brooke's blog

We had a fantastic weekend in Melbourne. On saturday I was fortunate to spend the day in the Laboratories revising Anatomy with dissections.  Not the nicest thing to do but the best way to learn anatomy for sure. 

On Sunday Dr Helen Nicholson and I presented the first APA Accredited course to Physiotherapists on Canine conformation and Gait.

I trust the day was enjoyed by all and would like to thank Paula and all the lovely owners and dogs for giving up their sunday for such a great day of learning.

So after an action packed weekend at the APA conference I finished my presentations this year with one for the Vets on the sunshine coast.

This time I presented on Physiotherapy management of the Geriatric Patient.  I hope they found this talk informative including information on the latest research in human management of arthritis.  Especially managing hip/stifle arthritis, I can easily apply the research to what I see in clinical practice for my canine patients. Interestingly enough 90% of cats also suffer from Arthritis - an area that can perhaps be managed better to improve quality of life of all our 4 legged friends

My greatest challenge in managing arthritic animals is in the increasing numbers of obese dogs.  Apparently we now have 40% obesity rates in australia of dogs!! This has been shown to greatly reduce the median life span and increase the progression of arthritis.

Age is just a number. There is so much we can offer our elderly best friends to make them more comfortable and improve their stability and strength to support their joints.

If you would like to see how you can help your friend each day feel free to contact me. I love treating this age group. With such keen owners it is a very rewarding part of my work.

Cheers

I have been working hard this year planning for the Animal Physiotherapy section of the APA (Australian Physiotherapy Association) conference.  It is finally coming around and is being held this weekend at the Brisbane Convention Centre.  This process has been a great experience (whilst very time consuming) and I am grateful to have been given this opportunity.

I am very excited with the program which incorporates a breakfast (sponsored by Regeneus for Stem Cell Therapy); Advanced Canine and Equine workshops with our international Invited Speaker Dr Anna Bergh (Sponsored by Merial) and 2 day program of lectures including invited speakers (Vets and Animal Physiotherapists).

To have such a high callibre of speakers over these days I hope it will be enjoyed by all.  As we are part of such a new profession we all enjoy getting together to share experiences working with animals and continue to develop our profession with the APA.

Thanks to the committee who have helped me throughout the year to put this event together. I hope it goes well!

If you would like more information about this event visit: www.physiotherapy.asn.au

Cheers

I finished off my last presentation to the UQ Japanese students this week.  My Missie stole the show again. She has co-presented with me for the last few years. Now that she has had her spinal injury this year, she was a good case to show her unusual gait pattern, posture and stability to the students.  We educated them about Animal Physiotherapy, safe handling, the basics of gentle massage and stretches. I reinforced the importance to observe the body language of the dogs to ensure they don't get bitten, whilst ensuring the dog gains the most benefit out of treatment.

I am not sure I enjoy the drive to Brisbane any more but I really enjoyed presenting to these groups again this year.  Hopefully Missie will be able to join me again next year!

Cheers

As part of our Seminar series to Sunshine coast Vets and Vet Nurses our team had an information evening on Geriatric patients.  

I presented on the benefits of Physiotherapy in managing Arthritis in the dog.  It is great to increase awareness to Vet nurses who see dogs all day to identify those who could benefit from Physiotherapy and advice/home program for their clients.  Age is no excuse and I find the geriatric dog very rewarding to treat.  A little bit of advice and management at home can greatly increase the quality of life for these dogs.

This is my new idol!! 

I have almost completed the program for the upcoming APA (Australian Physiotherapy Association) Conference in October for Animal Physiotherapy.   This is a very large event held every 2 years for Physiotherapy in Australia and will be held at the Brisbane Convention Centre this year.
I have been organising the Animal Physiotherapy Group and I am very excited about the highest level of International and National Physiotherapists and Veterinarians we have presenting this year. It has been a great learning process for me to plan this event.  It is shaping up to be a fantastic conference with sponsorship from Merial and Regeneus (Stem/Adicell) to support our International Speaker Dr Anna Bergh from Sweden, a Breakfast and workshops for Canine and Equine Physiotherapy techniques.

Thanks to all those who have been involved helping on the committee. 
For more information feel free to visit the APA website: www.physiotherapy.asn.au

NCVS had another successful start to the conference series for Vets and Vet nurses  this year.  We started at Mooloolaba yesterday and will head up to Mackay and Hervey Bay over the next few months.  This is a great way for the team at NCVS to thank all our referrers and provide an open learning opportunity for all.  I trust everyone enjoyed the day, especially lunch out in the sun overlooking the water.

This year I presented on Physiotherapy and Cruciate Ligament Injury.  Cruciate Ligamant injury is the most common cause of lameness and orthopaedic injury in the Dog.  There have been many advances in human literature and veterinary technology in treating this condition.  Therefore I was grateful to be given the opportunity to explain to the Vets and nurses the benefits of Physiotherapy pre/post op or for conservative management and what this involves over their 6-12 month recovery.

I hope everyone enjoyed this day. I always leave these days feeling very proud to be part of such an incredible team at NCVS.
Thanks to Janelle for organising this successful day
Brooke.

It was a pleasure to be asked back to present to the Japanese Vet students this year at UQ.
Thanks to my lovely Missie as my co-presenter and demo dog, I hope they enjoyed these sessions once again.
It is great to spread knowledge of this new profession in our own country and overseas.
Thanks Missie for helping!

Well it has been a busy couple of weeks with presentations.
Last week I enjoyed presenting to quite a collection of Vets at BVSC for their quarterly seminar series.
I presented on Hip Dysplasia, explaining the benefits of physiotherapy to improve the stability and strength and quality of life.  I hope this presentation was found to be informative and enjoyed by all.
Brooke

Thanks to Nicklin Way veterinary Surgery for organising a very informative evening for senior clients (being the dogs/cats) and their owners last night.   I enjoyed discussing the benefits of Animal Physiotherapy to improve quality of life to their beloved pets in the latter stages of their life.  We have some beautiful dogs partake in the demonstration and I thank everyone who attended for their time.
My two girls have just hit 'senior' age group turning 7 last week. I can't believe it when i see them chasing the birds at the beach today. maybe one day they might get on..... just one day!
Thanks again to Nicklin Way for such a great evening
Cheers
Brooke