Keep your dog safe in the hot weather
For dogs or cats of any age, but particularly those who are in their senior years, or on restricted exercise due to mobility related issues, it’s really important to provide mental stimulation and get them using their senses.
Maisie has been busy today testing out the Pet Remedy Boredom Buster Foraging Kit and she livid it!
It’s also great for pets on a calorie controlled intake ( a diet) as it extends the feeding experience for them.
Video in comments
Just a few of the PAWS dogs I’ve seen recently. Some are young, others are more senior in their years, but what they all have in common are the most lovely characters. At PAWS we promote healthy, functional muscle to support joints, relieve pain and improve mobility. Myotherapy uses a a range of techniques to identify chronic pain, areas of musculoskeletal and myofascial compromise, alongside utilising targeted exercises plans, lifestyle adaptations, dietary and weight management plans.
So I actually took a week off this summer but am delighted to be back now supporting my amazing patients. Here are just a few of the superstars I’ve visited over the past week.
For any RVNs or Vet Techs looking to extend their knowledge on One Health, this is a fantastic resource which has recently been published.
I was honoured to be invited to be a chapter editor on this book, and yes, there is a small section on the management of OA!
I do not benefit financially from the sale of this book but genuinely think it is a fantastic publication to add into any learning toolbox.
The story of Henry - part 2
(Part 1 in previous post)
With Henry experiencing quite a rapid loss of mobility he was sent for an CT scan and then an MRI scan which identified a significant problem with a disc in his spine.
Unfortunately Henry had an intervertebral disc extrusion. This is where the gel type centre of the disc escapes and puts pressure on the spinal cord.
This causes pain, loss of mobility, ataxia ( loss of coordination) and progressive paralysis.
Henry received emergency surgery at a veterinary referral practice and was discharged 48 hrs later
Henry is now on a rehabilitation programme designed to build back strength and coordination.
He is doing well and as you can see is already moving much better.
More photos in comments
It's The Vets, Plympton
Sharing some Friday happiness and positivity
This little girl is a rescue. She had bilateral hip replacements, one failed leading to a limb amputation. When the second hip replacement failed and was subsequently removed Minnie was left walking on her two front legs.
With a very dedicated owner, pro-active vet team and input from PAWS Canine Myotherapy Care, Minnie is starting on her journey to regain her mobility health.
Minnie has a beautiful, positive and strong character which had no doubt contributed towards her recovery so far
Look at her today! Walking on three legs.
Minnie is being exercised in a controlled exercise area with dogs she is familiar with.
Minnie also has a buggy, as we are building up her exercise programme gradually. Photo in comments
It's The Vets, Plympton
Myotherapy is suitable for dogs of all ages.
Kodi is not an old dog but he has had hip replacements, yet is still able to take part is activities he very much enjoys.
With rehabilitation, a structured exercise plan, regular myotherapy and weight management he still takes part in agility.
A multimodal treatment plan allows Kodi to live a full and active life
#rehabvetnurse #agilitydog
Thought I’d share this exercise hack with you.
This is Willow doing her pole work using a ladder! Brilliant!
This exercise is fantastic for encouraging range of movement in the joints, flexibility, coordination and proprioception
I bumped into Nugget at the beach today.
Nugget used to receive regular myotherapy when he was a puppy but as you can see he is all fixed now!
Bathed in sunlight Ted was very chilled having the tension in his neck and shoulders released. With elbow osteoarthritis it’s very common for dogs to get compensatory issues in the muscles and fascia which can extend into the back end hind limbs.
Never assume a hind limb lameness is the original site of pain and vice versa with a fore limb lameness
Why should dogs wear a coat
Chips has a new coat.
She is a 14.5 years old.
This coat has ceramic technology to reflect heat back towards the dog.
It’s so important for senior dogs, those with arthritis or any mobility issues to wear a coat in cold or wet weather. But it will also benefit any dog of any age.
When muscles and joints are cold they are less flexible and more prone to stiffness and injury. Muscular stiffness can cause pain and discomfort.
Puppies and senior dogs are less able to regulate their body temperatures.
Top Tip: Warm up the muscles before any exercise by using a basic effleurage technique. Then pop a coat straight on your dog before you leave the house.
This will help to keep you dog warm and comfortable.
Note the anti-slip rugs on the floor forming a safe corridor for Chips to safely navigate around the house.
Georgie relaxing into her Myotherapy session.
This young girl usually lives life at 100 miles an hour! But her elbows can cause her some discomfort so Georgie has a targeted rehab programme and specific exercises to keep her happy and mobile
