Saffron Walden Dog Osteopathy and Training
why might a dog need a canine osteopath
Trauma or Accidents and Injuries are the most obvious, BUT..........
Breed Tendencies
- Dogs who are more predisposed to degenerative spine complaints, or elbow or hip dysplasia's, more common in bigger dogs and certain breeds such as German Shepard's, Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers. due to the angle of the lumbar and sacral spines. Dachshunds or dogs with long backs are more prone to disc problems, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are more prone to stifle problems due to the straighter angle of the hindlimb. HPR dogs with high prey drive are likely to have impact injuries.
Limping & Lameness
- Caused by ongoing hip, compensatory gait changes or elbow dysplasia, undiagnosed injuries.
- Overweight dogs can lead to strain and compensatory musculoskeletal injuries
- Limber tail common in dogs who love the water, flat coated retrievers or water dogs.
- Tail injures are extremely common and often overlooked. A dog expresses so much through their tail everyday, their mood, well-being, happiness, to counterbalance in sport, running and play.
Trauma and Accidents
Falls, strains, sprains, common in high prey drive dogs, impact injuries, fights, RTA's slipping on laminate floors, decking, post surgical amputation of tails, limbs. Behaviour needs to be assessed as dogs with amputated tails may give mixed messages to other dogs they meet, which may escalate aggression or fear.
- Stiffness, weakness,
- Arthritis
- Gait changes, short uneven steps
- Digestive Problems
- Circulatory Problems
- Neck pain
- Ageing dogs, arthritis, immobility issues, sight problems causing falls
Post Surgical
Cruciate operations are common and recovery is slow and with restricted movement during recovery phase, dogs can loose muscle tone, mobility through the rest of their body. Treatment can prevent compensatory injuries and speeds up recovery and confidence.
Repetitive Injuries
Repetitive ball throwing jumping injuries, jumping on and off sofas, in and out of the car or up stairs. , laminate floors, slippery floors
Competitive, Working, Support Service Dogs
Agility dog, trouble weaving, stopping on dog walk, speed issues, turning issues, performance issues. Tail issues leading to problems with counter balance, slowing down, reduced precision. Show dogs repetitive neck injuries and conformation problems. Working dogs repetitive strain or overuse.
Service dogs, who are always working and rarely switch off can suffer with repetitive strains, anxiety or overuse.
Anxious Dogs
Imagine yourself walk around feeling tense and your muscles will be working in overdrive, Increased adrenaline can cause our muscles to leap into action due to sympathetic overdrive. Nervous and anxious dogs musculoskeletal system can be very tense. Treatment aims to rebalance this part of the nervous system, reducing anxiety, tension and providing confidence and relief, coupled with behaviour therapy and training to boost confidence.
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