Collis McTimoney Animal Therapy

11/08/2024

SPONDYLOSIS: NATURAL SUPPORT FOR IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE

Spondylosis is a degenerative condition of the spine that affects many dogs as they get older.

Common signs to look out for include:

Read online here: >>> https://www.vincethevet.co.uk/blog/spondylosis-natural-support-for-improved-quality-of-life

1. STIFFNESS:

This is especially noticeable after rest or in the morning, after the affected pet first gets up and moves around.

2. PAIN:

This can range from mild discomfort to more severe pain, especially when the dog moves in certain ways, such as jumping or twisting.

3. DECREASED MOBILITY:

Affected dogs may be reluctant to jump, climb stairs, or engage in activities they previously enjoyed.

There may also be a reduced range of motion in the spine.

4. STRUGGLING RISING or LYING DOWN:

Pain and stiffening of spinal musculoskeletal structures frequently results in difficulty getting up, lying down and settling in a comfortable position.

5. MUSCLE ATROPHY:

Decreased movement of parts of the spinal column affected by bridging of bone from one vertebrae to the next, typically cause weakening and wasting (atrophy) of the surrounding muscles. This further impairs mobility.

6. HUNCHED BACK:

A hunched posture can develop as anatomical changes progress, in an attempt to relieve discomfort.

7. ALTERED GAIT:

Distortion of the spine often affects gait as conformation changes, and affected animals appear stiffer and more cautious in their movements.

8. BEHAVIOURAL CHANGES:

Chronic pain often affects mood and temperament, which can result in increased irritability, decrease in sociability and becoming more withdrawn.

9. LOSS OF APPETITE:

Painful muscles and bones may lead to an reduced interest in food.

10. INCONTINENCE:

In severe cases the bony changes which occur in spondylosis can affect the nerves supplying the bladder and bowels causing a loss of voluntary control, with consequent leakage of urine and the accidental passage of stools.

DIAGNOSIS:

Following a thorough clinical examination, spondylosis is usually confirmed by the presence of characteristic bony spurs (osteophytes) or bridges of bone along spinal vertebrae on radiographs.

NATURAL SUPPORT:

The following measures can significantly improve quality of life of dogs with spondylosis. .

1. EASING PAIN & SUPPORTING NERVE FUNCTION:

PEA is the body's natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic.

Supplementation with PEA has been shown to significantly reduce pain associated with a wide range of conditions including spinal and musculoskeletal issues.

In addition to this, PEA's neuroprotective properties helps to maintain normal nerve function, which is often compromised to a greater or lesser degree in spondylosis.

2. NOURISHING JOINTS & SUPPORTING MUSCULOSKELETAL FLEXIBILITY & STRENGTH:

Joints supplies the building blocks the body needs to form the healthiest possible joint structures, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, cartilage, fibrous supporting tissues, bursae and synovial fluid (joint lubricating 'oil').

This in turn aids mobility and pain-free movement in all areas of the skeleton, including the spine.

3. AIDING JOINT REGENERATION & REPAIR:

Giving Joint Support plus Recuperation helps the body's natural, innate self-repair mechanisms rebuild damaged joint tissues and also soothes stiff and sore muscles, joints and bones.

Together, these 3 supplements provide the best possible joint care and comfort for dogs with spondylosis.

4. SKELETAL REALIGNMENT:

McTimoney Chiropractic is a gentle yet potent therapy which is highly effective at correcting vertebral misalignments and releasing knots of tension / pain from associated soft tissues.

Used alongside the supplements described, it is highly beneficial not only for mobility and flexibility, but also for relieving any associated ill-effects on digestion, mood, behaviour and other areas of well-being.

Learn more here: >>> https://www.vincethevet.co.uk/blog/ultimate-joint-support---how-to-avoid-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatories-nsaids-and-librela

10/07/2024

RESEARCH NEWS - Probiotic Supplements as an Alternative to Corticosteroids to Treat Allergic Contact Dermatitis in Dogs

Probiotic strains have the potential to modulate immune responses, reduce intestinal inflammation, normalize intestinal mucosal function and decrease allergic reactions. A new study by Iranian researchers investigated the effect of oral probiotic supplements containing Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus coagulans spores on clinical symptoms, haematological factors and immune responses to allergic contact dermatitis in dogs induced by dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). The DNCB was injected subcutaneously into the scapular region of 20 healthy adult dogs of both sexes, divided into four groups, to induce experimental allergic contact dermatitis. Dogs in Group 1 received food without probiotics or medication. Oral prednisolone was administered to Group 2 for 30 days at a dosage of 0.25mg/kg every other day. The dogs in Group 3 were treated with a combination of oral prednisolone and probiotics. The dogs in Group 4 were fed daily with a mixture of B. subtilis and B. coagulans bacteria for 30 days. The immune system responses and related gene expression were analysed in the treated animals. Results showed the administration of probiotics for 30 days resulted in a reduction in clinical symptoms and duration of wound repair. The probiotics treatment also significantly increased the serum bactericidal effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. It enhanced both the classic and alternative activity of the complement, as well as lysozyme activity. Additionally, the probiotics led to higher total immunoglobulin levels and significant reductions in anti-trypsin and C-reactive protein levels. Furthermore, the expression of IgE, induction of interferon-gamma and IL-4 genes were also reduced. According to the results, B. subtilis and B. coagulans could be further investigated as a viable alternative to corticosteroids in treating allergic contact dermatitis in dogs.

