Laurie's Blogs.
Recent Posts
29
Aug 2026
Aug 2026
Veterinary perception of the prevalence of back pain and dysfunction for 6 clinical scenarios
This photo, of David's Dog Fig-Jam, hangs in on the bathroom wall in his clinic - Points East West Veterinary Services in Squamish, BC, Canada.If you haven’t read last week’s blog - Factors affecting veterinary perception of the prevalence of back pain and dysfunction...
22
Aug 2026
Aug 2026
Factors affecting veterinary perception of the prevalence of back pain and dysfunction
David's dogs - Fig-Jam & Corb - Based on these 2 pictures, can you tell which dog has the more intense personality? In human medicine, the term “non-specific back pain” has been used for 70 years to describe conditions that result in back pain, yet the underl...
15
Aug 2026
Aug 2026
Recent Advances in Canine Syringomyelia and Chiari-like Malformation: Insights from 2025–2026 Literature
Recent publications (primarily 2025–2026) continue to refine understanding, diagnosis, clinical assessment, and management of Chiari-like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM) in dogs, with a strong focus on predisposed breeds such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS...
08
Aug 2026
Aug 2026
Investigation: Application of the FITT Principle (and FITT-VP) in Exercise Prescription, with Focus on Canine Abdominal/Core Strengthening
The FITT principle is a foundational framework for designing safe, effective, and individualized exercise programs. It stands for: • Frequency — How often exercise is performed (e.g., sessions per week or per day). •&nbs...
01
Aug 2026
Aug 2026
Strengthening The Dog’s Abdominal Muscles: Static vs. Dynamic Exercises and the Importance of Functional Training
When it comes to building core strength in dogs, the abdominal muscles play a vital role in stability, movement, respiration, and overall function. Drawing from biomechanical research on canine abdominal and hypaxial muscles, as well as principles of exercise physiology, a ...
25
Jul 2026
Jul 2026
Comparing Canine Abdominal Muscle Function to the Human Core
The canine abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis) form a key part of the "core" in dogs, much like the human core complex. However, evolutionary adaptations to quadrupedal vs. bipedal locomotion, spinal orientation, and...
18
Jul 2026
Jul 2026
Canine Abdominal Muscles in Action: Respiration, Gait, and Posture – Implications for Rehabilitation
Building on the foundational anatomy and characteristics of the canine abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis), this post examines their dynamic roles in respiration, locomotion, and posture. Understanding these fu...
11
Jul 2026
Jul 2026
Understanding Canine Abdominal Muscles: Foundations for Rehabilitation
The canine abdominal muscles form a critical part of the core, providing stability, support, and dynamic function in our four-legged patients. Whether you're a veterinarian, physical therapist, or dog owner focused on conditioning or recovery, a solid grasp of these muscles...
04
Jul 2026
Jul 2026
Exercise Alone Can Impact Your Dog-Bod in Just 8 Weeks!
If you work in canine rehabilitation, you already know that overweight and obese dogs are a daily reality in practice. We see the joint issues, impaired mobility, and slower recoveries in this patient subset. Diet is usually the headline for weight management, but a r...
27
Jun 2026
Jun 2026
Forelimb Biomechanics in Retriever Dogs Carrying Mouth Weights: Implications for Canine Rehabilitation
Retriever breeds frequently carry game birds or training dummies during hunting, field trials, and performance activities. This behavior has long been hypothesized to contribute to forelimb overload and biceps tendinopathy. Two key studies—one using pressure-plate gait anal...
