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!

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!

Gotta love a sleepy physio session in a bali hut. What a lovely sight to see the relaxing session for Snoopy and her mum.  After some underwater treadmill (no umbrella or gumboots required) and acupuncture and physio both enjoyed some time to revitalise.

I think we should rename the sunny coast! The underwater treadmill has been a blessing for many owners who have not been able to get their loved ones out for a good ol fashioned stroll in the park. Blue is so Blue today! Thanks huey for giving us some respite!

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.

As part of our ongoing professional development we had a great afternoon on Saturday working with Horses.  The Animal Physio Group (APG) is a subgroup of our association the APA (Australian Physiotherapy association).  We aim to meet at least 4 times a year in Qld to gather Physios - animal and human for ongoing learning opportunities.

Sandy organised an afternoon on the sunshine coast with the help of Nicky  to present on the topic of Equine Spinal mobilisation.  These sessions are a great chance for us to learn and network and further enhance our skills.  I look forward to more throughout the year.

Thanks!

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!