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06/06/2024

Interesting study on use of PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) supplementation for horses

This paper reports the efficacy of Ultramicronized Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA-um) supplementation for four show-jumping horses with lameness and joint disease. Joint disease is often associated with inflammatory states and pain that lead to lameness or ...

27/04/2024

WANT TO HELP YOUR DOG LIVE LONGER? Try these inexpensive, polyphenol-rich longevity teas for you and your dog (or cat)!🫖

According to scientists at the University of Helsinki, over 70% of dogs exhibit noise sensitivity, separation anxiety, aggression, fear, compulsive behavior, and other behaviors associated with stress and anxiety.😿

Thankfully, one group of herbs🌿 known as adaptogens has proven to soothe and relax the nerves thereby reducing stress. Animal studies also show they are neuroprotective, and have anti-fatigue and anti-depressive activity. Additional studies have found that by regulating the body’s stress response, these powerful compounds can help reduce the effects of aging and may increase longevity. Researchers found one adaptogen, chamomile🌼, was associated with a 29% decrease of all-cause mortality!

🍵Using these herbs to make medicinal teas for our dog or cat is an inexpensive and easy way to create polyphenol-rich toppers (“gravies”) that infuse longevity benefits into every meal!

This is why we created this Calming Tea from our new book, The Forever Dog LIFE, using these three powerful herbs that you can share with your dog and enjoy as well:

🍃 Holy basil, aka tulsi, a potent adaptogen has been found to protect organs and tissues from physical stress including excessive noise, as well as from chemical stress from pollutants and heavy metals.

🍃 Lemon balm has been shown to reduce anxiety, especially when combined with other calming herbs like chamomile. High in flavonoids like quercetin, its high antioxidant activity has been show to protect against oxidative stress and the progression of degenerative diseases. In animal studies, lemon balm was found to have potent neuroprotective properties.

🍃 Chamomile contains a flavonoid, apigenin, that studies have shown significantly lower symptoms of anxiety and depression. In both human and animal studies, compounds in chamomile have benefits ranging from being anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial to potentially reducing the growth of cancer.

🙌For more ways to add longevity benefits to your pet's bowl, comment and we’ll message you the link to our new book where starting on page 149 in the section “Teas, Straight Up”, we take you through other powerful herbal combinations to make TUMMY Tea, COGNITION Tea, DETOX Tea and more! PLUS you’ll find a section on Herbs for Health where we cover important herbs and why you might want add them to your pet’s diet, along with dosages and recipe ideas.

22/03/2024

Reverse leg blend on a cpl pony.

I think people need to get their heads out their arses and stop being in denial about this condition.

I often comment on photos on cob groups to help raise awareness. I can see cpl a mile away on a clipped leg.

I can even see it on lots of unclipped legs due to my experience over the last few years, I have a trained eye and there are some tell tale signs

At the end of the day this is a genetic condition and it is in the vast majority of cobs and draught type horses whether anyone (public or veterinary) cares to admit.

Hats off to the owners like this one who keep the feather off for their horses sake.

Why does removal of feather help?

Visually the owner can assess the skin and check for any wounds.

The elastin function in these horses can also be compromised as can the immune system, so when the lymph isn't functioning and the leg swells, the skin can split and infection can easily take hold. Emollient helps with hydration and conditon of skin. This cannot be effectively applied on a fully feathered animal.

Movement is key for these horses and a stabled horse is likely to have faster progression.

Please visit Chronic Progressive Lymphoedema - Equine CPL and go straight to the "guides" section for useful products and feeding guides that can help keep your horses happy.
Urge your vets to joing the group too as there is some valuable information they could find useful so they can help you to the best of their ability.
Please share this post even if you don't have a feathered horse. EDUCATION IS KEY!

01/03/2024

After months of pain and trips to the vet, I’m so glad to hear that Bailey is enjoying his walks again after just two treatments 🐾🐾

04/02/2024

13/01/2024

Teddy’s first treatment 🥰

….But why get a puppy checked ?!

