Pet Paws Physio

11/03/2025

Sam💜
This lovely boy started coming for Physio to help with lower back stiffness and associated proprioceptive deficits.

Today there was improvement seen in his spinal mobility and his muscle tone.

We are working with his vets to ensure his comfort with medical management.

His lovely owner is following a home exercise program to help promote targeted muscle engagement and challenge his balance system and improve and maintain soft tissue pliability and flexibility.

It was great to see improvements in such a short space of time.

Too often when older dogs are slowing down and not as mobile or as interactive as they used to be, it is written off as " just getting old"! But there is so much you can do to help. Age is not a disease. We just need to become curious as to why our dogs are slowing down and go get them checked out. Thankfully Sam's Pawrent is on it 💓

Sam is a busy, clever "retired" farm dog, so finding other outlets that are achievable to help him maintain a strong body are utterly important for his mentality also.

05/03/2025

Bleu is trying out these new Wagwear Mojave boots from to help him have better traction over slippery surfaces at home

Slippery surfaces can be detrimental to our canine friends. Repetitive slips, crashing into furniture and Scooby Doo style running over slippery surfaces exposes our dogs joints and surrounding soft tissue structures ( muscles, tendons, ligaments) to injury.

Throw a chronic condition like osteoarthritis into the mix and you have a disaster waiting to happen.

Walking over slippery surfaces can be akin to us humans walking over ice !!! How do you feel emotionally and physically when you walk over slippery surfaces?? You would likely tense up your muscles and be a little stressed and worried about slipping and injuring yourself, ESPECIALLY if you had a chronic condition like osteoarthritis. Our Canine friends can experience the same.

There are many ways to help improve floor traction for our furry friends:
Boots with good grip
Non- slip rugs, yoga mats
Sticky anti- slip paw pads
Toe grips
Anti-slip grip tape over slippery surfaces like steps, ramps

Comment below if you have more ideas about preventing slipping 🥰

Research and find out what works best for your pet 💓

If nothing else, Bleu looks pretty good in his Blue shoes 💙💙

31/01/2025

Loki 💗

This lovely fella has bilateral carpal hyperextension, a condition that has been hindering his quality of life and progressively worsening. His physiotherapist referred him to me for a custom-fitted orthosis to help support his carpal joints.

Because Loki is a gorgeous Alaskan Malamute, weighing over 50kg and walking completely plantigrade, a custom solution was the best way to give him the support he needs.

We’re collaborating with .vet on a pilot orthosis designed specifically for Loki. The orthosis seen in these videos is a prototype, with adjustments being made to create the final version that will support him long-term.

With his new Wimba Orthosis, Loki will have improved stability and comfort, allowing him to stay active and enjoy life to the fullest. It’s always so rewarding to help incredible dogs like Loki regain their mobility!

Swipe to see this handsome boy in his new gear! 🐾💙

31/12/2024

On this last day of 2024 I would like to wish everyone a peaceful, healthy and happy new year 💓

I love my job, not just because I get to meet and help the most gorgeous dogs but also because I get to meet the most gorgeous people 💓

Today, one of my gorgeous clients Emer is being buried after her untimely death. Emer aka Patcheen's mammy was one of those people who radiated light, love and kindness. A gorgeous, gentle generous soul who loved her handsome boy and soulmate Patcheen dearly. The bond those two had was magical 💔

Emer came to me for many months after Patcheen had complications following surgery on his stifle. During these sessions we had many chats about life, she was a gorgeous soul with a beautiful perspective of life. Always positive and shining bright 🌟

I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Emer's heartbroken family and friends, she will be very sadly missed💔

"Do not take anything for granted, - not one smile, one person, one rainbow or one breath" - Terri Guillements
Picture of Patcheen and quote taken from Emer's Instagram page.
RIP Emer 💔 🙏💓

04/12/2024

🌟 Huge Thanks to Veterinary Specialists Ireland🌟

What an incredible day of CPD—absolutely jam-packed with engaging lectures and hands-on practicals. The caliber of speakers was such a treat, and we are beyond fortunate to have such knowledgeable, educated, and experienced (and really lovely) surgeons right on our doorstep!

A massive shout out to Laura Cuddy, Shane Guerin, and Bronach McClean —it was a pleasure to learn from you all. Every minute of the day was invaluable, and I’m so grateful for the expertise and respect you show towards the Physio profession. It truly makes all the difference! 🙌

From the warm welcome from all the lovely team in cork to the delicious food and refreshments ( thanks Valerio!). It was a real treat and a great investment in my on-going professional development. It was also a great to meet up with other physios from around the country. Keep an eye out for more top-quality CPD opportunities from these amazing international speakers in the future—you won’t want to miss it!

