24 May 2020
Are you wondering about Infrared Thermography? Wondering if it's a tool worth investing in? Could IRT be part of your diagnostic line up? Is infrared thermography a good outcome measure? How accurate is it compared to internal body temperatures? This literature review will help you to become objective about this tool and to decide if or how to utilize it in your practice!
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10 May 2020
More Objective Outcome Measures! This time FourLeg News looks into Stance Analysis / Weight Bearing Measures. There are research articles reviewed that look at commercially available stance analysis equipment and also the use of bathroom scales as a means for measuring weight bearing! Enjoy the read!
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26 Apr 2020
A big thank you to Jenny Moe of Moe Love Myofascial Release based in San Francisco for providing her portion of this video and for being the inspiration behind my portion of the video (where I used the information Jenny provides and apply it to a recent patient of mine.) I think you will like this as a practical solution for dogs that have some toe scuffing troubles.
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12 Apr 2020
Check out this video to learn how you can make a PVC cart that can be used for newly paralyzed dogs or severely debilitated dogs as a measure to get them up, get them going, test their function, and so on!
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29 Mar 2020
Following up on the limb circumference newsletter, I thought a video of how I (personally) try to be consistent with how I measure limb circumference. An outcome measure that matters! With a little bit of humour thrown in...
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15 Mar 2020
Continuing on the Objective Outcomes theme, this edition of FourLeg News is all about Limb circumference. Important are the parts regarding validity, reliability, etc. Everything you wanted to know about limb circumference as an outcome measure all in one place! Happy learning! Yay outcome measures!
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01 Mar 2020
Part 3 (the finale) of the Shockwave series. In this video you will how to convert the data (Radial versus Focused), Discussion of Customized Protocols, How often to use it, Frequently asked questions, and some Case Studies! Enjoy!
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16 Feb 2020
Part 2 of the Shockwave training focuses on it's use for Non-unions and Stress Fractures, Osteoarthritis, Back pain, Trigger points... and something 'surprising'!
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02 Feb 2020
What do you need to know about SHOCKWAVE? Watch part 1 of this 3-part series to learn more. This episode contains information about the history, types, parameters, indications, effects, and contraindications of shockwave. As well, we dive into use for tendons, plantarfasciitis, canine tendons... and a surprise use!
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19 Jan 2020
This video is courtesy of Tania Costa. Tania has recently changed her business structure to be in a brick and mortar business to being mobile and part time in a home-based business. Check out this video to learn more about the transition and how the transition has gone.
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05 Jan 2020
Objective Outcome Measures: In this edition of FourLeg News we look at goniometric use in canine studies. Validity of the goniometer, as well as measurements of canine extremity joints in different breeds are reported here! Dive on in and update your goniometry knowledge!
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21 Dec 2019
This video is a compilation of small video clips that we did for Senior Dog Month at my clinic, The Canine Fitness Centre. You might find some of the tips useful! As well, I'd like you to be inspired to create similar videos around a theme as a social media marketing strategy for your practice! Enjoy!
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08 Dec 2019
Lorna Clarke, PT has been kind enough to submit a couple of videos... enjoy this 3-part compilation about warming up your dog, and some simple conditioning exercises for your canine athletes.  Not only do the videos provide good information, but they are also videos that Lorna uses for her online fitness and conditioning class.  Looking to increase your exposure?  Looking for something to market?  Looking for something to make your stand out from your competition?  Think about doing something similar!Check out this video and also Lorna's webpage:  www.caninerehab.ca
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24 Nov 2019
Are you a business owner? A therapist? Or both? Each of these scenarios and roles takes a different toll and directs your attention accordingly. Are you where you want to be? Are you spending your time where it's necessary? Enjoy the listen!
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10 Nov 2019
WOBBLER's again! Caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy, Disc-associated Wobbler Syndrome, wobbler's... This time, we dive into conservative treatment options. What's in veterinary literature, and what we can do to improve upon that with our rehab / physio skills as well!
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27 Oct 2019
Thank you to Dr. David Lane again for his contribution to your learning. Here, David has reviewed 12 Abstracts from the Veterinary Orthopedic Surgeons meeting in 2017. Tune in to learn about Stem cell survival, PRP & Stem cell for the hip, Measured shoulder abduction, Pancarpal arthrodesis, Meniscal kinematics, Tibial morphology, Post-op rehab for IVDD, Sham versus LLLT for elbow OA, Carprophen and PRP, A-frame kinetic gait analysis, Patellar tendon thickening with TPLO, and radioactive particle injection to the synovium. Listen up for 20 minutes of brain building knowledge translation!
