1Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12ISSUE 12M A G A Z I N EAnimalerapy
2Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12How Honey’s can help your dog to lose weight (quickly and without feeling hungry!)Is your dog battling the bulge? You may think that the main cause is too much food and too little exercise, but the leading culprit is almost certainly modern, processed dog food. Modern, processed dog food is high in simple carbohydrate, low in protein and full of harmful fats – a fatal and fattening combination if you happen to be a dog. Even many of the so-called diet dog foods follow the same formula. So, if your beloved four legged companion wants to lose a little weight, the answer is to stop feeding dried or canned food and to switch him or her to a natural diet. That is to say, the diet he or she would eat in the wild, which is raw meat, raw bone and raw vegetable. You can home prepare such a diet (we can show you how, free of charge) or we are happy to make the food for you. And if you want to learn more about raw feeding we can provide you with lots of information on the subject.We are the UK’s leading ethical dog food producer Over the last ten years Honey’s has become the UK’s leading ethical raw dog food producer. Our food is made using fresh, British ingredients that would – if they weren’t being served to your dog – be perfectly suitable for human consumption. Our meat, for example, is all wild, certified organic or free range. Our vegetables are seasonal. We offer an unrivalled level of service, too. We have a full-time Health Team that employs vets, vet nurses and nutritionists with extensive experience feeding poorly, elderly and overweight dogs. Moreover, we are happy to share our expertise. You are welcome to contact us for free advice, diet sheets and recipes even if you never, ever plan to become a customer. The most important thing to us is the health of your dog.Half-price hamper offer We have a range of special introductory offers for new customers including a Half Price Hamper for £30 (including a free copy of Vicky’s book and free delivery).The Lucky Dog Weight Loss Plan Over the years our founders have published several books on canine nutrition. The latest is by Vicky Marshall and is called The Lucky Dog Weight Loss Plan: Why you never see a fat wolf. The diet’s key benefits are: 1. Your dog will love the food.2. The food is quick and easy to prepare at home.3. The ingredients can be purchased from your butcher or supermarket.4. The diet leads to the loss of fat, rather than muscle mass (much healthier for the dog).5. The diet only takes a few weeks to work. 6. It will improve your dog’s general health and may solve all sorts of other issues such as skin complaints and allergies.7. Your dog will not suffer hunger pangs.8. No calorie counting or complicated maths involved.9. The diet is endorsed by over 20 leading vets Vicky’s book is available from all good bookshops or direct from Honey’s. We offer free one-to-one advice and we also have a free fact sheet that summarises the diet. Please email or call for a copy.‘He is full of energy, has a new (smaller) collar size and is never hungry.’‘He loved the diet, wasn’t hungry and no one believes he is the same dog.’ BEFORE 11kg BEFORE 35kg AFTER 6kg AFTER 28kgan i mprint of Hea d of Zeu swww. read ani ma. comHave you ever wondered why so many dogs seem to be suffering from weight issues? This excellent little book provides the answer: modern dog food. T he author explains the effect processed dog food has on a dog's body and how, by switching to a biologically appropriate diet, the weight will, literally, drop off. The diet itself couldn't be simpler. You can get all the ingredients from a butcher or supermark et and it is easy and quick to prepare. Best of all, it works. Vicky Marshall is an author and co-founder of Honey’s Real Dog Food – a family business based in rural Wiltshire that combines animal welfare with ethically produced British ingredients to provide a nutritionally balanced diet for dogs.VICKY MARSHALLYOURDOG WI LLLOVE T HISDIET!THE LUCKY DOG WEIGHTLOSSPLANTHE LUCKY DOG WEIGHT LOSS PLAN VICKY MARSHALL£9.99also availa ble i n ebo oknon-fict ion • petsISBN: 97817866974489781786697448THE QUICK, EASY, NATURAL WAY FOR DOGS TO LOSE WEIGHTCOMPLETE WITH MEAL PLANS AND RECIPESWHY YOU NEVER SEE A FAT WOLFBillyLhasaThe two case histories are from our files and the quotes are genuine but for reasons of privacy we have used different dog photos.For one-to-one advice without obligation please contact Honey’s Real Dog Food: 01672 620260 info@honeysrealdogfood.com www.honeysrealdogfood.com
3Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12GET IN TOUCH: Hannah Ashton – Editorhannah@animaltherapymedia.co.uk Georgia Keegan – Editorgeorgia@animaltherapymedia.co.uk Beth Lorraine - Sales Manager info@animaltherapymedia.co.uk Donna Boddie - Sales Manager donna@animaltherapymedia.co.ukAnna Webb: Promoting a preventive approach to Arthritis _________6Jemma Cooper: Conservative Cruciate Care _____12Horsing Around ___20The use of swimming in thouroughbred horse training ____22AHPR ____________24Vet Festival 2018Q&A with Chris Zinkand Ellen Martins __26Alan Gardner: Restoration of strength and balance ______30Canine Arthritis Management _____35Kate Mallatratt: Dogs just want to have fun _________36Tony Nevin: Why do we have to treat elephants ________40Louise Robson: From Racehorse to Dressage Horse ____ 43Emma Green: The real meaning ofLong and Low _____46Sherry Scott: Stewart Hastie ____50The Long Ride _____ 50M A G A Z I N EAnimalerapyWelcome! We nally see some sunshine, in fact, some much welcomed heat into the bones as well. Let's hope it lasts.We've had a fantastic and busy few months since our last issue. Our wonderful friends at Photizo Vet Care invited us to go along and help on their stand at Crus and BSAVA (British Small Animal Veterinary Association). We know rst hand how great Photizo light therapy is for so many conditions in animals, so to talk about therapy and the magazine to like minded people was great fun. ey were great shows and if you have never been, Crus is HUGE. Put it in your shopping diary for next year! We also met some amazing people who we will be working with in future issues. Have you heard of Street Vet? If not, you will be soon!June is fast approaching, and not wanting to wish the summer away, we can't wait for e Vet Festival. We hope you have your tickets, for the fantastic two day conference, and ngers crossed for continued sunshine. is year they have expanded their rehabilitation stream and the list of speakers is impressive. ere is still time to get your tickets and we'd love to see you there.We are attending many more events over the next few months so if you see us there, come and say hi and get your copy of Animal erapy Magazine.As always, we hope you enjoy this issue.from all at Animal erapy MediaISSUE 12Issued QuarterlyCONTENTSwww.animaltherapymedia.co.ukWhile every eort has been made to ensure that information is correct at the time of going to print, Animal Therapy Media Ltd cannot be held responsible for the outcome of any action or decision based on the information contained in this publication/website. The publishers or authors do not give any warranty for the completeness or accuracy for this publication’s content, explanation or opinion. No part of this publication and/or website may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without prior written permission of Animal Therapy Media Ltd and/or the authors of the articles within. Permission is only deemed valid if approval is in writing.Front cover photo: Lucy by Tracey Cole-WilkinHow Honey’s can help your dog to lose weight (quickly and without feeling hungry!)Is your dog battling the bulge? You may think that the main cause is too much food and too little exercise, but the leading culprit is almost certainly modern, processed dog food. Modern, processed dog food is high in simple carbohydrate, low in protein and full of harmful fats – a fatal and fattening combination if you happen to be a dog. Even many of the so-called diet dog foods follow the same formula. So, if your beloved four legged companion wants to lose a little weight, the answer is to stop feeding dried or canned food and to switch him or her to a natural diet. That is to say, the diet he or she would eat in the wild, which is raw meat, raw bone