come as a surprise but just like people dogs also have a left/right preference. A dog's brain is similarly organized like a human brain, meaning that the two hemispheres of the brain also have areas of specialization which can determine "handedness" or "laterality". In dog sport and canine physio we refer to your dog's preference as the lead leg. So...
Osteopathy to Improve Mobility After Routine Surgeries
Learn why osteopathy alleviates pain, restores freedom of movement and enhances the body’s innate healing abilities after routine surgeries. Osteopathy is a system of medicine based on manual manipulation. It alleviates pain, restores freedom of movement and enhances the body’s innate healing abilities. Though people often assume osteopathy is similar to chiropractic, it’s actually a whole body approach that considers fascia, viscera, vascular and lymphatic flow, and is not exclusively...
Efficacy of Laser Therapy in Veterinary Medicine: Thoughts From a Novice
Like many clinicians, I find it daunting to stay current with the many evolving topics in veterinary medicine. Photobiomodulation (also referred to as low-level laser therapy [LLLT] or cold laser) represents a particularly challenging modality to approach for several reasons. For one, colleagues who know more about LLLT than I do have a wide range of often strong opinions regarding its effectiveness. Also, the biophysics involved are less familiar to...
Canine Conditioning for the Conformation Competitor
Canine conditioning has continued to gain interest and acceptance from other popular canine sports, such as flyball, agility, and obedience. Competitors are turning to canine conditioning to prevent injuries, increase their dog’s fitness level and competitiveness, and strengthen the handler-dog bond in a way that is rewarding for both parties. It might not seem as intuitive that conformation athletes can benefit from a canine conditioning program – after all, they...
Small Feet, Big Responsibility: Hoof Care for Foals
A youngster’s hoof care lays the foundation for his future Caring for a foal requires specialized knowledge, especially in one area: hoof care. Early care of the feet can greatly affect a foal’s monetary value, athletic prospects, and overall soundness, say our sources. Some aspects of foot care can even impact a foal’s limb anatomy for life. “A lot of what you do (to the horse) as a foal is...
No Pain, All Gain: Becoming a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner
FEEL NO PAIN As a CVPP, a veterinary nurse can be more involved in the analgesic plan for their patients. Image: Sarah Stowman. Picture this: you’re stuck in a career rut. You love your patients, but vaccines and skin issues are just not floating your boat anymore. Are you a credentialed veterinary technician? Do you ever wonder about other career opportunities? Of course you do! Veterinary nurses are educated,...
The Secret to a Successful Agility Career!
Perfect puppy "Shades"! My newest partner in crime and future sporting dog! You’ve brought your puppy home from the breeder and are excited to start your life together. Perhaps you have big plans for your pup and foresee a long sporting career ahead of you! But how do you get them there and how do you set your puppy up for success? Raising the athletic puppy is a full time job...
Farrah: Hind Limb Lameness and Obesity Case Study
Farrah: Hind limb lameness and obesity case study Background Farrah, a 1.5 y FS Labrador, presented with a 6-month history of left hind limb lameness and more recent history of right hind limb lameness. She had possibly sustained an injury to her left tarsus when she was a puppy. Functional Limitations: Jumping up (bed and car), going downstairs, getting up from lying down Current medications: Rimadyl 150 mg, once a...