14/05/2024
Welcome the one, the only... Commander Riker! 😍 What a BIG, beautiful, sweet, cuddly Newfie baby bear- uuuh, I mean, boy. 😚
Riker is a 10yr Newfoundland with both bilateral hip dysplasia AND bilateral elbow dysplasia. That's a lot of affected joints!
Newfies are predisposed for both conditions which is congenital and confirmed with x-rays. Dysplasias are considered a progressive condition but treatable and the earlier it is caught and treated, the better the animal's chances at good quality of life and longevity.💪🏻
This is one reason why it is so important to stay on top of vetwork and preventative care for your pet. From an orthopedic perspective, these joints involved will become arthritic in time (as well develop additional complications). 💥
Physical therapy and therapeutic modalities, including massage, will help to not only relieve pain, but facilitate ligament/tendon healing, prime surrounding muscles for strengthing, relieve compensation and release trigger points that limit their natural range of motion which leads to asymmetry/weakness/gait instability, nourish joints to slow progression, process swelling - the list goes on and on. 💫
Ultimately:
Early Prevention & Awareness = Increased Quality of Life/Longevity
So, in the words of Picard: "Make it so, Number One" 😁
Give us a call to learn how massage therapy can help with your pet's specific needs!