VitalVet

Advocating for the best practices in the treatment of animals in pain

• Water-resistant, rubber sole repair for rubber boots and rubber-coated socks.
• Fixes tears, holes, and other damage caused by rugged outdoor use or longterm wear.
• Adds a layer of protection and traction to sole of slippers and socks.
• Can be layered to create thicker soles and protection.
• Extends the life of boots and slippers.
• Sold as single tube of 3.7 FL. OZ. 

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

This practical book serves as both a work of reference and a structuring aid when it comes to treating dogs on the underwater treadmill.

The book is divided into three parts:

FUNDAMENTALS OF UWTM: the functions of the underwater treadmill, how the dog "works" on the UWTM, training theory principles.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF UWTM: medical findings, suggestions for the treatment of elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and many other orthopedic and neurological injuries.

CASE STUDIES USING UWTM THERAPY: includes dogs with acute and chronic conditions and diseases.

Easy to follow steps and practical guidelines.

FitPAWS® Balance TRAX™ Peanut 

• Builds Core Strength
• Promotes Good Form
• Boosts Confidence
• Improves Joint Health

*SIZES: XS 40cm, S 50cm and M 60cm

*approx. sizes

• NEW TRAX™ Design Provides Superior Grip and Neuro Stimulation
• NEW Burst-Resistant Design
• Approx. Sizes 40cm, 50cm and 60cm
• Saddle Waist (Dipped Center) Offers Support and Control
• Change Balance Challenge by Adding More or Less Air – Don’t Over Inflate
• Multiple Sizes Available.
• Inflation Pump and Guidelines Included
• Download Inflation Guide PDF
• See Product SIZING FAQs

Indoor Exercise
15 minutes a Day

Technically Designed for Your Canine
The unique, elongated peanut design provides a dog-specific training platform that promotes better form and a more stable training platform. The versatile Peanut shape targets front-to-back or side-to-side movements, important to dogs new to core conditioning training.

FitPAWS® Peanut, Pump, and Retail Box is a fundamental training tool of FitPAWS® and The Canine Fitness and Performance Model, or CFP™

FitPAWS® TRAX™ Peanut:

• TRAX™ Surface Prevents Slipping
• Resists damage caused by dog nails
• Saddle (dipped center) provides stability
• Change stability or balance challenge—more air more challenge, less air easier
• Professional-grade, Heavy-duty PVC Material
• Inflation Pump  Included

FitPAWS® Guide:
• Basic Benefits and Tips for Training
• Recommended Exercises
• Inflation Instructions, Safety and Use Guidelines

The FitPAWS® TRAX™ Peanut can be utilize as a touch target, an obstacle, and as a tool for Stability/Core Training. The Peanut provides a high-to-ground and moderate-to-high level balance challenge. Use the FitPAWS® Peanut for all 5 aspects of Canine Fitness & Performance™ (CFP™) training.

The CFP™ Model highlights the five aspects of Total Canine Health:

• Balance Fitness
• Flexibility Fitness
• Strength Fitness
• Mental Fitness
• Cardio Fitness

Exercise Walkthrough

SIZE: 40cm, 50cm and 60cm (70cm and 80cm available in original Peanut)

SHIPPING DIMENSIONS: L = 14" H = 10" W = 6"

Active Play, Everyday The FitPAWS® Dynamic balance training tools to add to your dog’s cross-training as they rotate a full 360°.

• Multi-Directional Balance
• Improve Body Awareness
• Increase Range of Motion
• Condition and Strengthen

The family dog will benefit too, as you interact with your canine companion to keep it balanced on the board. An active body + an active mind = a happy dog!

Your dog will not only develop motor-skills but will also improve its core strength as it works to maintain its center of gravity on the board. Training regularly on the FitPAWS Wobble Board is a good way to maintain strong joints, range of motion and mobility. It is an essential cross-training tool for the sporting dog and performance dog and will help keep your dog in top competitive condition.

FitPAWS® Wobble Board: • Non-slip Textured Surface • 360 degree dynamic rotation Choose From Two Sizes: 20” and 36” • 20” (50 cm) – includes 2.5” Fulcrum • 36” (92 cm) – Large wobble board includes 3 Interchangeable Fulcrums.  The FitPAWS® Wobble Board can also be used for targeting specific limbs for weight-bearing therapy and muscle strengthening rehab.

