More mantrailing 😁 something that I get up to with my dog in our spare time.
Luna is asked to sniff a scent article and then use this scent information to trail the person who has been asked to hide for her. On this trail Luna got stuck around 0:35 to around 01:20 as she was following an old scent trail from the hider who had just been out trailing with their dog.
It was up to her to figure out that one trail was old and one trail was newer and therefore more relevant for her. She worked it out on her own and was back on track.
Using your dogs natural ability to use scent either with trailing, tracking or scentwork is a fantastic way to tire out their brain!
Dogs interpretation of the world through sight and scent is very similar in terms of information they can get, so imagine a whole extra world of information around us in the form of scent and bacteria, moving and pooling and telling us what has happened in the area.
#thecraftycaninemantrailing
All set up to LASER Teddy and this nonsense is going on in my laser bag 🤷♀️🐾 in your own time Teddy... 🐈
Sam demonstrates the correct way to do a cavaletti (raised pole) exercise. Despite his rider showing a lack of balance Sam managed a consistent gait with an even stride and excellent hind limb awareness. 🤠
Hester worked hard today doing side stretches, paw lifts and sits with her back paws on a wobble cushion. This video demonstrates how simple low impact exercises can really engage muscle groups which stabilise and support the body.
As Hester has issues with mild patella luxation she has really benefitted from gentle strengthening of her hindlimbs.
If your dog has patella issues or would benefit from a targeted strengthening program get in touch to find out how physiotherapy could benefit them.
Lola was feeling so relaxed today for her LASER therapy session 😌
Lola recently had Platelet Rich Plasma therapy treatment into both her shoulders to help with some inflammation of her shoulder tissues. Secondary to this she also has got very tight through her back muscles and so we are using class IV infrared LASER therapy to increase circulation through these tissues to reduce inflammation, reduce pain and tension and promote healing.
To the dog is feels like someone is holding a warm hot water bottle to their skin and most dogs find this very soothing and relaxing once they get used to it. The effects of the LASER last around 12 hours meaning that her back will continue to relax through the evening.
If you would like to know if LASER therapy could help your dog please get in touch.
PawFit Veterinary Physiotherapy
Companion Animal Health
Eden Vets
Dudley worked really hard at his physiotherapy session today. He has such a strong core and stabilising muscles to be able to do these exercises!
Dudley is 13 years old and has spondylosis and hip dysplasia which has started to catch up with him. I have been treating Dudley for around a year and we have found that a session of LASER therapy, massage and targeted exercises every 2 weeks is ideal for keeping him at his best.
Of course, this is enhanced by his owners continuing exercises with him regularly between sessions. For Dudley, targeted exercises for core strength and muscle mass have been integral to making him more comfortable in his body despite his orthopedic issues.
This morning found myself and Luna mantrailing with The Crafty Canine at Formby Woods.
She was steady, not too overexcited, but focussed and up for the challenge.
Did you know that although walking (and that means w-a-l-k-i-n-g not trotting, we are looking for a 4 beat gait) makes for excellent exercise for your dog as in this gait the hindlimbs have to work harder, independent from the forelimbs. This makes it excellent for strengthening hindlimbs and engaging core muscles for balance 👍
Clear run in the Helter Skelter today, thought Luna was running a bit slow. As soon as we came out the ring she did a poo 💩 Often changes in behaviour have a reason behind them 😅
A wheelchair has given Suggs a new lease of life following his IVDD surgery.
It is thought that around 89.2% of French Bulldogs carry the genes which predispose them to Intervertebral Disc Disease incidents, where the disc material in the spine becomes less fluid and can potentially extrude under pressure and cause spinal nerve compression.
This doesn't mean that 89.2% will develop IVDD, but that they are at a higher risk than a dog without this gene. (https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/cddy-cdpa)
Other dogs with these genetics can include Dachshunds, Corgis, Bassett Hounds, Shih-Tzus, English Bulldogs and some Cocker Spaniels.
These 'Chondrodystrophic' dog breeds are characterized by their short legs in comparison to their body size and length. These genetics are also responsible for abnormalities in the Intervertebral Discs.
Unfortunately for Suggs his IVDD has left him predominantly paraplegic but still able to have a good quality of life thanks to the dedication of his owner. He is having regular physiotherapy and hydrotherapy to try and reclaim any nerve function possible.
Daisy is having physiotherapy to strengthen her back leg muscles to help provide stabilisation for her luxating patellas. Raised poles, also known as cavaletti poles, are a great way to build muscle by increasing active range of motion through the joints. The slower and steadier the more effective this exercise is, and this takes practice and perseverance. Good work Daisy 🐾
Today I ran a pole clinic for two of my clients who are working on improving their horses core strength and back musculature.
This is important for any ridden horse, but particularly those who have undergone surgery to the interspinous ligaments. This surgery seeks to relieve back pain relating to the dorsal spinous processes - a condition also known as kissing spines.
These exercises can be done in hand, in long reins or under saddle, depending on the strength and experience of the horse.
Kate Starkie MSc RAMP NAVP is a Veterinary Physiotherapist in West Lancashire