03/12/2024

I received a lovely text following Morris' first Physio session this morning. He had bilateral TPLO surgeries to address cranial cruciate disease and has osteoarthritis. His human has been doing exercises with him which have kept him comfortable and flexible 🙏 he has started Physio to help improve engagement of his right hind muscles and keep him comfortable.
Here he is on a post Physio decompress walk in one of his favourite places 💙

29/10/2024

2 spaces left for our fantastic day retreat this Saturday!

Book via www.dogsercise.ie/schedule or dm for more info.🐾

04/10/2024

A very BIG thank you 🙏💕to the fabulous veterinary team .ie , especially the lovely Barbara and Joanne who looked after my handsome boy Ernie with such care and consideration while he was having a dental 💕 As he has aged his teeth need more attention and tartar seems to build up easier. One revelation from his recent visit is that he has osteoarthritis in his TMJ ( temporomandibular joint- jaw joint) so this might explain why. So I must get better on focusing on his dental hygiene - any thoughts let me know in the comments or DM me 🙏

12/09/2024

The lovely Howie 😍 comes for physiotherapy assessment and treatment to address lumbar and hip pain and associated soft tissue tightness and pain after his diagnosis of hip dysplasia and thoracolumbar spondylosis
His fabulous carer has done a super job following his home exercise program and has made environmental and exercise modifications to help reduce excessive forces exerted upon his body.
Howie continues to improve and his comfort has greatly improved overall. We continue to work in collaboration with his referring vet to tweak his medication to suit his needs.
This lovely boy also works with .irl to help him navigate his reactiveness towards other dogs. It is very likely that his reactiveness is related to and probably exacerbated by his underlying Orthopaedic conditions.
Chronic pain can be tricky to manage but with paraprofessionals and carer working together we can all improve life for our beloved furry friends

27/08/2024

🐾🐾🌿DOGGY DAY RETREAT🌿🐾🐾

Come and join us for this fantastic opportunity with industry leaders to learn about and participate in enrichment activities with your dog. Hosted by Wild Hideaways in the Mealagh Valley Bantry. There are 6 places available for the full day Saturday 14th and 3 places for the half day Sunday 15th. Please call or text Amy 0872121675 to reserve your place or learn more.

01/08/2024

Senior Paws wrote a lovely article about some physiotherapy methods and mobility care for senior dogs 🐾💖
Thank you Hanching and Michael for your pouring your passion for senior dog care into words. It was a pleasure to be part of this. Check out this article for hints and tips for maintaining senior dogs mobility and joint health 🦴💪🐾💞

Did you know that physiotherapy could give paralyzed animals another chance to walk again? This specialized treatment helps improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance the overall quality of life for pets. 🐕
【Pet Physiotherapy Methods and Mobility Care for Senior Dogs】

In this feature article, the Founder of Pet Paws Physio, Deirdre Duggan, will introduce various physiotherapy methods and explain their benefits. Additionally, she'll share practical caregiving tips for senior dogs and demonstrate massage techniques, enabling dog parents to comfortably practice these at home.
📖 Read more here:
https://seniorpaws.ie/pet-physiotherapy-methods-and-mobility-care-for-senior-dogs
🐾 Let's enhance our senior dogs' lives with the power of physiotherapy!

12/07/2024

Thank you 🙏 Amanda and Rollo for this wonderful review. Rollo and his brother Solo (there for moral support and a cuddle 🤗) always bring a smile to my face, they are the most fabulous dogs.💕 Rollo is so receptive to physiotherapy and it's wonderful to hear and see how well he does in life living with OA 💕Rollo's pawrents are amazing at spotting when Rollo is uncomfortable and addressing this immediately.

"Rollo who was 8 in February was referred to Deirdre at Pet Paws Physio by our wonderful vets at the Vet Clinic Midleton.  He had had a GDV and two week stay in ICU in September 2022 with accompanying Systemic Inflammatory Response, Myo Carditis and Pneumonia and although he recovered well he was left with scar tissue, arthritis and compensations throughout his body. 

When we first saw Deirdre he had had an episode where he lost some coordination, was very slow on the stairs and was struggling with pushing himself up onto the ramp into and out of the car.  He is a very big chap at 65kgs so this was all having an effect on his mobility and quality of life.

Deirdre is brilliant and Rollo loved her immediately.  She was very thorough working through all the tightness in his body and we straight away noticed improvements as he walked straight down the stairs that evening. 

He has been seeing Deirdre for a year now and the difference has been amazing.  He is using his ramp easily as his back legs are much stronger, his balance is so much better and he has re-gained a lot of flexibility around his shoulders/neck and elbows.  She also recommended a brilliant heat pad which he loves and wears over his shoulders on the way home from the beach.