and raw vegetable. You can home prepare such a diet (we can show you how, free of charge) or we are happy to make the food for you. And if you want to learn more about raw feeding we can provide you with lots of information on the subject.We are the UK’s leading ethical dog food producer Over the last ten years Honey’s has become the UK’s leading ethical raw dog food producer. Our food is made using fresh, British ingredients that would – if they weren’t being served to your dog – be perfectly suitable for human consumption. Our meat, for example, is all wild, certified organic or free range. Our vegetables are seasonal. We offer an unrivalled level of service, too. We have a full-time Health Team that employs vets, vet nurses and nutritionists with extensive experience feeding poorly, elderly and overweight dogs. Moreover, we are happy to share our expertise. You are welcome to contact us for free advice, diet sheets and recipes even if you never, ever plan to become a customer. The most important thing to us is the health of your dog.Half-price hamper offer We have a range of special introductory offers for new customers including a Half Price Hamper for £30 (including a free copy of Vicky’s book and free delivery).The Lucky Dog Weight Loss Plan Over the years our founders have published several books on canine nutrition. The latest is by Vicky Marshall and is called The Lucky Dog Weight Loss Plan: Why you never see a fat wolf. The diet’s key benefits are: 1. Your dog will love the food.2. The food is quick and easy to prepare at home.3. The ingredients can be purchased from your butcher or supermarket.4. The diet leads to the loss of fat, rather than muscle mass (much healthier for the dog).5. The diet only takes a few weeks to work. 6. It will improve your dog’s general health and may solve all sorts of other issues such as skin complaints and allergies.7. Your dog will not suffer hunger pangs.8. No calorie counting or complicated maths involved.9. The diet is endorsed by over 20 leading vets Vicky’s book is available from all good bookshops or direct from Honey’s. We offer free one-to-one advice and we also have a free fact sheet that summarises the diet. Please email or call for a copy.‘He is full of energy, has a new (smaller) collar size and is never hungry.’‘He loved the diet, wasn’t hungry and no one believes he is the same dog.’ BEFORE 11kg BEFORE 35kg AFTER 6kg AFTER 28kgan i mprint of Hea d of Zeu swww. read ani ma. comHave you ever wondered why so many dogs seem to be suffering from weight issues? This excellent little book provides the answer: modern dog food. T he author explains the effect processed dog food has on a dog's body and how, by switching to a biologically appropriate diet, the weight will, literally, drop off. The diet itself couldn't be simpler. You can get all the ingredients from a butcher or supermark et and it is easy and quick to prepare. Best of all, it works. Vicky Marshall is an author and co-founder of Honey’s Real Dog Food – a family business based in rural Wiltshire that combines animal welfare with ethically produced British ingredients to provide a nutritionally balanced diet for dogs.VICKY MARSHALLYOURDOG WI LLLOVE T HISDIET!THE LUCKY DOG WEIGHTLOSSPLANTHE LUCKY DOG WEIGHT LOSS PLAN VICKY MARSHALL£9.99also availa ble i n ebo oknon-fict ion • petsISBN: 97817866974489781786697448THE QUICK, EASY, NATURAL WAY FOR DOGS TO LOSE WEIGHTCOMPLETE WITH MEAL PLANS AND RECIPESWHY YOU NEVER SEE A FAT WOLFBillyLhasaThe two case histories are from our files and the quotes are genuine but for reasons of privacy we have used different dog photos.For one-to-one advice without obligation please contact Honey’s Real Dog Food: 01672 620260 info@honeysrealdogfood.com www.honeysrealdogfood.com
4Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12info@leucillin.co.uk www.leucillin.co.uk 0345 548 9800Healthy Happy Animals From The Outside InAnimal SkincareFast acting formula itchy skinsore paws effective allergy management cuts, grazes & post surgical sitesskinfold care for brachycephalic breedsweepy eyesirritated ears dry, flakey or smelly skin soothing and calming 100% safe on all skin typesFor all mammals, birds & reptilesLeucillin is a safe, effective and reliable first aid, sanitizing and skin managementtool. Leucillin kills germs that can cause infection, irritation, dry, itchy, flaky orsmelly problematic skin. Leucillin provides you with a powerful infection controlsolution that just works! Please join our Social Media Community on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for health & skincare adviceLeucillin cleverly mimics the bodies own immunesystem by containing the active ingredientHypochlorous (HOCl); this is a naturally occurringchemical in the mammalian body produced by whiteblood cells to fight infection caused by invadingpathogens, it is therefore completely safe and willnot sting, irritate or cause detriment to living tissue.the scienceAntiseptic Skincare that really works!Please visit our stand at VetFest to find out more aboutLeucillin Animal Skincare, the most effective, versatile skincareproduct available.Available From:Please visit our stand atFP_Apr18:Layout 1 11/04/2018 11:19 Page 1
5Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12LEUCILLIN is a Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) based antiseptic solution and is one on the highest performing formulations of stable Hypochlorous, it is skin pH neutral at 5.5 - 6.0 pH.Hypochlorous ecacy is driven by pH and should be a weak acid to achieve maximum eect. pH7 whilst being neutral is not skin neutral and is not as eective.Leucillin conforms to: REACH & the European Biocide Products Directive; Leucillin has no COSHH requirements. Leucillin conforms to and/or exceeds BS:EN 1276, BS:EN 1650, BS:EN1656, BS:EN 13704, BS:EN 1500, BS:EN14476, BS:EN13624.e latest test conducted by e NHS Laboratories at e Queen Elizabeth Hospital Test facility; EN 13727 which supersedes some of those above tests, Leucillin achieved a class leading 99.99999% (Log7) or maximum measurable reduction in bacteria.Hypochlorous Acid: HOCle chemical Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is weak acidic chlorine that is actually a natural occurring chemical, produced in the mammalian body by Leukocytes or Neutrophils to ght infection caused by invading microorganisms or pathogens (bacterial, viral and fungal.) In the mammalian body, during tissue injury or infection, neutrophils, white blood cells, travel to the site of infection where they capture and engulf the pathogen then produce Hypochlorous to destroy these harmful pathogen.Stabilised Hypochlorous is a revolutionary breakthrough in healthcare with many 100 times the eectiveness of standard antiseptics while proven to be 100% safe, other antiseptics struggle to achieve the 99.999% ecacy required for a Standard EN13727 test, whereas a good and well-produced HOCl formulation can achieve 99.99999% ecacy on the same test; a 100 fold improvement in ecacy, whilst still remaining non-toxic, non-irritant and skin pH neutral.Applications and UsagesCuts, wounds, stubborn infections, rashes and skin irritations, dry, itchy, aky or smelly skin problems, ear and eye infections, burns and abbess, are just some of the many uses of Leucillin, and of course as a general purpose antiseptic. Using Leucillin to ush and debride a wound or to clean an infection not only dramatically reduces the pathogens, but also has the eect of calming the associated inammation as the body responds to the presence of the very chemical the Neutrophil makes to ght infection.Mammalian skin is the largest and probably the most important organ of the body, its health and well-being is not only paramount to a healthy animal, but it is also oen good indicator of overall heath. Leucillin can be used to help maintain healthy skin; it acts as a topical wound wash, an anti-bacterial treatment, promotes healing by reducing potential for infection and is a preventative solution, by destroying pathogens before they have chance to take hold. Spraying Leucillin washes the area, its highly eective antiseptic properties cleanse and eradicate germs, preventing infection, Leucillin is instant in its eect, working on contact and resulting in faster recovery time.Leucillin can be used safely on all mammals including felines, which do suer sensitivities to Chlorhexidine based antiseptics, these can cause severe