Consultants for Pet Parents

PHYSICAL THERAPIST: Debbie Gross Torraca, DPT, MSPT, Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Emeritus

THE SOLVER OF PROBLEMS MANY CANNOT SOLVE!

I enjoy working with all types of dogs, but especially dogs with sporting injuries (sports medicine) and those that are challenging or difficult to help.  I also specialize in dogs with degenerative myelopathy.

I always look at the big picture - I take into account the dog, its partner, environment, and sport or activities to determine what's going on and how to help. 

I provide teleconsultation services for Pet Parents who:

• Are looking for tools to successfully work with their dog at home
  
• Need help developing a plan for both the short-term and long-term
  
• Need help integrating treatments into their busy schedule (help in developing routines)

VET TECH & CERTIFIED IN CANINE REHAB: Renee DeSimone, CVT, CCRA

SPECIAL INTEREST IN ORTHOPEDIC & NEUROLOGIC ISSUES IN PETS

I offer consultation for pet parents of dogs or cats with weakness or generalized stiffness, lameness issues, post-op surgical pets, and those with osteoarthritis and pain related to injury or disease. I have worked with pets with spinal cord injuries and paralysis as well as pets that have had strokes and cannot walk well.  I will be happy to work with you and your veterinary team to provide solutions, suggestions, and coaching to help your pet recover or feel and move better.  I provide consults for Pet Parents:

• To help keep your pet as mobile and comfortable as possible.
• To address the specific needs of pets with orthopedic or neurologic issues.
• To educate and clarify activity restrictions and exercises, especially following surgery or neurological injury.

PHYSICAL THERAPIST: Jen McNutt, BSc, MScPT, Diploma in Canine Rehabilitation

IMPROVE MOBILITY THROUGH REHAB AND ASSISTIVE DEVICES

I offer one-on-one, client-centered guidance on exercise, mobility, conditioning, and massage techniques that can help pets regain function and reduce pain. I work with dogs of all ages and all injuries however, I specialize in older dogs and orthopedic conditions such as sprains/strains, arthritis, back pain and post-surgery.

I also offer direction in selecting assistive aids for your pet, such as harnesses, carts, and braces.  My goal is to provide an individualized, wholistic approach to help pets be more comfortable and improve mobility.  I provide consults for Pet Parents to:

• Assist dogs in maintaining mobility and function in their senior years.
  
• General exercise consult and demonstration of simple massage techniques.
  
• Recommendations for modifications in the home environment to reduce the risk of injury and make it easier for older pets or pets returning home from surgery to get around the home.
  
• Recommendations on assistive aids that may best help your pet with mobility issues.
  

PHYSICAL THERAPIST: Carrie Smith, BsPT, CCRT (Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist), Cert. Gunn IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation)

SPECIALIZING IN KNEE AND HIP EXERCISE PROGRAMS

*I provide Teleconsultation services for Canadian clients only

I have developed exercise programs to help rehabilitate and strengthen the canine knee (stifle) and hip.  These programs are of great value for pet owners whose dogs have undergone knee or hip surgery.  I provide consults for Pet Parents who want help:

• Restoring normal range of motion of the knee or hip
  
• Restoring strength in the hind leg
  
• Returning their dog to sport following surgery
  

MASSAGE THERAPIST: Sara May, NCCMT, NCCAP [Canine Massage Therapist / Small Animal Acupressure Practitioner], Co-Founder & Lead Instructor for Canis Bodyworks, LLC

MASSAGE AND ACUPRESSURE SPECIALIST FOR DOGS OF ALL AGES

I offer a virtual consultation service for pet parents and animal rehabilitation
therapists. From the comfort of your home, at a time that’s convenient for you, I collaborate with you and your veterinary medical team to provide one-on-one coaching.  I provide consults for Pet Parents who want:

• To improve the level of comfort and quality of life for their canine companion through massage and acupressure guidance.
  
• To address the specific needs of their dog in any stage of life, including youth, adulthood, elderly, post-surgical, and hospice/palliative.
  
• Convenient access to an expert in animal bodywork who can provide relevant information and guidance with effective techniques that are easy and safe to apply at home.
  

VETERINARIAN: Tanya Grantham, BSc(Hons), BVSc (Veterinary Science), CCRP (Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner), CCBW (Caninology Canine Body Worker), CVA (Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist), CertSCVA (Certificate of Safety and Competence in Veterinary Acupuncture), 2020 Finalist for Veterinary Rehabilitation Therapist of the Year. 

SPECIALIZING IN PUPPIES, OLDER, AND GERIATRIC DOGS AND CATS

My philosophy on treating puppies: I firmly believe that the sooner a developmental condition is noticed and diagnosed, the more options are available to treat the condition. Soft tissue can influence the skeleton and indeed we see this with many problems associated with young dogs. Hip dysplasia and patellar luxation are probably the most discussed. Allow me to discuss physical therapy and exercises which may benefit you pet or patient.

My philosophy on treating older and geriatric dogs and cats: Veterinarians are taught to assist with pain in a multi-modal manner – specifically with regards to the use of medicines. The multi-modal approach I use is holistic. I am able to discuss the use of drugs in combination with physical therapy modalities that reduce pain in dogs and cats. These modalities include massage, electrotherapy, and photobiomodulation (light therapy) which are within the reach of animal guardians and veterinary professionals alike. Acupuncture (and acupressure) can also be applied.