It’s a really good idea to take the opportunity while they are young to get familiar with being handled by someone other than their owner and get used to being palpated. When they are older and need treatment after an injury or for maintenance your dog will know what it’s all about and should hopefully be more relaxed.

You’re giving your dog a head start! Yes it is possible for a puppy to have misalignments. They get themselves into all sorts of mischief that can cause their spine and pelvis become crooked. I have previously treated a young puppy who was the largest of the litter and had trouble passing through the birth canal to the point where the owner had to assist. This puppy had significant misalignments throughout the spine and pelvis compared to its litter mates that could have easily lead to future health and behavioral issues.

If you have plans to compete with your dog in showing, agility, hoopers, rally etc then it’s a good idea to get them treated early on so that they can move as evenly as possible, reducing the risk of injury, as well as optimising performance. Assessment will also highlight any potential weakness or congenital issues that need to be addressed which are likely to affect the dog over time.

08/01/2024

Yeast problems? 💢 It’s time to add a pinch of thyme to your pet’s diet! 🌿💚

Here are more benefits of thyme: https://bit.ly/3H8AQu7

07/01/2024

Do Prescription Pet Foods Contain Medicine? 🧐

A group of pet parents filed a class-action lawsuit against Hill’s Pet Nutrition, alleging the pet food giant engaged in deceptive practices in the marketing and distribution of prescription diet pet food.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition has been restricting the sale of its prescription diet food to guardians with a prescription from their vet. Hill’s charges a premium 💰 for its prescription pet food, justifying the cost by implying the food contains constituents that are helpful for disease states, yet there are no ingredients that require a prescription for purchase. 🤔

Learn more about the deceptive term “prescription pet food” in today’s free article: https://bit.ly/3txREaV

21/12/2023

Horses: LET GO OF THE REINS!

Trying to ride horses by forcing a head and neck position completely destroys a horse's ability to be in balance.

Learn how your horse works.

Pick your trainers and professionals wisely.

Everything is connected.

Know how your horse works.

This is the Vision and Mission of Equitopia through our Education Platform and our Advocacy for Horse Welfare with the Alliance for Horse Welfare in Sport.

Learn more about our Vision, Mission, Membership program and online courses at www.equitopiacenter.com

18/12/2023

Rolo the miniature sausage dog was paralysed in his hind legs due to a calcified disc and with permission from his vet, his owner asked Naomi from Collis McTimoney Animal Therapy, a McTimoney Animal Chiropractor, to treat him.

Naomi carefully adjusted Rolo's neck and thoracic vertebrae on the right side, and his early lumbar vertebrae on the left but she didn't adjust the last few lumbar vertebrae and avoided pelvic adjustment, choosing to only do myofascial release around the hind end.

Rolo is now back to his normal self and is happily terrorising the other sausage dogs in his family! Naomi will continue to provide him with monthly maintenance treatments to help him live an unrestricted happy life.

Full case study: https://mctimoneyanimal.co.uk/rolo-the-sausage-dog-with-loss-of-hindlimb-movement/


Sausage Dog Central

29/10/2023

"The results suggested that … g***d retention during the first 24 months of life—are strongly associated with lifelong avoidance of bilateral CCL rupture…Risk for CCL rupture was not influenced when g***d removal took place after the 24-month developmental period."

CCL injuries are one of the most common causes of pain and arthritis in dogs. Today at 12pm ET we're discussing how to prevent injury and available CCL treatment options.

👉If you haven’t joined our subscription group of 2.0 pet parents and want to learn more, just click the link below or head over to the Planet Paws page and hit the blue "Subscribe” button to join our weekly Livestreams + Archives!

https://www.facebook.com/becomesupporter/planetpawsmedia

08/10/2023

Many dog owners carry the belief that it’s ‘too late’ to make the switch to raw because their dog has spent most of its life on a dry, processed diet. When in fact, this couldn’t be further from the truth! It’s all the more reason to make the switch.

There’s no time like the present to integrate a holistic way of thinking and practices. Start by discontinuing the unnecessary over-vaccinating, avoid the use of steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs where possible, and make the switch to a fresh, non processes raw diet!  

Feeding your senior dog a raw diet can help prevent the following;
- Gastrointestinal disease
- Kidney disease
- Hormonal disease
- Skin diseases
- Obesity
- Liver disease
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Periodontal disease

Go on, make the switch today!

26/06/2023

Exploring the intersection of equine training & wellness since 2012.

21/03/2023

New forest pony Splash, before and after treatment

08/12/2022

https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2022/10/16/7-home-remedies-for-pets.aspx 7 Natural Therapies to Help Your Pet Heal

It's a good idea to consult with an integrative or holistic veterinarian about your pet’s individual needs and the most appropriate natural remedies and doses.

07/10/2022