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13 Oct 2019
So, I finally decided to try this out. Voodoo flossing / Joint Flossing / Tissue Flossing / Blood Flow Restriction. I found some information on this topic for a blog post a while back - see: https://fourleg.com/Blog/401/Joint-or-Tissue-Flossing---Could-we-use-this-on-dogs? And it's taken me this long to give it a test drive! Check this out and see what YOU think!
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29 Sep 2019
Enjoy this compilation of videos consisting of tips and tricks for working with neurologic patients. How to customize the Pawz booties. How to create a temporary 'toes up' dorsiflexion contraption and use of kinesiology tape to help with foot dragging. And panties & belly bands for leaky, dribbly dogs as well as the Q-tip technique! Thank you to Lisa Bedenbaugh and Ilaria Borghese for their contributions to this video!
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15 Sep 2019
LASER THERAPY - Myth Buster Edition! - Controversial Applications - Myths - Contraindications (or not) - Weird ways to use it
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01 Sep 2019
Vibration Training... now you might want to try it! Check out what research there is in canine and equine subjects. Then watch what how we tested out different ways to use this device at my clinic, The Canine Fitness Centre Ltd. Fun!
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28 Aug 2019
Looking into the different animal rehab training courses in North America? Here's a review of the curricula of each. (Conducted in 2017)
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18 Aug 2019
Vibration Training... now you're more curious! Dive a little deeper and learn about Vibration Training for Osteoarthritis, The Aging, The Elderly, & The Obese, AND for Spinal Cord Injury! Check it out!
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04 Aug 2019
Vibration Training? Worth looking into? Start here to find out. Part 1 of this series looks at Vibration Training for general health and effects on the body, for Athletes, for post-op ACLs, and for bone. It's an interesting topic!
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21 Jul 2019
Thanks again to Dr. David Lane of Points East West Veterinary Services in Squamish, BC, Canada. This is a synopsis on the presentation Dr. Lane gave at the 2018 IAVRPT conference on the relationship between urinary incontinence & back pain.
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07 Jul 2019
This started as a tribute to my favourite researcher, Ronaldo da Costa. It also turned out to be a great way for me to get caught up on all of the new WOBBLER'S RESEARCH as well - Wobbler Syndrome, wobbler's caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy... This one contains a bit of Background, Etiology & Pathology, New Places to look for a problem, and Gait Analysis of affected dogs. Enjoy the read!
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23 Jun 2019
A new tool for your tool kit! A simple paint roller!!! Watch this video to see how this super simple tool could be used in treating your canine patients and could be something to prescribe as part of a home program. Seriously!!!
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08 Jun 2019
Marketing to your existing clients versus marketing to attract new clients should be different. More specifically, your tactics to do so should be different. Essentially one of those customers is more like a cat, whereas the other one is more like a dog.  And, you can't really treat them (or market to them) in the same way.
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26 May 2019
This is my new favourite exercise: The Pelvic Tilt! I've been using it for a few years now, but was just recently reintroduced to it by a fellow PT who uses it for different reasons. Okay... check out the video and see if it's something you might like to incorporate into your therapy protocols as well!
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12 May 2019
Veterinary perception about animal rehab, physical therapy, complementary healthcare. Education in complementary healthcare. Interprofessional practice. Very different, but interesting!
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06 May 2019
Hang on for the ride!!! 23 minute whirlwind discussion of assessment and treatment of idiopathic geriatric vestibulitis!
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28 Apr 2019
For a talk I was giving in late 2018, I did a bit of research to find out what was new in regards to medial patellar luxation in dogs. I found the research fascinating, and thought you would too! So have a look - watch, listen, learn - and grow your brain on the topic of Medial Patellar Luxation.
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14 Apr 2019
This audio is sparked from a number of conversations & discussions I've partaken in lately. What do you do... When the referring vet won't let you start rehab for 8 weeks? When you send a dog back to the surgeon but get 'blown off' that it's not a problem? When your supervisor / boss is wrong in their recommendations? When the vet surgeon tells YOUR patient to come to their facility for rehab? And so on... Listen in for my thoughts, and some of the conundrums we are all facing!
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05 Apr 2019
The Handout for you to print out and follow along or takes notes!
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03 Apr 2019
DRAFT
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03 Apr 2019
DRAFT
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03 Apr 2019
DRAFT
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31 Mar 2019
Now you understand the science, so how would you do it? Check out the next video to see some of the K-Taping options for your canine patient!
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17 Mar 2019
Have you wondered about the research behind K-Taping, Kinesiotaping, Kinesiology Taping? Me to! That's why I created this video... what's real in the literature and what's hype! Stay tuned for Part 2 - HOW to Kinesiotape Your Canine Patient.
