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Osteopathy for Dogs |
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Osteopathy is
a system of evaluation and treatment of the musculo-skeletal system (the
bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and connective tissue). It combines scientific
knowledge of anatomy and physiology and clinical methods of investigation.
Musculoskelatal problems are common in animals and osteopathy has been
shown to be a benefit in treating this type of problem. Osteopathy
aids the body’s own healing mechanism to restore normal function and alleviate
pain. When there is joint degeneration, function can still be improved and
maintained, improving quality of life.
Osteopaths diagnose and treat faults that occur because of injury, stress or perhaps disease, to enable the musculo-skeletal system to work as efficiently as possible, allowing the body to restore itself to normal function. Osteopaths use a highly developed sense of touch (palpation) in order to locate altered function of the muscle-skeletal system. This sense of touch is especially important in the treatment of animals, as they cannot tell us where their pain is.
The case history is the starting point of the consultation. This gives details about the problem, such as how it started, the duration of time it has been present, what conditions make it worse or better etc. It also highlights any past injuries and illnesses that the animal may have suffered. Further questioniong can reveal idisyncrasies in the animals behaviour or movement which, while noticed by the owner, had not interfered with the dogs activity sufficiently enough to be a cause of concern. When considering the history and the function of the dog as a whole, these subtle disturbances in motor function may in fact, be early warning signs for more serious problems later.
Examinations begin with looking at the stationary dog. Some insite can be gained of the temperament of the animal, and the level od discomfort by the way it holds itself and the way it interacts with the environment. Quantity and symmetry of muscle development and distribution of weight through all the weightbearing limbs is also assessed.
In movement, it is balance and fluidity with which movement is transmitted from head to tail, alongside stride length and foot placement which give further clues. How the animal copes with complex movements such as turning will help to identify problems with balance and lateral flexibility.
These observations will give an insight of how the animal moves as a whole, and indicate which areas are functioning poorly. Looking at individual joint movement is also useful. Running the hands down the paravertebral muscles from the head back to the tail, areas of muscle spasm and tissue texture changes can be felt. Moving the joints through the relevant ranges will identify those that are stiff.
Once a diagnosis has been determined, treatment involves adapting tecniques from human practice in conjuctiopn with those developed for the dog. Instead of using drugs Osteopaths carry out treatment using a variety of manipulative techniques. These may include soft tissue stretching, rhythmic passive joint movements or high velocity thrust techniques to improve the range of movement of a joint. During treatment and over a course of treatments, response is carefully monitored. Treatment usually begins on the first visit.
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With all the new Laws and pitfalls
concerning complementary therapy you will need to get your vet to give a
proper veterinary diagnosis for the injuries sustained before you can be
refered to a canine osteopath. Your vet should discuss the full range
of treatment options with you. This may include Complementary Therapy, if
not and you think the animal may benefit, discuss the possibility with your
vet at the time of consultation. If you know of a recognised, qualified
therapist (perhaps one that you have heard of, or been recommended to) all
you have to do is ring your vet and explain that you are thinking of getting
him/her to have a look at your animal. If your vet thinks it could be helpful
he/she will refer you.REMEMBER
Anyone giving treatment to an animal without the vet's agreement and/or knowledge is BREAKING THE LAW... and so are you when you let them!
Common Conditions Seen by Osteopaths |
| Joint Sprains
e.g Cranial Cruciate Injuries Muscle Strains Tendonitis Degenerative Joint Disease e.g Hip, Stifle, Elbow Osteoarthritis Intervertebral Disc Disease Injuries From Trauma e.g Falls, Collisions Hip/Elbow Dysplasia Osteochondritis Dissecans Lameness |
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Canine Osteopaths |
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| Sharon Winkler BSc (Hons) Osteopathy |
Bishops Veterinary Surgery 10 Bishops Rise Hatfield AL10 9HB |
Tel: 01707 272772 |