irritation, tissue damage and in some cases deafness.The BreakthroughWhile it is the Hypochlorous content which produces the results, it is the stabilization and manufacturing process that has enabled Leucillin to become a viable o the shelf, “Over the Counter” high ecacy antiseptic. Leucillin is a fast, eective, versatile and safe, result driven alternative to other caustic antiseptics. Hypochlorous is the future of topical antiseptic care, without any of the constraints of other toxic and potentially harmful alternatives used up until now.Why should I choose HOCl Skincare for my animal?Leucillin Animal Skincare, Hypochlorous Antiseptic Technology info@leucillin.co.uk www.leucillin.co.uk 0345 548 9800Healthy Happy Animals From The Outside InAnimal SkincareFast acting formula itchy skinsore paws effective allergy management cuts, grazes & post surgical sitesskinfold care for brachycephalic breedsweepy eyesirritated ears dry, flakey or smelly skin soothing and calming 100% safe on all skin typesFor all mammals, birds & reptilesLeucillin is a safe, effective and reliable first aid, sanitizing and skin managementtool. Leucillin kills germs that can cause infection, irritation, dry, itchy, flaky orsmelly problematic skin. Leucillin provides you with a powerful infection controlsolution that just works! Please join our Social Media Community on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for health & skincare adviceLeucillin cleverly mimics the bodies own immunesystem by containing the active ingredientHypochlorous (HOCl); this is a naturally occurringchemical in the mammalian body produced by whiteblood cells to fight infection caused by invadingpathogens, it is therefore completely safe and willnot sting, irritate or cause detriment to living tissue.the scienceAntiseptic Skincare that really works!Please visit our stand at VetFest to find out more aboutLeucillin Animal Skincare, the most effective, versatile skincareproduct available.Available From:Please visit our stand atFP_Apr18:Layout 1 11/04/2018 11:19 Page 1
6Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12ARTHRITIS refers to many related conditions involving inammation of one or more joints. It’s the most prevalent joint disease in dogs, which aects over 20% of adult dogs.Every dog is at risk especially as dogs’ age. e most common form of Arthritis in dogs is Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. Arthritis causes pain, stiness, limited mobility and in more chronic cases Promoting a preventative approach to ArthritisWorking at a cellular level with Photizo by Anna Webb on behalf of PhotizoBroadcaster, Author, Trainer has studied natural nutrition and therapies with the College of Integrated Veterinary erapies (CIVT)PHOTIZOdebilitation. It’s easy to mistake the general ‘signs of ageing’ and slowing down with Arthritis. Dogs suering from joint disease will nd it more dicult to jump, walk, get up and move around. Osteoarthritis is characterised by the deterioration of joint cartilage called articular cartilage. e formation of bony growths - called osteophytes, which are found on the joints are also a symptom, as are changes in the subchondral bone and inammation in the joints. ese changes occur following alterations in both the biomechanical and biochemical properties of the joint. Certain breeds especially larger dogs like Labradors, Mastis, German Shepherds may be at a higher risk of developing Osteoarthritis because they tend to suer from inherited / congenital defects such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia or luxating patella. Until recently doctors and vets have viewed and treated arthritis as a structural disease that involves the breakdown of cartilage and its subsequent eect on the joints. However thanks to new tools that measure gene expression, we’re now able to ask the question: “Which came rst - the structural changes or the changes in gene expression that has led to the structural change?” Researchers have identied many inammatory markers that are turned on in dogs with Osteoarthritis. ese markers correlate to inammation within the cells that make up articular cartilage, which are called articular chondrocytes. A deeper understanding of how Osteoarthritis occurs at the cellular level through gene expression and genetics opens the door to an entirely dierent treatment approach, including functional nutrients and non-invasive physical therapies. Photizo Vetcare uniquely combines the latest advances in LED technology Mr Binks an English Toy Terrier benets from Photizo as part of his daily care routine for his Legg Calves Perthes disease meaning he only has one hip.6 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12
7Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12continued overleafstimulate the core cellular energy ATP can work preventatively, managing the cause of bone degeneration. ATP is the major carrier of energy in the cells and is made by the cells power units, the mitochondria. Without ATP all cellular functions cease. An increase of ATP allows cells to accept nutrients faster and to dispose of waste products more eciently by increasing the energy levels in the cell.ATP provides the chemical energy that drives the chemical reactions of the cell. ATP production is enhanced by light therapy when light provided in an optimal wavelength energises the ‘cytochrome b’ structure, allowing it to donate electrons to the electron transport chain at a greater rate to increase ATP production. Photizo stimulates the energy production inside the cell to cause the cell to function at an optimum level. is upholds and increases cartilage and bone cell functioning. In turn this slows down any degeneration, even rehabilitating the joints deep at a cellular level. Light Emitting Diodes (LED light) do not deliver enough power to damage the tissue, but they deliver enough energy to promote natural self-healing and pain relief. As with laser treatments (another mode of red light therapy), the LED’s power output has been optimised to be at its most eective. e best parameters for light absorption are in the region of 600-680 (red) and 800 to 850nm (nanometers) (infra-red). Doses are measured in joules per area – mm or cm: the smaller the surface area of the applicator the higher the dose. Lasers may therefore apply a high inhibiting dose to the top layer of cells, and a lower stimulating dose deeper to the tissue. LED sources conversely oer a wider surface area. Using comparable parameters as seen with laser can equally provide a stimulating dose at a deeper cellular level. Unlike a laser, Photizo Vetcare is safe to use without the need for cumbersome protective eyewear. It is therefore safe for anyone to use particularly to oer a hand held, non-invasive modern Phototherapy treatment tool, which is safe and simple for anyone to use.Proven to promote the natural healing process, it oers pain relief and cellular rejuvenation. Launched in the UK in 2013 aer years of research, Photizo is being embraced by Vets, Vet Nurses, Physiotherapists and healthcare professionals nationwide. Photizo’s unique delivery of LED’s that emit red and infrared light in pre-programmed 30 seconds doses penetrates the skin to stimulate energy and create a biological reaction. e light rejuvenates deep at a cellular level. Whether it’s targeting a musculoskeletal condition like Osteoarthritis or a wound, Photizo stimulates metabolic changes in the cells. Research has proved that Photizo’s red and infrared LED light rejuvenates damaged cells. If we view Osteoarthritis as a cellular degeneration inherited through gene expression, an awareness of ways to Lola the Stae benets from Photizo with her Elbow dysplasia as part of care oered by DOTS - Dogs on the streets7Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12
8Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12as it is pre-set with one-touch, pre-programmed eective dosages for the treatment of many inammatory conditions.Photizo Vetcare ensures that the eective amount of joules for specied conditions are delivered precisely and eortlessly. By naturally reducing swelling and inammation Photizo relieves pain in minutes and can last up to six hours, or even longer. e anti inammatory eects are accumulative, which is why a ‘little and oen’ approach is most eective. As every dog is dierent, with each individual condition idiosyncratic, the dosing will be dierent for every case. As Photizo stimulates the body’s own pain medication secretion (endorphins and serotonin) it reduces any irritability and slows down the speed conduction of the pain nerves. It also eectively relieves the inammatory process and swelling that causes pressure on the pain conducting nerves that trigger the pain. Any muscle spasms and stiness that accompany pain can also be reduced with regular Photizo treatment, which promotes increased joint mobility and exibility.Physical therapies like Photizo Vetcare oers one aspect to the prevention and management of bone disease and musculoskeletal ‘ageing’.It’s no surprise that obese dogs are at more risk of developing arthritis. Carrying a disproportionate amount of weight for the size of their frames will put excessive stress on the joints. Over 40% of arthritic dogs are overweight and these dogs display more severe symptoms than their leaner counterparts (Howard 2012).However, modern science has proved that the relationship between Osteoarthritis and obesity extends far beyond the ‘wear and tear’ to the joints by carrying an excessive weight. ere is also a systematic inammatory connection.Adipose (fat) tissue secretes pro-inammatory cytokines. Researchers have now proved that these cytokines increase inammation in the articular cartilage. Excess adipose tissue not only increases the risk of Osteoarthritis, it also increases the symptoms. In other words, studies have proved that being obese can aect gene expression and in turn cause disease. Once the body becomes pre-programmed for fat, it’s like a never-ending cycle as more fat cells lead to more fat cells. e more fat cells there are in the body the more these cells secrete pro-inammatory cytokines and more chronic systematic inammation is created. Essentially obesity is a state of chronic inammation, which leads to chronic inammatory diseases like Osteoarthritis. Obesity also promotes ‘oxidative stress’ which occurs when there is an imbalance in the body of pro-oxidants and anti-oxidants: arthritis is associated with increased oxidative stress. Studies show that when dogs suering from Osteoarthritis lose weight, they experience a decrease in pain, and lameness and increased mobility.Treating arthritis is dogs involves a ‘multi-discipline’ approach where the integration of dierent ‘modalities’, including Photizo phototherapy can support an older dog and greatly improve its quality of life. With added awareness, young dogs can benet from a ‘preventative’ treatment plan that includes its diet. Aer all prevention is better than cure! e leading not for prot organisation Dogs on the Streets (DOTS) champions an integrative approach and combines Photizo with weight loss plans some of the older dogs in their care. Registered Veterinary Nurse, Anna Wright, from Mimram Veterinary Centre in Welwyn in Hertfordshire who works voluntarily for DOTS commented: “Photizo Vetcare is fairly new to our stations but I’m excited to see the ongoing eects of incorporating it into our regular treatment plans for some of the dogs. If it can provide some much needed pain relief for them and potentially help to reduce some of their doses of anti-inammatory pain-killers that would be hugely benecialfor them in the long term.”Ruth Milner, MD of Danetre Health Products, the sole UK distributor for Photizo added: “ As Photizo is so safe and simple to use, we hope more owners will use our LED based Phototherapy at home to help as a preventative measure as well as managing existing conditions. Working with their vet or animal Physiotherapist and building Photizo into a daily health routine will pay dividends across a host of musculoskeletal conditions”. PHOTIZOPoppy the Brindle Stae benets from photizo helping her stiness8 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12
9Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12Faster, natural healing and pain reliefA non-invasive treatment tool for numerous acute & chronic conditionsIdeal for pet owners to use at home for• Wounds• Musculoskeletal injuries• Swelling/inammation• Arthritis or joint dysplasia pain• Bruising plus many moreExclusive discounts for animal practitionersInterested in becoming a Photizo Reseller? Call us nowon 01327 310909 Order now online at:www.danetrehealthproducts.com• Highly effective• Simple to use • RechargeableDanetre Health Products LimitedBroad March, Long March Industrial Estate, Daventry, Northamptonshire NN11 4HE 01327 310909 info@danetrehealthproducts.com PhotizoUk PhotizoUk
10Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12MANAGING a pet’s skin and coat is one of the most common reasons a pet owner will take their dog or cat to visit the vet. In dogs in particular, there are some breeds where skin problems are more common, such as Terriers, Setters, Retrievers, Spaniels and Dalmatians. Often pet owners want to help calm their pet’s sensitive, dry aky skin and require a product that will soothe and reduce the itching to help make their pet more comfortable. The causes and irritation fall into several categories and to complicate matters, some pets are aected by more than one cause. These can include eas, food allergies and an acute fatty balance.Common signs that your pet may need support for their skin and coat could include:• If your pet is moulting a lot• Your pet may develop thin or balding patches• They could have developed dry or aky skin• If their coat appears dull or greasyIf your pet has all round symptoms, they could be allergic to something in your home, however there are allergic reactions that are season specic. Outdoor allergens can include, ragweed, grasses and pollens.What should healthy skin and coat look like? A healthy coat should be shiny but not greasy and will be soft and quite smooth. An unhealthy coat on a dog will be dry and brittle and could also be greasy with a dusty appearance. There could also be a few bald spots and an unpleasant smell.SKIN AND COAT HEALTHTop tips for healthy skin and coat in petsPersistent itching is not only stressful for their pet, but can also cause distress to the pet owner. To help to maintain the health of your pet’s skin and coat, here are some positive things that you can do:Regular groomingThis helps to remove loose hairs keeps your pet’s coat free from dirt and distributes natural skin oils that help make their coat shiny. Try not to groom them more than once a week, as this could lead to irritation on the skin.Do not over batheDon’t bathe your pet too much as this may cause dry skin and irritation. When doing so, only use animal specic shampoos.Protect your pet from the sunLike humans, overexposure to the sun is bad for your pet’s skin. Try to limit the amount of time your pet spends in the sun, especially short haired and light coloured dogs and cats and watch out for signs of burning. Sunscreens for pets are available to use. Food Feed your pet a good quality diet, foods rich in fatty acids, oils and vitamins are essential for healthy skin. Pets often unwittingly gain an unnatural diet, which is too high in omega-6 fatty acids derived from high levels of cereals and vegetable proteins. Parasite control One of the most common causes of skin complaints is parasites and eas. Prevention is always the best treatment for ea control. Be sure to treat all pets, as outdoor pets can carry eas to indoor pets. Also be sure to treat areas your pet may venture, such as bedding. Fluids A constant supply of water is important to keep your pet cool and hydrated, like us, pets require water to maintain healthy skin.Reduce stress This is important, as stress can lead to over grooming, which can cause irritation. If your pet is anxious, ask your vet about nutracalm, which naturally calms anxious pets. Keep home and bed cleanRegularly clean, provide fresh bedding and reduce dust in your home. vacuuming on a regular basis, at least twice a week will help to remove any excess dust that might irritate your pet’s skin. Naturally supplement Use a natural supplement like nutramega, which contains high quality omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E that naturally calms sensitive skin, soothe dry, aky skin and reduces itching and scratching. Counteracting the Omega-6 imbalance with omega-3s can help your pet’s skin health by reducing inammation. If you are concerned about your pet’s skin and coat health, speak to your vet. They are best placed to oer advice to ensure the health and wellbeing of your pet.
11Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12Natural support for itchy flaky skinNaturally soothes, calms and reduces itching & scratchingSupport British manufacturingDry, itchy and flaky skin is a common reason for a pet to visit the vet. nutramega is a natural product specially formulated to support the natural systems that control inflammation, in an easy to administer high strength gel capsule that will help reduce itching and scratching and soothe sensitive skin.✓ Calms sensitive skin & aids comfort✓ Soothes dry, flaky skin✓ Reduces itching and scratching✓ Strengthens brittle nails✓ Aids the body’s own natural anti-inflammatory processes✓ Save 16% off each box by collecting nutravet tokens✓ Natural high strength product✓ Available exclusively from veterinary practiceswww.nutravet.co.ukFind your local stockist at“I wanted to write to tell you that our Cairn Terrier Bonnie has been on nutramega for only one week and the results are amazing! Bonnie has totally transformed. Her dry, itchy, very irritated skin is calm and clear of flakes. She is sleeping better and is so much happier in herself. We have tried various products over the years but I cannot believe her skin has improved so much with nutramega. Keep up the fantastic work nutravet.”Hayley Atkin“Willow, my 4 year old lab, has had dry skin and a bad malting problem for a couple of years now. However, she has now been on nutramega for 3 months and her skin and coat has never looked as good, not only is her coat looking healthy and shiny, her malting has reduced significantly.”Martin Appleby“I adopted my staffy 3 years ago - during our first summer she came up with hives everyday with ‘summer allergies’ and was prescribed Piriton everyday. A colleague suggested I try her on nutramega and she hasn’t needed a single Piriton since! I swear by nutramega and I will be keeping my dog on it for life.”Sarah LoweFind your local stockist at www.nutravet.co.uk
12Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12CRUCIATE ligament injuries are becoming increasingly common in Veterinary practices. Although we have cases year round, spring time seems to be our busiest season, possibly due to lighter evenings, nicer weather and suddenly longer, more intense walks for our 4-legged friends. Most commonly cruciate trauma occurs due to sporting injuries or sudden sharp, quick movements that causes the ligament to suddenly snap. Imperfect conformation can also be a factor, where the cruciate ligament is put under strain due to abnormal loading. Here the ligament slowly stretches and eventually gives up. ere is little we can do about conformation but excess weight will exacerbate potential problems and should be managed strictly.When the cruciate ligament is torn, the stie joint becomes unstable, and the bones are subjected to an abnormal range of motion. is leads to a cascading eect, where the bones and meniscus cartilage experience wear and tear, which further leads to degenerative changes and of course pain. When there is damage to the cruciate ligament, the lateral collateral ligament loosens, allowing internal rotation. Muscles also weaken either due to lameness, none weight bearing or where they have become redundant due to the angles of loading during movement.A medial buttress is generally seen in a large percentage of cruciate injuries and is dened as an osteophyte formation along the trochlear ridge. Signicant atrophy to the quadriceps and hamstring muscles is a common nding and during walking, there may be noticeable internal rotation of the tibia, a phenomenon known as a pivot shi due to weakness of the biceps femoris muscle group. It is these changes to muscle distribution and misuse that physiotherapy can massively help strengthen as well as being an aid to reduce pain and improve mobility. ere are a variety of surgical techniques that can be used to correct a cruciate ligament injury, such as the Lateral Suture, Tibial Tuberosity Advancement and Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy, which aim to stabilise the stie. e choice for surgery and type greatly depends on the degree of damage to the ligament and joint, patient size, breed, age and nancial constraints of the owner. Due to these, sometimes it is opted for conservative management of the joint. With both surgical and conservative options, there will unfortunately be a degree of degenerative joint disease, however surgical options aim to minimise these and delay onset. Post-operatively and conservatively, early physiotherapy intervention is now advocated, and Veterinary Surgeons are seeing the benets of how much this can improve patient recovery. In all cruciate injury cases, I work closely with the patients Vet to ensure pain has been addressed adequately, the importance of the use of joint supplements in the long-term management has been discussed and the massive impact weight can have on such an injury.Weight Management – from a Vet Nurse/ Physiotherapist Point of Viewis topic, being a Veterinary Nurse, is something I have a massive passion for. ere really is no excuse for our pets to be overweight! At the end of the day, we feed them. End of story. ey don’t choose the food they eat (or at least aren’t meant to), so therefore we are responsible for their body shape, the nutrients they receive and their intake of calories. Don’t get me wrong, the soppy puppy dog eyes that desperately want that treat have had me hook, line and sinker before, but sometimes tough love is needed to ensure these patients aren’t carrying an excess load.e cruciate ligament may have become weakened due to carrying too much weight, as well as obesity extending recovery time and making the other stie also very susceptible to cruciate rupture. I can’t stress enough to my clients just how important weight loss or ideal weight maintenance is when their animal has a cruciate injury.Conservative Cruciate CareWhen the patient is bigger than expected!by Jemma Cooper BSc RVN, DipAn Phys, MIAATCanine Carecontinued overleaf
13Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12Weeks 1-4: Protection and RestThe vet usually species strict rest for at least the rst few weeks following injury. During this time, the joint has chance to heal itself, as well as minimising uneven stress on the joint and further injury. The problems that can arise are generally muscle related, and atrophy to the surrounding muscle groups can occur quickly. GOALS: • Decrease pain and eusion: Cryotherapy (application of cold), passive range of motion within pain tolerance, massage of other muscles, modalities such as Pulsed Electro Magnetic Field Therapy, Ultrasound and Neuro-Muscular Electro Stimulation.• Maintain/ improve range of motion: Passive range of motion exercises, exion and extension of joints, practice sitting ‘squarely’ with both hindlimbs tucked neatly underneath themselves, and cycling exercises.• Increase muscle function, balance and proprioception: active sit to stand exercises guiding legs straight, toe pinches to elicit nerve responses and increase proprioception, slow lead toileting, increasing to 2-5 minutes walks a few times daily ensuring correct foot placement, gradually increasing time over the coming weeks by 3-5 minutes per week if there is no deterioration or joint inammation, weight shifting exercises, walking in circles and gures of eights and standing on soft surfaces.• Address compensatory issues: Massage techniques, stretching, heat therapy to sore muscles, modalities.Weeks 5-8: Early Strength TrainingThis is the time where usually exercise is increased gradually, as well as adding in strength exercises to start fully engaging muscles and utilise the eected leg. Exercises tend to put emphasis on correct use of the eected limb and encouraging a normal gait.GOALS:• Full Range of Motion: as previous, but may add in stair stands to encourage more extension, increase sit to stand exercises.