GET A GRIP: Keeping Seniors, Injured, and Weak Dogs Safe at Home
Older dogs and those with injuries or balance issues can have trouble moving around the home, especially on slippery surfaces like tile or wood floors. Some dogs react to slippery floors by not wanting to get up or walk - they lack confidence and will elect to "stay put" rather than risk slipping. Pets that are nervous about moving around can become weak because they are less active. Other dogs are less self-protective or fearful,...
Palliative Care Physiotherapy
I’ve been messaging back and forth with a UK animal physio about a case that turned out to be a nerve sheath tumor. The most recent round of discussion has been about treatment now that the diagnosis has been established. The diagnosing veterinarian told the owner to stop physiotherapy as it wouldn’t be of any benefit. My suggestion is palliative care if the owners are interested and willing in nurturing...
Hind Leg Weakness In Dogs – Signs And Symptoms
There are many causes of hind leg weakness in dogs and the exact cause is often difficult to establish – even for veterinarians. Senior dogs often show weakness in their back legs. This usually develops gradually over time. Dogs tend to get aches and pains as they get older – just like we do. Some causes of hind leg weakness in dogs can however strike at any age. Sudden weakness,...
Cohesive Bandage Can Be Used For Traction and To Reduce Scuffing
Slipping or scuffing on hardwood or tile floors? Cohesive bandage (e.g., VetWrap) works well to reduce slippage and scuffing when used properly. In this video, Vital Vet expert Ilaria Borghese demonstrates how to apply VetWrap safely and for maximum impact. VetWrap Link Author: Ilaria Borghese, MS, MA, OT, Thera-Paw, Inc., STAAR Conference, Vital Vet Other Related Publications Traction for Weak, Unstable, or Injured Pets Custom Bracing for Pets with Injuries...
Degenerative Myelopathy and How CBD May Help
What is Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs? Degenerative myelopathy, or DM, is a debilitating disease impacting the spinal cord or nerves that vets commonly compare to ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease, in people. A good first place to understand what you're dealing with if your dog is diagnosed with DM is to understand what the name means. Degenerative refers to the fact that the disease causes one's spinal cord to decline...
Stroke Fact Sheet
Until recently, it was thought that strokes in dogs and cats were very rare. In the last few years, with both the advances in veterinary neurology and the increased availability of more specialist tests, strokes are being recognized more often in pets. The thought of your pet suffering a stroke may be frightening – but you should not be alarmed – strokes in dogs and cats are often not as...
Vestibular Disease in Dogs: the ESSENTIAL guide
If you have an old dog who has suddenly started to stumble and act drunk, developed a head tilt or even can’t get up then there is a real chance they are suffering from a condition known as vestibular disease. In dogs this can come on very quickly and the symptoms can appear very dramatic. Is vestibular disease as serious as it appears though? What is the treatment and recovery...
Everything You Need to Know About Cerebrovascular Accidents (Strokes) in Dogs
The term 'stroke' when used in relation to dogs generally refers to a vascular accident (sometimes cerebrovascular accident or CVA) that has occurred within the body and has affected the brain. For many years vets thought that strokes in dogs were rare, but recent advances in veterinary medicine have changed this perspective and we are now beginning to learn how common canine strokes really are. The word 'stroke' is sometimes...