Deirdre always gives us follow up exercises and stretches to do at home with detailed explanations and/or videos and has been a wonderful support to us and Rollo is enjoying his sea walks and swims and is his best playful happy self which is wonderful to see. " 

Amanda, John, Solo and Rollo Marrow

11/07/2024

How a multi dog professional team can work together to promote better healthcare for your beloved fur friend 💕

Meet your Dogs Full care team & the MOST important part of my Behaviour Toolkit!

This is why referral and working collaboratively is so vital.

This is based on a true case (you might remember the beautiful Darby post from yesterday).

💉Kathryn at  diagnoses & treats uncomfortable skin conditions & owner reports behaviour concerns so Kathryn refers to

💊Erin from   to perform a pain assessment and treat medically.

We're not here yet but the following steps will potentially be.....

💊Erin may refer for further invesitgation by or refer to...

🦾 Deirdre from who devises a program for the owner to follow at home to restore movement, form and function.

Catherine follows up to assess for progress and takes the training program to the next steps to build confidence and engagement with owner via play and refers to Caroline .ie

🐕Caroline assess's the best form of training activity via dog sport to compliment both veterinary, physiotherapy and behaviour needs.

🇮🇪We may even refer to hydro via at  or the treadmill at   and the required equipment will be referred to  and    to support quality independent, Irish businesses.

🍗Training treats will be referred to and depending on the dogs dietary needs and toys & training aids will be referred to

Ask me again why networking matters?

💯

25/06/2024

Received a lovely email a few days ago updating me on their dog's progress. Pet guardians play the most important role in their pets care. People can receive all the guidance and support in the world but if they are not consistent with following that advise nothing will change. Even little changes over time can have big results 💕

24/06/2024

🎉 physio clinic at Veterinary Specialists Cork 🎉

I am very excited to announce I will be hosting a physio clinic every Wednesday at the fabulous Cork in Little Island.

Please contact me directly to arrange an appointment 🐾

Who can benefit from physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is beneficial in treating conditions that affect movement and function such as orthopaedic, neurological and soft tissue dysfunctions and their associated pain. Patients recovering from weakness associated with medical conditions may also benefit from a gentle return to function strengthening program.

I work closely with the referring Veterinary Surgeon to ensure the best treatment outcome. Examples of common conditions that benefit from physiotherapy are:

🐾Pre and post cranial cruciate surgery (eg:TPLO, TTA, Lateral support suture)

🐾Conservative management of cranial cruciate ligament disease when surgery is not an option

🐾Pre and post luxating patella repair surgery (eg: tibial crest transposition and block or wedge recession trochleoplasty)

🐾Post FHO surgery (Femoral head and neck ostectomy)

🐾Post fracture repair

🐾Osteoarthritis/degenerative joint disease management

🐾Elbow dysplasia

🐾Hip dysplasia

🐾Post fracture repair

🐾Any joint dysfunction,tendon strain or ligament sprain

🐾IVDD ( intervertebral disc disease)- post spinal surgery or conservative management.

🐾Wobbler syndrome ( cervical spondylomyelopathy)

🐾Degenerative myelopathy

🐾Lumbosacral disease

🐾Vestibular disease

🐾FCE (Fibrocartilaginous embolism)

🐾 Maintenance of strength and condition in healthy geriatric pets to aid in combatting natural decline in muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia )in the aging animal and maintaining quality of life

🐾Pain associated with overuse of muscles due to chronic compensation

www.petpawsphysio Tel:086 3150786

10/06/2024

Gus ruptured his Achilles tendon back in February.
His amazing guardian has done super work to get him back on his feet.

We are progressing his exercises to help challenge his proprioceptive system, strengthen supporting and affected soft tissue structures and promote balanced movement and powering.

Keep up the great work Gus 💪💓

02/06/2024

Thanks so much to Senior Paws for this lovely article about my journey into the canine rehabilitation world 💕

Did you know pets can benefit from physical therapy just like humans? Can senior dogs regain mobility through physical therapy? 🐕

【Pet Paws Physio: Rehabilitating Mobility in Senior Dogs】
In this feature, we interviewed Deirdre Duggan, founder of Pet Paws Physio, to explore her journey from becoming a veterinary nurse to establishing a Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy center in East Cork🐾.

📖 Read more here:
https://seniorpaws.ie/pet-paws-physio-rehabilitating-mobility-in-senior-dogs/

Stay tuned for our next installment, where we share professional insights and tips from Deirdre on caring for senior dogs, preventing mobility issues, and home-based physical therapy techniques. Follow Senior Paws for more insightful articles!