• Normal Gait: Walking and trotting, increasing the period of time on walks and adding in small slopes/ hills to encourage hindlimb activation, walking with a disturbance on the unaected foot (boot, band, bandage) to encourage more use of the aected limb.GENERAL CONSERVATIVE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMThe conservative approach to cruciate injury focuses on similar goals to that of the surgically repaired stie: pain reduction, maintaining or improving range of motion, early activity modication, neuromuscular knee rehabilitation and strength training. Time alone is not the signal for advancement from one programme to another, and attention should be paid to range of motion, strength, and uidity of performance of functional activities (Edge-Hughes, 2018).• Increase Strength and Proprioception: 3 leg standing and weight shifting, hydrotherapy, side stepping, pole work of increasing diculty and intensity, backwards stepping, sort surface walking, uneven terrain walking, stairs and steps.Weeks 9-12: Increased Strength TrainingThis is where we start to increase the intensity and duration of the strength exercises and aim to have regained normal function by the end of the 12 weeks with a return to normal activities following this. This may not be the case for agility/ working dogs, who may have to endure more intense training in the few weeks following this stage usually involving much more complex strength movements and weighted exercise, to ensure maximal strength of the joint.GOALS:• Exercises as above at a higher intensity and duration. Walks should still be being increased gradually aiming to be at normal walking length/ distance for the patient by the 12th week.• Increased Strength and motor control: Walking with a weight on the aected leg, trotting up and down hills, more dicult uneven surfaces, some faster work incorporated: e.g. running between two people.• Intensive Strength Training: For agility/ working dogs and aims to increase strength, coordination and sport specic activities such as short ball retrieves, plyometrics and weight packs being worn for exercises.A study by Wucherer et al (2013) concluded that while it is reasonable for a Vet to tell dog owners that there is some evidence their pets will benet more from having surgery than not having it, they must also be informed that most dogs will have a good long-term outcome even without surgery. This study compared surgically treated and non-surgically treated overweight, large breed dogs and provided some support that overweight, large-breed or giant-breed dogs have better long-term outcomes when treated with both surgery and non-surgical therapy rather than non-surgical therapy alone. However, the non-surgically treated patients had overall very good outcomes that did not dier signicantly from the patients who received surgical treatment. It is important to emphasize that even with surgery, aggressive management of weight and physical therapy are important elements ofcomprehensive and successful treatment. For those owners who cannot aord surgery, or those patients who are not good candidates, there are still eective therapies that can be oered.13Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12
14Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12REFERENCES:Edge-Hughes, L., (2018). Conservative Management of Cruciate Ligament Deciency with Physical Therapy, The Canine Fitness Centre Ltd [online] Available at: www.caninetness.com [2/4/18].Wucherer, K.L., Conzemius, M.G., Evans, R., and Wilke, V.L., (2013).Short-term and long-term outcomes for overweight dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture treated surgically or nonsurgically,Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 2013;242(10):1364-72.CASE STUDY: DORA: 9 YEARS OLDGerman Shepherd X - rescued from horrible conditions 7 years ago Now at 37Kg (ideal), previous heaviest weight: 43.5KgDora was referred to me for physiotherapy after partially tearing her right hind cranial cruciate ligament through a beach related incident. Due to the cruciate only being partially torn, her current age and other conditions, the vet agreed to trial the conservative approach to treatment. She already presented with a medial buttress and atrophy to the quadriceps and hamstring muscles of the aected leg as the injury had taken place some weeks previously. Dora walked with an internal rotation of the tibia (pivot shift), and stepped very medially with the right hind. This had compensatory eects, resulting in reactive areas of her thoracic and lumbar muscles, particularly around her thoraco-lumbar area, as well as the knock-on eects of her throwing her weight forwards onto her front-end, resulting in tight forelimb musculature and reactive triceps. When Dora sat, her right hind always splayed out laterally and so really didn’t engage or use it correctly when asked to stand. Dora received daily non-steroidal anti-inammatories, alongside a good joint supplement .Previously Dora was a very active dog, going for multiple long walks daily and particularly enjoyed swimming and the odd squirrel chase, so restricting her exercise was a challenge for her owner. Due to her natural size and current body condition score, I knew that these would not particularly aid her to a speedy recovery. Being a larger breed and overweight held complications in itself: not only did this put extra strain on the other leg as well as the already damaged joint, but also made strict exercise quite dicult as well as stopping a strong-willed personality doing things that could potentially be damaging, such as jumping on the sofa! We rst set about addressing the compensatory issues, with massage techniques, stretch movements and pulsed electro-magnetic eld therapy treatments. Incorporated into these treatments, were passive range of motion exercises and treatment to start addressing the injury itself. The cruciate management plan as mentioned was followed as a guide. A home plan was strictly adhered to by Dora’s very compliant owner, which involved heat therapy to encourage muscle relaxation and circulation, occasional cryotherapy over the injury when indicated, and exercises as mentioned in the plan.Simultaneously, we addressed Dora’s diet! Her owner has been previously told that Dora was overweight by her Vet, but the time hadn’t been taken to explain and correctly modify her diet. Dora’s food was already being measured out daily, so reducing her intake in her meals, as well as cutting down on treats meant that Dora’s weight started to come down. Lots of brain stimulation such as low impact tricks (ball rolling, food dispensing toys and touch games) entertained her while on restricted exercise and helped burn the calories o too! Regular weigh ins and measurements helped keep Dora and her owner on track for successful weight loss.At around week 10, after following the progressive management plan we allowed Dora to start some gentle swimming and found that this was not only benecial to her mentality and stie joint range of motion, but had a massive impact on her weight loss and tness. A good few months down the road (approximately 20 weeks post injury), Dora has reached her target weight and body shape and has good use of the aected leg with no lameness. There is still a small abnormality in her gait, with some slight rotation of the tibia medially, and a small dierence in muscle mass when comparing the two hind limbs. Although there are still some slight compensatory