I provide consults for Pet Parents:

• To discuss options for conditions seen in young dogs that are not yet part of veterinary curricula.
• To provide additional assistance so that the quality of life of older dogs is enhanced, and longevity increased.
• To consider all the factors that influence you and your companion in order to find a feasible solution for your specific situation.

VETERINARIAN: Tina McGrath, DVM, CCRT (Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist), CVAT (Certified Veterinary Acupuncture Therapist)

MOBILITY SPECIALIST FOR PETS - WHETHER AN ATHLETE OR A FAMILY PET

I am a veterinarian who is certified in canine rehabilitation and acupuncture, and specializing in mobility issues related to orthopedic and neurological conditions.  I offer the following consult services for Pet Parents: 

• Teach pet parents how to safely guide their pet through the recovery process following cruciate injury or secondary to neurological conditions such as disc disease.
  
• Assist pet parents with a pet's decline in mobility:
  
•  for aging pets with mobility issues such as hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy.  
• in younger dogs prone to mobility issues - we'll work toward preventing these issues through home rehab programs.

VETERINARIAN: Jane McNae, BVSc, MANZCVs (Surg), PGCert (Med Ed), CCRT, MRCVS, Dip A Phys

HELPING DOGS, CATS, RABBITS, AND SMALL PETS GET PACK ON THEIR PAWS AGAIN.

I have examined, diagnosed, and treated with medicine, surgery, and physiotherapy all the common conditions a pet may suffer - I've seen it all. 

My areas of focus include elderly and arthritic pets, post-surgical patients, canine athletes, obese animals, and those with neurological impairments.

My physiotherapy and rehabilitation focuses on the PAW trilogy approach (developed by Paws in Motion), which stands for: PLACE (P), ACTIVITY (A), and WELLBEING (W) - and I take all these aspects into consideration to provide a well-rounded review with advice on what actions can be taken to enhance pet mobility and recovery.  I provide consultative services for Pet Parents to help with:   

• Explaining the relevance of previously diagnosed condition(s) and how best to proceed for your individual pet
• Advice and understanding of multiple ways to help with pain at home
• Guidance in the pros and cons for selection and use of mobility support devices, techniques, modalities (machines) and therapy options available for your pet’s needs
• Finding solutions for tricky pets and difficulties regarding your pet’s exercise plan
• I provide more convenient access to an independent expert in veterinary physical therapy and rehabilitation

VETERINARIAN: Debra Voulgaris, DVM, MA, CCRP, cert Veterinary Acupuncture, cert Tuina, cert Ozonotherapy

PHYSICAL REHABILITATION VETERINARIAN WITH A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO HEALING

I am a rehabilitation and integrative medicine veterinarian that specializes in helping animals regain mobility, comfort, and well being. I focus on natural treatments such as acupuncture, nutrition, ozone therapy, photobiomodulation and detoxification, often combining them with more conventional therapies like pharmaceuticals, to assist patients in their healing process. Educating and empowering clients is a primary goal because having realistic expectations and understanding their pets' condition, the treatment options, and how to provide appropriate home care leads to the best outcomes.  I provide consultations for Pet Parents:

• To review the medical record and current condition of the pet (including gait analysis if possible)
  
• Discuss treatment options, realistic expectations, a safe home environment
  
• in home care and home exercises, adaptive or assistive devices if necessary, and if desired, and time permits, other influences on healing like diet and improving overall wellness.
  

CANINE REHAB THERAPIST: Lisa Dos Passos, OT, Vet Tech, CCRP (Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner)

FOCUS ON FUNCTION & PERFORMANCE FOR CANINE ATHLETES, SENIORS, & PETS WITH DISABILITIES

I offer a variety of consultation services for pet owners with athletic pets, as well as retired or senior pets. I also serve families and rescue organizations with pets who have physical challenges such as paralysis or amputations.  I work with trainers and handlers of canine athletes as well as veterinary professionals who are interested in a second look or a consult on a case.  I provide consults for Pet Parents to provide:

• Education on massage and range of motion for specific injuries or conditions.
  
• Home exercise programs, including using house-hold items for exercises and activities.
  
• Ideas for setting up the home for safety for pets recovering from injury, surgery or for aging pets.
  

PHYSICAL THERAPIST: Amie Lamoreaux Hesbach, PT, DPT, MS, NCPT, CCRP, CCRT, CKTP (Certified KinesioTaping Practitioner)

MOVEMENT, FITNESS, AND EXERCISE PRO

I offer a virtual mobility consultation service for pet parents worldwide.  From the comfort of your home, at a time that’s convenient for you, I collaborate with you and your veterinary medical team to provide a comprehensive, one-on-one coaching solutions.  I provide consults for Pet Parents:

• To assure a safe and comfortable home environment for their pet upon his return home from hospitalization, surgery, or injury
  
• A simple, less overwhelming exercise and activity program for their pet following hospitalization, surgery, or injury
  
• More convenient access to an expert in animal physical therapy and rehabilitation