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25 Feb 2019
Are you ready to get wet? This edition of Four Leg News is an update on Hydrotherapy in the literature. Kinematics, heart rate, temperature, function, muscle activity, ground reaction forces, weight loss, osteoarthritis, and more! You might need a life vest... or do you? Read up to find out!
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23 Feb 2019
Okay, so I have come out saying that I don't like the exercise 'Sit Pretty'. Here are my articles (blog posts) about the topic AND my suggestions for what can be done for core stability instead. Have a read on 'What all the fuss is about!'
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17 Feb 2019
So, you are convinced that you need to do some lecturing as a way to grow and strengthen your business. But, you need some tips on HOW to public speak! How do you structure your talk? Should you have a powerpoint? What to wear? How to set up? Your voice... eye contact... and strategies to win over your audience and feel comfortable. All of my 4-H Public speaking knowledge and 20 years of teaching experience all wrapped up into this audio.
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03 Feb 2019
Do you secretly dread treating cats? Not because you don't like them, but because they aren't nearly as motivated to work as your canine patients! Well then, you'll enjoy this video! Join Tania Costa (Canine Wellness Centre - Toronto area, Canada) as she attempts to create a home exercise program for a cat.
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23 Jan 2019
The Harness Study... End result = ALL harnesses restrict shoulder extension.
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19 Jan 2019
What does disc degeneration look like? Updates on Hansen's Type 1 & 2, Annepe, Hnpe, and I threw in FCE also. Then a little on functional assessments, and ideas for prevention. It's a good video, you should watch!!
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06 Jan 2019
Welcome to the Stenosis Issue. Inside you will learn about what is currently known and done for canine lumbosacral stenosis in veterinary medicine, what is done regarding conservative management in human medicine, and what you can do to better treat these dogs conservatively in your rehab practice! Enjoy!
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29 Dec 2018
This was posted on the forum a year or two (or more) ago, and I thought I'd turn it into a 'cheat sheet' for others to easily find and use. Writing reports does not always come naturally... so here are my tips to help you out and to make your reports easy to churn out!
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23 Dec 2018
Now... Part 2 - Lasers in Canine Rehab! Your laser indications, dosing, etc.! Enjoy the learning and happy lasering!
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09 Dec 2018
This comes from a presentation I gave for my Aussie friends in October. So, here's part 1 of Lasers in Canine Rehab. Enjoy the update & stay tuned for part 2!!!
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09 Dec 2018

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09 Dec 2018

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09 Dec 2018

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09 Dec 2018

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25 Nov 2018
Looking for ideas and inspiration for using low profile inflatables? Check out this video that shows you how you might use a new piece of equipment (or substitute with what you already have) with your canine patients. wobble cushion. Lolipup. balance disc.
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13 Nov 2018
This issue is the Juvenile Conditions & Issues issue! (Say that 10 times fast!) Dive inside to read about Carpal Laxity Syndrome, Hereditary Ataxia in Scottish Terriers, Inherited Myopathy in Great Danes, & Swimmers Syndrome. Happy Reading!
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28 Oct 2018
This audio is a case study regarding an epiphany I had while selling our calves from the ranch this year. I can't believe how clueless I was... but I have a plan going forwards! (And if you can't get it to play, click the download button and you will be taken to a screen from where you can play... or download.)
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17 Oct 2018
Join me as we discuss "Frickin' Laser Beams"!
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14 Oct 2018
So you suspect your patient has Cerebella Ataxia. Now what? Check out this video to learn what to do! - Adapting from human physiotherapy protocols for cerebellar ataxia, we can formulate a plan for treating canine cerebellar ataxia.
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30 Sep 2018
Wobbles and bobbles, a rhythm all their own... maybe your patient has Cerebellar Ataxia. In the past you may have thought there was nothing you could do. But watch this two part series to see what Rehab can offer to your next Cerebellar Ataxia patient!
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15 Sep 2018
Updated - how to rehab with use of a stifle brace. A handout to print out for owners. Be sure to combine with the updated Conservative Management of Cruciate Deficiency handout!
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15 Sep 2018
Updated - how to rehab with use of a stifle brace. A handout to print out for owners. Be sure to combine with the updated Conservative Management of Cruciate Deficiency handout!
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15 Sep 2018
Updated - handout for rehabilitation of cruciate deficiency. Printable on your letterhead.
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15 Sep 2018
Updated - handout for rehabilitation of cruciate deficiency. Printable on your letterhead.
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02 Sep 2018
Osteoarthritis and Rehab! What's new in the research? What validates what we do? What might not be working? Do dogs get central nervous system changes with Osteoarthritis like people? What does the literature say about osteoarthritis, laser, shockwave, regenerative medicine, acupuncture, or manual therapy? And what about biomechanical changes? Read on to learn!