issues that keep raising their ugly heads, she is now back to the exercise duration that was performed pre-injury, and enjoying lots of swimming. A maintenance plan is now in place to ensure we continue to improve, or at least sustain the range of motion in the aected stie joint, her ideal weight and tness levels. Hopefully this will ensure the best possible chance of continued progress and minimise potential injury to the other hindlimb. Dora now swimming again and at the same distances are pre-injury. Dora at 43.5KG Dora at 37KG – look at that new figure! References: Edge-Hughes, L., (2018). Conservative Management of Cruciate Ligament Deficiency with Physical Therapy, The Canine Fitness Centre Ltd [online] Available at: www.caninefitness.com [2/4/18]. Wucherer, K.L., Conzemius, M.G., Evans, R., and Wilke, V.L., (2013). Short-term and long-term outcomes for overweight dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture treated surgically or nonsurgically, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 2013;242(10):1364-72. Dora now swimming again and at the same distances are pre-injury. Dora at 43.5KG Dora at 37KG – look at that new figure! References: Edge-Hughes, L., (2018). Conservative Management of Cruciate Ligament Deficiency with Physical Therapy, The Canine Fitness Centre Ltd [online] Available at: www.caninefitness.com [2/4/18]. Wucherer, K.L., Conzemius, M.G., Evans, R., and Wilke, V.L., (2013). Short-term and long-term outcomes for overweight dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture treated surgically or nonsurgically, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 2013;242(10):1364-72. TOP WEIGHT LOSS TIPS:• Tough love: If a therapist says it, as well as the Vet, and Vet Nurse most clients will start to understand. Some owners can get very oended, but using the current situation as a starting point and setting achievable goals for weight loss usually ends in the client feeling encouraged. • Explanation: The client needs to understand why weight loss is important to not only their pet’s health, but also for recovery from the injury the patient has. • Discussion: Having a discussion on what food the patient eats, the amount they have and what treats they give is a good starting point. Although most of us are not nutritionists, the 37 treats the animal has daily, with an extra Sunday roast, and a ‘dental chew’ a day is denitely not good for weight loss! Ensuring they are feeding for their animal’s IDEAL weight is usually a big factor and that they are properly measuring out food is a necessity.• Food Reduction: Addressing correct feeding for the exercise the patient is now doing. When a cruciate injury occurs, often strict rest is advocated in the rst few weeks – this means the patient goes from doing a normal amount of daily exercise to very little and their calorie intake needs to reect this. • 1 Week of No Treats: Set the client a challenge – no treats for a week – instead using kibble out of daily rations or carrot chunks if they need to give something to aid exercises… once they’ve done a week, it should be much easier to continue!• Food Dispensing Toys: Making the patient work for food – not great in the rst few weeks where we are minimising exercise in case of overexertion but a great way to make the patients use more calories and mental entertainment to prevent boredom.• Referring to Weight Loss Clinics: Most Veterinary Surgeries will hold weight loss clinics with a Veterinary Nurse. These are very good in supporting the client through their pet’s weight loss journey as well as providing nutritional information and regular weigh ins.• Hydrotherapy: Fantastic for weight loss, as well as strength training, non-weight bearing exercises, increasing range of motion and works very nicely alongside physiotherapy sessions for a holistic treatment.
15Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12pet remedy grooming products are pH balanced and formulated using natural ingredients, avoiding parabens and other harsh chemicalspet remedynatural de-stress & groomingVisit our Pet Remedy Facebook page and Website for reviewswww.petremedy.co.ukEnter Discount Code ATM30 at checkout any purchase at www.petremedy.co.uk30% OFF Offer ends 31st December 2018We know that grooming can be stressful for you and your pet1 De-stress and Calming Pre-wash2 De-stress and Calming Shampoo3 Leave in Conditioner & Coat ShineUsing the unique, clinically proven pet remedy blend of essential oils, we have created a three step routine to help reduce stress during bath time.pet remedy grooming products are pH balanced and formulated using natural ingredients, avoiding parabens and other harsh chemicalspet remedynatural de-stress & groomingVisit our Pet Remedy Facebook page and Website for reviewswww.petremedy.co.uk30% OFF Enter Discount Code RAM30 at checkout any purchase at www.petremedy.co.ukOffer ends 31st December 20181 De-stress and Calming Pre-wash2 De-stress and Calming Shampoo3 Leave in Conditioner & Coat ShineWe know that grooming can be stressful for you and your petUsing the unique, clinically proven pet remedy blend of essential oils, we have created a three step routine to help reduce stress during bath time.Take the stress out of bath timeWe all know grooming can be stressful for your pet. Using their unique clinically proven blend of absolute and essential oils, pet remedy have created a 3 step experience to help reduce stress during bath time.These unique products won grooming product of the year at PATS Sandown show last month.Step 1 : De-stress and Calming Pre-wash (£12 RRP)• Fast acting pet remedy calming ingredients will help settle your pet• Effective coconut derived ingredients help de-tangle and lift dirt and oils to start the cleansing process.• Can even be used like a dry shampoo as an interim wash. Simply spray on coat and work in to lift dirt and oils and then use a hot towel and massage coat to absorb dirt and oils.Step 2: De Stress and Calming Shampoo (£12 RRP)• Naturally derived cleansing and de-tangling agents in all the right proportions for a deep cleaning, yet gentle wash.• The pet remedy calming formula helps maintain a stress free experience.Step 3: Leave in Conditioner & Coat Shine (£12 RRP)• A perfect finishing touch to leave your pet with a soft shiny coat• A tiny inclusion of pet remedy helps maintain the calming effect.• Enhanced with rosehip, bramble, and moss extracts, plus pro-vitamin B to help condition and nourish the skin and coat, leaving a soft and delicate fragrance.This grooming experience is the latest addition to the pet remedy range of calming products.A natural de-stress and calming range which will helps all pets (mammals, birds, and reptiles) and is unique in the way it works.To find out more or to request a sample grooming set, email gill@petremedy.co.ukpet remedy starts to help instantly and is very gentle in its calming effect.The low concentration Valerian based formulation works with the pet’s natural calming pathways. This means the actives in the formulation mimic GABA (a natural calming agent) and thus help trick fired up / excited nerve cells (when the pet is stressed or anxious) into thinking they are getting a message from the brain to calm. Available as 200ml trigger and 15ml pocket calming sprays, individual eco- friendly calming wipe, plug diffuser, and even a battery operated atomiser.pet remedy is now used on a daily basis by vets, vet nurses, rescue centres, pet professionals (such as behaviourists, trainers, and groomers), and even zoos all over the world!For more information visit www.petremedy.co.uk and our Facebook page for reviews. Customer helpline: info@petremedy.co.uk – 01803 612772pet