brooke's blog

As part of my job as an Animal Physiotherapist it is very important to teach the owners what they can do at home to improve the quality of life of their dog.

If you would like to have a peek at a common stretch I teach owners here is some information for you.

If your dog has patella luxation (often small breeds with a skipping gait) or hip dysplasia/low back pain this may not be appropriate so feel free to ask me first if this is appropriate for your dog.

Always watch his/her face when you are doing some massage/stretches to ensure it is pain free - they will let you know if you go slowly and listen!

Squirt is heading back up a long way north. This litlle fella has had 4 surgeries for patella luxation in 3 months.  He needs a lot of physio to get him going and regain his buns of steel to support him through life.

As I cannot see these dedicated owners as needed I set up an extensive home program to help them out as much as possible. Here is a snippet of some massage and stretches for Squirt when he gets home.

Goodluck squirt!

What a shot! Meet Charlie. This beautiful little fella came all the way from Gladstone.  He was born with scoliosis in his thoracic spine, requiring surgery to decompress his spinal cord.  He was in hospital with us at North Coast Veterinary Specialists for a few weeks.  His amazingly dedicated owners drove down and back from Gladstone to visit and attend his physiotherapy sessions.  He is now walking (though with ataxia - neurological 'wobbly' gait) but this will improve in time. 

I look forward to seeing his progress and take my hat off to his owners (and extended family) for all the hard work they are putting into this fella to improve his quality of life.

Go Charlie!

I have just attached a new article I did for the NCVS (North Coast Veterinary Specialists) newsletter on the Acupuncture page on this website.  It gives a background for understanding the east and west approach to Acupuncture.

I hope it helps you understand a little more how this 5000 year old method of treatment works.

For many of our aussie pooches they love swimming but find entering the pool or water without walking in a little disconcerting.

We are looking into an appropriate ramp to help with the safety of this for the owner and the dog and make swimming less stressful.

Have a look at: http://pupgearcorporation.com/Products/doggydocks for an option (though a little costly).

I find the ruffwear portage float coat has been fantastic over the years to provide just enough buoyancy, last for years and fit snugly.  This helps you safely get your dog in and out of the water also.

Happy swimming!