 SIZE: 

• 20″ Wobble Board back - in stock
• 36″ back in stock soon

SHIPPING DIMENSIONS:

• 20" Wobble Board L = 20" H = 20" W = 4" 
• 36" Wobble Boars L = 38" H = 38" W = 5"

Active Play Everyday
Target-training games can be a fun and engaging way to teach your dog. The training possibilities are limited only by your imagination!

FitPAWS® Targets are packaged with four flexible Targets (2 blue, 2 yellow) in the colors that dogs see best!

• Teach Limb Awareness – Step on Target
• Use Target to Stay in Particular Place
• Create Fun Training Games
• Target Training
• Conformation Stacking
• Body Awareness

FitPAWS Targets: Training new behaviors

Place one Target on the floor and use a clicker or treats to reward your dog when they show interest in the Target. You can start by luring them with a treat in front of their nose and then directly above the Target. Or consider trying Shaping to have your dog make decisions for their selves. Progress to rewarding your dog when their foot is on the Target. Then move the Target to different spots and see if your dog can follow the game! Use FitPAWS Targets to teach “stay” “send-away” and “go-to” commands.

FitPAWS Targets: Introducing dogs to the FitPAWS Canine Conditioning Equipment

You can also use the Targets to help your dog become accustomed to the FitPAWS equipment. This is especially helpful if your dog doesn’t know an “up” command. First have your dog learn to touch the Targets when they are on the floor. Once your dog masters the touch, move the Targets to the FitPAWS Equipment you want to have your dog work out on. For instance, you can place two targets on the side of the FitPAWS Peanut to help your dog learn how to place two feet on the ball. From there, it’s just a matter of moving the targets on top of the Peanut.

SIZE: Each Target is 10″ diameter

SHIPPING DIMENSIONS: L = 12" H = 9" W = 6"

The FitPAWS® Dog Balance Ramp will turn
any flat surface into an active one

• Beginner Balance Training
  
• General Fitness
  
• Rehabilitation
  
• Use with other FitPAWS® products “ramp up"

Shown with 2 Ramps and K9FITbone

Use with other FitPAWS products. K9FITbone, Discs, Trax Donut or Peanuts
The micro-movements created in the body from the act of balancing will strengthen the core and limbs.

FitPAWS® Balance Ramp:
• Textured Surface- Ribbed/Bumps Top – Bottom is flat
• Use Separately or Combine other Products
• Inflation Pump SOLD SEPARATELY

SIZE: 14” (35cm)

SHIPPING DIMENSIONS: L = 14" H= 14" W = 4"

• a cone-shaped attachment for inflatables
• a needle attachment for inflating/deflating products that require a needle pump

SHIPPING DIMENSIONS: L = 12" H = 9" W = 6"

Instability training on the Giant K9FITbone™ helps build core muscles, body awareness, and balance.

Instability training is a fun way to bond with your dog, teach them a new behavior, and strengthen their core. Fun fitness training with the Giant K9FITbone™ is also a great way to reduce stress and burn excess calories.  It’s a healthy “job” for your dog.

FULL BODY CONDITIONING

• Core and Limb Strength
• Improve Coordination
• Better Joint Health
• Create a Stronger Bond
• reduce Behavior Challenges
• Senior Strengthening
• Puppy Confidence Building
• Great for All Dogs

The Patented K9FITbone™ DOG BALANCE BONE:
• Superior Gripping – Made For Dogs
• Sensory Bumps Provide Neural Stimulation

SIZE: 35.5” x 15.7” Balance Platform

SHIPPING DIMENSIONS: L = 36" H = 16" W = 8"

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

Great Indoor and Outdoor Exercise:

• Cardio
• Agility
• Gait Training
• Body Awareness

• Six 12” High Cones
• Cones have 3 Height Adjustments; 2”, 5”, 8” are the hole settings
• 3 Collapsible, Interlocking Jumping Rails
• Lightweight for On-The-Go Portability
• Some Rail Assembly Required (Space Saving)

SHIPPING DIMENSIONS: L = 16' H = 16" W = 10"

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