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PAWS
Petersfield And West Sussex
Canine Osteopathy
Treatment
Initial consultation
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Your initial visit consists of a lot of questions around your home environment and routines, as well as your dog’s daily activities and habits. It is important to know all about beds, car types, sofas, flooring etc. as these may all have a bearing on your dog’s problem. There will then be an observation of the dog through gait cycles: walk, trot, canter (if possible), and we may ask to video this with your permission. If it is a working or agility dog, we may ask for video footage of the dog working, to show where there are difficulties.
There will be general palpation of your dog to find areas of tension or imbalance. Following this, neurological or orthopaedic examinations may be performed (which will be the same examinations as your Veterinary Surgeon may have already done). This will lead to a working hypothesis about the problem your dog is experiencing and the best course of action to take.
If I feel it is suitable after these assessments, I will continue with a treatment. This may consist of soft tissue/massage type techniques, stretches, gentle manipulation, articulation, or very gentle balanced ligamentous techniques .
Dogs generally enjoy treatment, though if I am working over a painful area, I will work sensitively. Advice about exercises may be given, or post treatment advice, such as hot or cold compresses may be suggested. Minor home adjustments may be suggested where necessary.
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During treatment your dog will not be muzzled, unless there is a history of biting, or if the owner has concerns. You will be asked to hold your animal in a safe way during treatment.
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