Beyond Bloodwork: Advanced Senior Wellness Pet Care
Advancements in veterinary medicine have helped to increase longevity and enhance the quality of life of cats, dogs, and other animal companions. And, when it comes to our geriatric fur pals, one of the best ways we can keep them at their healthiest – while slowing down some of the impact of aging – is through senior wellness pet care. When is my pet considered a senior? As you may...
Integrative Treatment of Spinal Dysfunction
How acupuncture, homeopathy and other therapies can help in the treatment of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and spondylosis in pets. I have seen it time and again: a client brings in a sweet beloved pet that cannot use his hind legs. Depending on which segment of the spinal cord is affected, the animal may also be unable to urinate or defecate with control. The client is understandably upset but still...
Joint Supplements
Cartilage covers the end of bones. It is a smooth surface designed to enable gliding of two points (ends of bones) over each other. In osteoarthritis (also known as degenerative joint disease) it is the damage to the cartilage which impinges on the joint function. When the two bones can no longer slide over each other, there is pain. Cartilage contains chondrblasts (cells) , collagen (fibres) and proteoglycans (proteins) and...
Treadmills for Canine Conditioning Programs: What You Should Know
Treadmills have received a lot of popularity in the last few years in mainstream canine conditioning programs and rehabilitation. I see a lot of photos on social media of dogs of all ages walking, trotting, and running on treadmills. But are treadmills all they're cracked up to be? What's the difference between conventional human treadmills and dog-specific treadmills? What exactly do underwater treadmills do that's different from dry treadmills? This week I...
New Therapy Could Combat Persistent Joint Infections in Horses
Researchers took their blood to develop a super-concentrated platelet-rich plasma lysate that, when teamed with antibiotics, can eradicate bacterial biofilms common in joint infections. This therapy could potentially save horses from years of pain and could also be applied to other species, including humans and dogs. Credit: Dr, Lauren Schnabel, North Carolina State University A new therapy could combat persistent joint infections in horses, potentially saving them from years...
Lasers in Canine Physical Rehabilitation
Class III and Class IV lasers have important applications in physical rehab for dogs, but proper training in the use of this therapy is essential, both for veterinarians and technicians. My personal experience with lasers in veterinary physical rehabilitation began in 2005 with a 250mW laser used in my mobile rehab practice. At the time, any laser from 5mW to 500mW was considered Class III and was often referred to...
Juvenile Hip Dysplasia in the Canine
A case study of canine juvenile hip dysplasia involving the use of digital thermal imaging. How this tool can enhance patient analysis and treatment. Gloria, an 11-month-old intact female Rottweiler, was presented for evaluation after a history Figure 1: Gloria’s radiography at ten months of age of rear limb lameness. Radiography at ten months of age (Figure 1) demonstrated signs of juvenile hip dysplasia: significant abnormalities of the coxofemoral joints...
What Is the Fascia and How Does It Affect My Dog?
What if I told you there was a complex system in your dog's body that can greatly affect their posture, mobility, emotional well-being, and performance? The fascia is quite simply the tissue that holds you together! Injury and pain to one part of the fascia can have profound effects on the rest of the body. Knowing the role the fascia plays in the body, how it can be injured, and...