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19 Aug 2018
I don't want to blow the 'surprise' with this video... but a forearm with the elbow extended should also have an extended carpus.  When that's NOT the case... what do you think the problem could be??
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05 Aug 2018
Managing Fatigue: It's not ALL about sleep! Some of these will shock you... but in order to function higher, be more productive, have better memory, and subsequently more effectiveness, you need to NOT be Fatigued! (And who of us out there isn't fatigued in this day and age!?)
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01 Aug 2018
Often the most important part of successful rehab is the assessment and diagnosis made by the rehab therapist. The assessment techniques, novel deductive reasoning skills, and examination of overall function are what physical therapy and physical therapists are bringing to the veterinary field. • Veterinary medicine tends to rely on what can be called a ‘patho-anatomical’ diagnosis, whereas physical therapy and human medicine to a certain extent look at what can be termed a ‘patho-functional’ assessment. Differences will be elucidated.• Weak muscles, short muscles, tight muscles, overactive muscles, joint restrictions (articular movement dysfunctions), peripheral nerve impairments, and/or pain can impact the FUNCTION of a patient.• Joint-play, end-feels, myotomes, dermatomes, resisted tests, and special tests... and how they impact your physical examination and ultimate diagnosis. (Scroll upwards after pressing ’play’ to actually watch the video!)
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01 Aug 2018
The future of the field of canine rehabilitation / physiotherapy is likely to depend heavily on how the professionals in the field learn to work with each other. This paper was presented at the Canadian Physiotherapy Association Congress in 2012. The authors hope it sparks dialogue, professionalism, and the extending of ’olive branches’ between the professions. xxx
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22 Jul 2018
That stubborn shoulder or the post-op cruciate case is making you pull your hair out! Perhaps one of the issues is that your patient is lacking terminal extension! Watch the video to learn why it's important and how you can address this issue!
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08 Jul 2018
Behaviour studies & rehab! Just a bunch of unique and interesting studies about behaviour. Can you correct poop eating? Can you get an owner to acknowledge their dog is fat? Which dogs are greater bite risks? How and how much should you exercise a reactive dog? What's up with cognitive dysfunction? Can a ketogenic diet improve ADHD in dogs? Check out these articles to learn the answers!
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24 Jun 2018
Is your back sore when you're in the underwater treadmill? Check out this nifty Do It Yourself underwater treadmill chair! Thanks to Tania Costa of Canine Wellness Centre in the Toronto Area for this helpful video!
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17 Jun 2018
Here is a basic template of my Initial Assessment form.
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10 Jun 2018
Thanks to Dr. David Lane (Points East West Veterinary Services in Whistler, BC) for this commentary. It's an overview of the topic as presented at the 2016 ACVS conference. Wanna know what the surgeons are saying??? Then have a listen! (Even if it will make you a bit angry!)
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27 May 2018
Thank you to Dr. Amber Ihrke for this video. In this video, Dr. Ihrke presents her research on the evaluation of tailed versus non-tailed Rottweilers and correlations as they pertain to cranial cruciate disease & spondylosis. Sit back, watch, and listen to a great presentation from the author herself!
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12 May 2018
Recent and relevant rehab related canine literature - post-op TPLOs, rehab versus non-rehab, bracing for CCL-deficiency, water levels in UWT rehab, digit injuries, and phantom limb pain! Read up and learn on!!
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28 Apr 2018
Printable on your own letterhead! MY first attempt at creating an MSI protocol!
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15 Apr 2018
And Part 3 of the Medial Shoulder Series looks at manual therapies. What manual techniques should you be doing? What could you prescribe to your owners! Have a plan to treat or prevent MSI! (Stay tuned... and I'll put these suggestions into a protocol to handout to owners!)
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01 Apr 2018
Here we go with Part 2 - Exercises for Medial Shoulder. More things that you can do and progress with for your medial shoulder instability / compartment syndrome cases. (Treatment OR Prevention I believe!!) (And Stay Tuned for Part 3...)
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18 Mar 2018
Medial shoulder instability / compartment syndrome is becoming recognized more and more. However, very little exists in regards to non-operative treatment, post-operative treatment, or prevention for this condition. Sit back and prepare to be taken through a 3-part plan to address such things. Part 1 - Exercises for Medial Shoulder Dysfunctions.
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04 Mar 2018
Hot Hot Hot! These articles are all about dogs and hot weather. What you need to know. What to do. How it impacts different dogs. How best to measure internal temperatures... Check it out!
