About This Item
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)
I am one of the first physical therapists to start applying physical therapy techniques on dogs (almost 20 years ago) and I helped develop the Canine Rehabilitation Certification program at the University of Tennessee. 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.
If contacting me for help with a pet following injury or illness, I will need the following information before the consult:
- Pet's name, breed, weight, age
- Pet's injury or issue
- When did injury or issue occur
- In what sport or activity is the pet involved
- Why are you seeking a consult
- Veterinary professional who is currently treating the pet including clinic name, phone, e-mail
Once you purchase the consult, you will be provided with instructions.
Teleconsultations for Pet Parents and Trainers & Handlers
A Teleconsultation is a live pet care visit that's done using a cell phone, tablet, or computer. You can access Vital Vet Consultants from around the world without ever leaving your home. Each Consultant is carefully chosen for their expertise in a specific area including orthopedic and neurologic conditions, sports medicine, athletic conditioning and return to sport, rehabilitation and physical therapy, holistic therapies, assistive products and equipment, and much more. Consultants answer questions and teach skills and techniques useful for pets. You may recognize our Consultants - they are some of the top people and pioneers in their field. We are incredibly lucky to have them as Consultants, and our pets are the better for it.
Teleconsultations for Veterinary Care Professionals
A Teleconsultation is a live patient care visit that's done using a cell phone, tablet, or computer. You can access Vital Vet Consultants from around the world without leaving your clinic. This is an excellent way to co-treat with a specialist without impacting your veterinary-client-patient relationship. Each Consultant is carefully chosen for their expertise in a specific area including orthopedic and neurologic conditions, sports medicine, athletic conditioning and return to sport, rehabilitation and physical therapy, holistic therapies, assistive products and equipment, and much more.
What Happens After I Book a Teleconsultation?
Your Consultant will contact you to schedule a convenient virtual appointment date. You may be asked to submit information about your pet to review before your meeting. Most appointments are scheduled within 5 business days of purchase but can be made sooner, if needed. That's it. We want to make it as simple as possible for you and your pet to get the help you need.
Debbie is a pioneer in the field of canine physical therapy and is one of the founders of the University of Tennessee’s (UTN) certificate program (CCRP). She has been involved in canine physical rehabilitation and conditioning for over twenty years and teaches on all aspects of basic canine rehabilitation including sports medicine injuries, joint mobilization, degenerative myelopathy, and recent research on returning the canine athlete to sports.
Debbie has authored many chapters in veterinary textbooks and writes for professional journals and magazines dedicated to the dog enthusiast. She is a regular contributor to Clean Run, Dog Sport, Working Dog Digest, Dogs Naturally, and various breed magazines.
Debbie owns Wizard of Paws Physical Rehabilitation for Animals, LLC, a world-renowned clinic that sees dogs with every injury and condition. Debbie is known to help pets that appear to be puzzles or enigmas for most clinicians. Debbie firmly believes that, no matter what, every dog deserves to live the best quality of life for the longest time possible!
“Dr. Debbie Torraca and her staff are awesome! I have brought both my dogs to her, as well as my parents dog. As a professional dog trainer and behavior consultant, I recommend Wizard Of Paws to my clients when I feel pain or other physical factors are playing a role in some of the behavior issues I see in a dog. Deb always provides in-depth information and helpful solutions to help address all needs. I highly recommend Deb and Wizard of Paws, both as a dog owner and a professional! You will not be disappointed!” -Anthony De Marinis, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
“Awesome place. Went for the first time and the owner, Debra, really took the time to assess what our dog needed. He had some laser therapy done on his legs and did some in water treadmill walking to help strengthen his legs. We think she will be able to help our dog through his senior years with the degenerative joint disease he has. Already have the next 2 appointments set up.” Ernie
“Debbie and her staff are so knowledgeable and helpful. My dog loves to go for her rehab.” Kathan







