Justine Garnes: Animal Osteopathy - PgDip.AO

05/11/2024

🐾 Understanding Luxating Patella in Dogs 🐾

Is your dog skipping steps, limping, or suddenly kicking out one of their legs while walking? They might have a luxating patella – a common knee condition where the kneecap slips out of its normal position. 🦴

This can be uncomfortable and may lead to arthritis if left untreated, but the good news is that there are treatment options to improve your dog’s quality of life! Early diagnosis and management are key – this might include weight management, physical therapy, or in some cases, surgery. 🩺💪

As an animal osteopath, I see the positive impact osteopathy can have in relieving pain and supporting mobility. Tailored treatments can help strengthen the muscles around the knee and reduce discomfort, keeping your dog active and happy! 💖

If you notice any signs of luxating patella, let’s chat about how osteopathy could help your furry friend get back to their best self! 🐶

05/11/2024

🦴 Understanding Cruciate Tears in Dogs 🐾

Cruciate ligament tears are one of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs, affecting the knee joint and causing pain, instability, and often lameness. Here’s what you need to know:

💥 What is a Cruciate Tear?
The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is similar to the ACL in humans and is essential for stabilising your dog’s knee joint. Tears can happen from sudden trauma, or they can develop over time due to degeneration.

🐕 Signs & Symptoms

• Limping or favoring one leg
• Stiffness, especially after exercise
• Sitting with the injured leg sticking out to the side
• Swelling or obvious discomfort around the knee

🚨 Risk Factors
Larger breeds, overweight dogs, and those with an active lifestyle are more prone to CCL injuries. Certain breeds, like Labradors and Rottweilers, are genetically predisposed as well.

🩺 Treatment Options
Depending on the severity, treatment can range from:

• Rest & Anti-inflammatories: Minor injuries may heal with time and medication.
• Osteopathy and Physical Therapy: Exercises and therapies to strengthen muscles and regain mobility.
• Surgery: For more serious tears, surgery can provide long-term stability.

⚖️ Prevention
Keeping your dog at a healthy weight, ensuring regular low-impact exercise, and avoiding slippery surfaces can help reduce the risk of cruciate injuries.

If you notice any signs or suspect a knee injury, always consult your vet for advice. Early detection and care can make a huge difference in recovery and long-term mobility!

05/11/2024

🐶 All About Canine Hip Dysplasia 🦴

Hip dysplasia is a common condition in dogs that affects the hip joint, often leading to pain, decreased mobility, and arthritis over time. Here’s what every dog owner should know:

🔍 What is Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia occurs when the ball and socket of the hip joint don’t fit together properly. Instead of moving smoothly, the joint rubs and grinds, leading to wear and tear.

🐾 Signs & Symptoms

• Difficulty rising, running, or jumping
• “Bunny hopping” gait, especially in younger dogs
• Stiffness or soreness after exercise
• Decreased range of motion in the hip joints
• Lameness in the hind legs

🐕 Risk Factors
While hip dysplasia can affect dogs of any size, it’s especially common in larger breeds like German Shepherds, Labradors, and Golden Retrievers. Genetics play a big role, but excessive growth, poor diet, and lack of exercise can also contribute.

🩹 Treatment & Management

• Weight Control & Nutrition: Keeping your dog at a healthy weight can reduce stress on the joints.
• Exercise: Regular, low-impact exercise like swimming can strengthen the muscles around the joint.
• Physical Therapy & Osteopathy: Targeted therapies can reduce pain and improve function.
• Medications: Anti-inflammatories may be prescribed to manage pain.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be an option to restore mobility.

⚖️ Prevention
While genetics can’t be changed, you can still reduce risks by feeding a balanced diet, providing controlled exercise, and scheduling regular vet check-ups.

If you’re concerned about your dog’s hips, consult your vet early. With the right care, many dogs can live full, active lives even with hip dysplasia!

24/10/2024

Visit our new website at melbourneanimalosteopathy.com.au
Link in bio 🔗 🐾

24/10/2024

Discover the benefits of animal osteopathy and how it can improve your furry friend's well-being with my new website! www.melbourneanimalosteopathy.com.au

24/09/2024

23/09/2024

Very excited to share the news of new collaborations in 2025 with - The Healing Vet Clinic 🙌🏻 👩🏻‍⚕️

Dr Crystal is a brilliant holistic vet who I have worked alongside for the past 5 years. We have worked collaboratively for many animals with complicated case histories.

Crystal works holistically using a mixture of modern medicine, integrative medicine, Chinese acupuncture and Chinese herbs to deliver the best and appropriate treatment for your pet.

I am proud to be working alongside her at her vet clinic from 2025. ✨

07/08/2024

📍 Where are we based? Here! 👩🏻‍⚕️🙌🐶🐱
487 Hampton Street, Hampton

07/08/2024

Exciting news! ✨
I’m back from maternity leave and will be taking on new animal patients 🤱 🐶 🐱 🐴
I will be working at on Saturdays (830am - 1pm) beginning Saturday 7th September 2024.
I can’t wait to see you all again 🩷🙌 👩🏻‍⚕️
A very speacial good luck to for your future in QLD! Thank you for everything 🥰
New patients consults are 45 mins and returning are 30 mins. To book: (03) 9533 5536