Virtual Consultants

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:

• For Pet parents:
• 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.

• For Veterinarians, Technicians, and Rehab Therapists:
• Provide recommendations on assistive aids and at-home modifications and care for a variety of orthopedic and neurologic conditions or cases. 
• Provide a physical therapy perspective and a second look on puzzling cases.

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.
• Veterinarians, Technicians, and Rehab Therapists who want:
• To bring a valuable but often overlooked modality into the health plan for cases which would benefit from soft tissue work.
• Insight into the benefits and principles of advanced soft tissue techniques for individual cases, including myofascial trigger point therapy, post-surgical massage and edema management, and orthopedic friction for tendon and ligament healing. While these techniques cannot be effectively taught in their entirety in a virtual setting (in-person, hands-on demonstration, guidance, and feedback are the ideal way to teach/learn), Sara can guide the veterinary professional in the fundamentals of advanced techniques and recommend how they can be safely applied in practice.
• To expand upon their existing repertoire of rehabilitation interventions.

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 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)

• Trainers and handlers of canine athletes who:
• Want to work together to develop a plan to functionally assess a condition and/or problem
• Want to collaborate to develop possible treatment plans for issues and prevention strategies and tools to keep problems from occurring or re-occurring
• Are looking for proactive approaches to prevent injuries and issues

• Animal rehabilitation veterinarians and therapists:
• To assist in developing a plan or different approach to the client and problem
• To provide ideas, recommendations, alternatives, or other treatment plans for challenging cases
• Assist in selecting additional treatment parameters, techniques or modalities for a condition

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:   

For Pet parents:

• 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:

• 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.

• For Veterinarians, Technicians, and Rehab Therapists:
• To offer my knowledge and experience for any case in which a patient is having mobility issues or pain.
• I will review the medical record, current condition of the patient and can offer my opinion about the condition, prognosis, home care (for pet parents), pain management protocols, therapies that could be beneficial, other possible treatment options and if desired can discuss overall health including diet.

VETERINARIAN: Jennifer Repac, DVM, CCRT, CVA, CVCH, Certified Veterinary Acupuncture

WHOLE(ISTIC) MOBILITY CARE FOR DOGS, CATS, AND EXOTIC PETS

My multi-disciplined background in general practice, integrative medicine, and rehabilitation contribute to my truly “whole(istic)” approach to mobility and wellness care. I have received advanced training in the rehabilitation of geriatrics, athletes, and even exotic pets. My experiences have led me to become creative in my mobility solutions including skills with orthoses/prosthetics and other assistive devices (eg. carts, braces, harnesses).  Ready to handle even the toughest cases, my varied expertise enables me to select and prioritize the “best tool in the box” for each treatment.  I provide consultative services for:

• For Pet parents:
  • Discuss how to proceed with next steps to gain diagnosis for a mobility disorder.
  • Give a better understanding of a previously diagnosed condition.
  • Educate about home care to optimize mobility and prevent re-injury.
  • Provide guidance in the use/selection of an appropriate assistive device.

• For Veterinarians, Technicians, and Rehab Therapists:
• Provide  a second opinion for troubling cases.
• Assist in the creation of an appropriate home exercise plan for a previously diagnosed condition.
• Provide guidance in the use/selection of an appropriate assistive device.
• Advise on multi-modal pain management.

VETERINARIAN: Matthew Brunke, DVM, CCRP, CVPP, CVA, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation

LAMENESS: WHAT IS IT AND WHAT TO DO FOR IT

I consult on orthopedic, neurologic, cardiac, geriatric, juvenile, and athletic cases.  As a ACVSMR specialist, I am trained in advanced diagnostics and therapy options for all types of mobility disorders.

My consults are limited Veterinary Professionals (including veterinarians, vet techs/nurses, PTs/physios, and other veterinary rehab professionals).

Contact me if you are looking:

• For a second opinion or co-treatment opportunity for challenging or complex cases and those that have plateaued or have failed to respond to traditional medical interventions
  
• To expand upon your existing skill set of orthopedic and neurologic interventions, modalities, manual techniques, and coaptation devices

CHIROPRACTOR: Michele Broadhurst, DC, CCRP (Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner), IVCA (International Veterinary Chiropractic Association)

MUSCULOSKELETAL DOC SPECIALIZING IN MYOFASCIAL PAIN

I am a musculoskeletal physician specializing in myofascial pain as it relates to orthopedic and neurological conditions.  I use visual gait analysis (via video footage) and a detailed history to determine the best treatment for your animal, and will guide you in the use of safe, at-home modalities, exercises and specific movements, and home environmental modifications to provide a more wholesome outcome for your pet. I offer the following consult services for these groups: 

• For Pet parents:
• Education on how to manage their animal's current situation.
  
• Guidance on creating a safe and wholesome environment at home.
• Recommendations for a successful outcome for your pet with a focus on reducing pain and improving mobility.
• Assistance with safe use of modalities at home.

• For Trainers and Handlers:
• Assist in the creation of a formulated progress plan for a specific client.
• Develop a program aimed to serve the client and their animal.
• Create goals and milestones to evaluate progress.

• For Veterinarians, Technicians, and Rehab Therapists:
• Provide an integrated strategy for patients with difficult diagnoses.
  
• Aid in guiding the professional through the use of novel modalities and skills.
  
• Brainstorm and integrate other professions and ideas to come up with the most comprehensive and proficient plan for the patient.

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:
• 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.
• Trainers and Handlers:
• Education for trainers and handlers, to help optimize safety with equipment and training surfaces.
• Handling recommendations to improve safety and performance.
• Targeted exercises or training cues to improve performance and safety in various sports.
• Teaching ways to modify courses, sports, for senior athletes.
• General and Rehabilitation Practitioners:
• Consultation and collaborative problem solving for various injuries or conditions.
• Collaboration and coaching on ways to incorporate rehab concepts into general practice, such as weight management and senior mobility issues.
• Consultation and problem solving for rescue groups with injured or physically challenged pets in their care.

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, trainers and handlers of animal athletes, and animal rehabilitation therapists 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 who want:
  • 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
• Trainers and handlers of animal athletes who want:
  • An objective biomechanical assessment of physical movement required for sport and function
  • A one-on-one, personalized consultation for safe progression of rehabilitation exercises, training activities, and conditioning drills
  • More objective instruction in returning their pet to training and sport following injury or surgery
• For Veterinarians, Technicians, and Rehab Therapists who want: 
• A second-look, co-treatment opportunity for cases which are challenging, are complex, have plateaued, or have failed to respond to traditional rehabilitation interventions
• To expand upon their existing repertoire of rehabilitation interventions