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18 Feb 2018
...To Lose Weight that is! WHAT?? Yes, you read that right! Some new, very interesting research sheds some light on weight loss / weight maintenance, and where exercise fits into the picture. And while it's not dog specific. It is very interesting and would have a canine-relevant application. ENJOY!
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04 Feb 2018
What's the scoop on using Mesenchymal stem cells with osteoarthritis? Catch the latest with Dr. David Lane (www.pointseastwest.com).
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21 Jan 2018
I had a question a while back asking about what to do with the vestibular dog, AFTER the Epley, and after the 'dizziness' was gone. This video tried to address some of those questions for dealing with the geriatric vestibular dog.
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07 Jan 2018
The Muscle Issue. Want to learn about muscle fibre types, differences between different breeds, what the Intercostal Muscles actually do, and more? Well your dreams have come true. Dive on in and learn about these things and more! Have fun in there!
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24 Dec 2017
The first in the series of Do It Yourself Videos from Tania Costa of the Canine Wellness Centre in Toronto, Canada. This video is how to create a Toe-Up Device for short term use with your neurologic canine patients. Enjoy!
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10 Dec 2017
OPTIMIZE Your best FREE ONLINE ADVERTISING! Have you pimped your Google Business Listing? If not, you are likely missing out on generating some great leads into your business. Listen on to learn more!
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25 Nov 2017
The digital cancer & osteosarcoma issue. Cancer always needs to be in our brain as a differential diagnosis for the limping pet we see before us. This issue looks at digit cancers (of which I have seen my fair share of troubles in the toes), and osteosarcomas (another all too common cancer). Read up to familiarize yourself.
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12 Nov 2017
Now continue the thought processing on how to treat a dog with a degenerative disc in her caudal cervical spine / cranial thoracic spine. Enjoy!
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29 Oct 2017
Watch as I test and process information on my own dog (the rarely seen Syri). I have suspected her to have degenerative disc disease in her caudal cervical spine or cranial thoracic spine. Without radiographs (which may or may not help), this is how a physical therapist does a physical exam & uses deductive reasoning to make a Physical Diagnosis upon which he/she proceeds with treatment (or referral back to the doctor for advanced imaging or further medical testing). Enjoy!
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15 Oct 2017
An overview of Regenerative Medicine... (there are multiple things to know and understand). Get up to date and clarified! Thank you to Dr. David Lane (www.pointseastwest.com) for this enlightening audio!
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01 Oct 2017
Check out how this simple technique could add a big missing element to your therapy regimen!Myofascia. Myofascial. Skin. Dermal.
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17 Sep 2017
The Digit Issue! This issue is filled with toes! Most of what I could find in the literature pertained to the digital flexors and repair. I found a study of interest and a gross article just for fun as well. Dip your toes in and learn about the digits!!
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03 Sep 2017
You've done the Epley. The dog seems better, but what do you do next to help restore balance, and vestibular function? Check out this video (courtesy of Shari Sprague, MPT, CCRT) on what to do next!
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20 Aug 2017
Another great audio brought to you by Dr. David Lane (www.pointseastwest.com). Reviewing a bit of research in regards to the wearing of harnesses on a dog's gait.Enjoy!
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06 Aug 2017
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo & Idiopathic Geriatric Vestibulitis can be treated in the same way. Check out this video to learn not only the Epley Maneuver, but also the Side Lie / Semont Technique, and the Gufoni Maneuver. Treating the vestibular dog.
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23 Jul 2017
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo & Idiopathic Geriatric Vestibulitis are most likely the same thing. Watch this video for some background into the condition and how to assess it. Then tune in for the next video training to learn about treatment techniques! Recognizing the vestibular dog.
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09 Jul 2017
THE SHOULDER ISSUE! Lots in info in here! Shockwave, Adhesive Capsulitis, Diagnostic Imaging, Exercises for ROM, Infraspinatus Contractures, and Shoulder Instabilities.
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24 Jun 2017
The results are in! What products do you love, use, recommend, and/or sell! Check it out and see what you find!
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11 Jun 2017
Thank you Tania Costa - Canine Wellness Centre - Toronto, ON, Canada for this video. Tania is a master of creativity. See what she's created, and how she trains both the dog and owner to navigate exercise therapies.
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28 May 2017
A case of bilateral rear leg deformities. This breeder-client asked if we could do anything to help her 5-day old puppy. Of course I was going to try!!! Watch to see how he looked, what I tried, and what actually worked!!! :)
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14 May 2017
LASER UPDATE Issue! Laser for hair loss & wound healing! Laser for post-op and pre-op! Lasers and stem cells! Lasers for Pain! Read up and be up to date!
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