Chronic Pain Management – It’s “All About the Patient!”

Chronic pain management is really, “all about the patient”.  Chronic pain refers to a pain state any animal has been in for over a few weeks.  The underlying problem causing chronic pain is generally ongoing such as osteoarthritis or back pain.  These conditions generally have a feedback loop of mechanisms that reinforce the pain state.  Sometimes…

Alternative vs. Complimentary Modalities/Medicine and Choice of Modality

Complimentary vs. Alternative Medicine This definition is taken from Medline Plus (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/complementaryandintegrativemedicine.html): “Complementary medicine is used together with mainstream medical care. An example is using acupuncture to help with side effects of cancer treatment. When health care providers and facilities offer both types of care, it is called integrative medicine. Alternative medicine is used instead…

Omega 3 Sustainability and Your Dog

Hi Folks!  A visit with my naturopath reminded me why I chose the fish oil I did.  Happily enough the same company that makes my fish oil, also makes one for dogs.  Fish oil, if you didn’t know, provides many health benefits to humans and dogs – healthy hearts, brain function (puppies/senior dogs), immune systems,…

How “Not” to Lift Your Dog

It’s funny how, as a rehabilitation therapist, I’ve taken a few things for granted, and when you really talk to people about the nuts and bolts of living with dogs, how many “simple” things we may or may not do on a daily basis can REALLY affect a Dog’s mobility. Today, I’ll talk about that…

PEMF Assisi Loop for Pain

For active clients, please contact me for additional information if you are interested in providing this additional pain management option to your dog’s rehabilitation plan. Overview of Assisi Animal Health copy

Pain and the Rehabilitation Veterinarian

As a rehabilitation veterinarian, I am frequently sought out (by clients, and vets) to help manage pain from a variety of conditions.  Physical modalities, including some of the ‘toys’ of rehab can certainly help, including (just to name a few examples, and a few of their benefits):  -Manual therapy (help restore function, manage joint and…

Winter Well Being – You and Your Dog

I wrote this post a while back as an article for a local paper, and feel it is timely for those of us here in the Northern climes: Dogs and humans have been co-evolving with one another for the last 10 000 years (possibly 100 000 years!) and no other season accentuates this special relationship…

Dogs and Hardwood Floor Safety – A Rehab Perspective

As a mobile rehabilitation therapist, I have the opportunity to visit dogs in their homes. This privilege allows me the ability to really evaluate a dog’s living space first hand. Since your dog spends all their time on the floor, this surface is one of the most important parts of your home to consider. With…