remedy grooming products are pH balanced and formulated using natural ingredients, avoiding parabens and other harsh chemicalspet remedynatural de-stress & groomingVisit our Pet Remedy Facebook page and Website for reviewswww.petremedy.co.uk30% OFF Enter Discount Code RAM30 at checkout any purchase at www.petremedy.co.ukOffer ends 31st December 20181 De-stress and Calming Pre-wash2 De-stress and Calming Shampoo3 Leave in Conditioner & Coat ShineWe know that grooming can be stressful for you and your petUsing the unique, clinically proven pet remedy blend of essential oils, we have created a three step routine to help reduce stress during bath time.Take the stress out of bath timeWe all know grooming can be stressful for your pet. Using their unique clinically proven blend of absolute and essential oils, pet remedy have created a 3 step experience to help reduce stress during bath time.These unique products won grooming product of the year at PATS Sandown show last month.Step 1 : De-stress and Calming Pre-wash (£12 RRP)• Fast acting pet remedy calming ingredients will help settle your pet• Effective coconut derived ingredients help de-tangle and lift dirt and oils to start the cleansing process.• Can even be used like a dry shampoo as an interim wash. Simply spray on coat and work in to lift dirt and oils and then use a hot towel and massage coat to absorb dirt and oils.Step 2: De Stress and Calming Shampoo (£12 RRP)• Naturally derived cleansing and de-tangling agents in all the right proportions for a deep cleaning, yet gentle wash.• The pet remedy calming formula helps maintain a stress free experience.Step 3: Leave in Conditioner & Coat Shine (£12 RRP)• A perfect finishing touch to leave your pet with a soft shiny coat• A tiny inclusion of pet remedy helps maintain the calming effect.• Enhanced with rosehip, bramble, and moss extracts, plus pro-vitamin B to help condition and nourish the skin and coat, leaving a soft and delicate fragrance.This grooming experience is the latest addition to the pet remedy range of calming products.A natural de-stress and calming range which will helps all pets (mammals, birds, and reptiles) and is unique in the way it works.To find out more or to request a sample grooming set, email gill@petremedy.co.ukpet remedy starts to help instantly and is very gentle in its calming effect.The low concentration Valerian based formulation works with the pet’s natural calming pathways. This means the actives in the formulation mimic GABA (a natural calming agent) and thus help trick fired up / excited nerve cells (when the pet is stressed or anxious) into thinking they are getting a message from the brain to calm. Available as 200ml trigger and 15ml pocket calming sprays, individual eco- friendly calming wipe, plug diffuser, and even a battery operated atomiser.pet remedy is now used on a daily basis by vets, vet nurses, rescue centres, pet professionals (such as behaviourists, trainers, and groomers), and even zoos all over the world!For more information visit www.petremedy.co.uk and our Facebook page for reviews. Customer helpline: info@petremedy.co.uk – 01803 612772pet remedy grooming products are pH balanced and formulated using natural ingredients, avoiding parabens and other harsh chemicalspet remedynatural de-stress & groomingVisit our Pet Remedy Facebook page and Website for reviewswww.petremedy.co.uk30% OFF Enter Discount Code RAM30 at checkout any purchase at www.petremedy.co.ukOffer ends 31st December 20181 De-stress and Calming Pre-wash2 De-stress and Calming Shampoo3 Leave in Conditioner & Coat ShineWe know that grooming can be stressful for you and your petUsing the unique, clinically proven pet remedy blend of essential oils, we have created a three step routine to help reduce stress during bath time.Take the stress out of bath timeWe all know grooming can be stressful for your pet. Using their unique clinically proven blend of absolute and essential oils, pet remedy have created a 3 step experience to help reduce stress during bath time.These unique products won grooming product of the year at PATS Sandown show last month.Step 1 : De-stress and Calming Pre-wash (£12 RRP)• Fast acting pet remedy calming ingredients will help settle your pet• Effective coconut derived ingredients help de-tangle and lift dirt and oils to start the cleansing process.• Can even be used like a dry shampoo as an interim wash. Simply spray on coat and work in to lift dirt and oils and then use a hot towel and massage coat to absorb dirt and oils.Step 2: De Stress and Calming Shampoo (£12 RRP)• Naturally derived cleansing and de-tangling agents in all the right proportions for a deep cleaning, yet gentle wash.• The pet remedy calming formula helps maintain a stress free experience.Step 3: Leave in Conditioner & Coat Shine (£12 RRP)• A perfect finishing touch to leave your pet with a soft shiny coat• A tiny inclusion of pet remedy helps maintain the calming effect.• Enhanced with rosehip, bramble, and moss extracts, plus pro-vitamin B to help condition and nourish the skin and coat, leaving a soft and delicate fragrance.This grooming experience is the latest addition to the pet remedy range of calming products.A natural de-stress and calming range which will helps all pets (mammals, birds, and reptiles) and is unique in the way it works.To find out more or to request a sample grooming set, email gill@petremedy.co.ukpet remedy starts to help instantly and is very gentle in its calming effect.The low concentration Valerian based formulation works with the pet’s natural calming pathways. This means the actives in the formulation mimic GABA (a natural calming agent) and thus help trick fired up / excited nerve cells (when the pet is stressed or anxious) into thinking they are getting a message from the brain to calm. Available as 200ml trigger and 15ml pocket calming sprays, individual eco- friendly calming wipe, plug diffuser, and even a battery operated atomiser.pet remedy is now used on a daily basis by vets, vet nurses, rescue centres, pet professionals (such as behaviourists, trainers, and groomers), and even zoos all over the world!For more information visit www.petremedy.co.uk and our Facebook page for reviews. Customer helpline: info@petremedy.co.uk – 01803 612772
16Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12OBESITY in cats and dogs is one of the most common diseases seen in Veterinary Practice and is oen dened as an excess accumulation of body fat. Obesity may increase the incidence of other conditions occurring such as osteoarthritis and diabetes mellitus [1][2][3]. Research has also shown that it can reduce the pets’ lifespan and more importantly, their quality of life.[4][5]A recent letter to the Vet Record by Professor Alexander German of the Weight Management Clinic at the University of Liverpool, “Dangerous trends in pet obesity” highlighted the increasing prevalence of overweight and obese dogs in the UK, now at 65%, and even more concerning that almost 40% of juvenile dogs were at least overweight.[6]e PAW report (2012)[7] showed that 56% of cat owners with an overweight cat believe their cat’s shape is as it should be, whilst 97% of dog owners struggled to identify a healthy body shape, demonstrating that owner education is not only important but necessary to help combat this growing disease. Recognising Obesity One of the starting points for vet professionals is Body Condition Scoring (BCS). is tool can be used for diagnosis, as well as calculating the cat or dog’s ideal weight, but crucially provides a method of guiding and communicating to the pet owner to understand the same disease problem being seen by Vets and Vet Nurses. e now well- established 9 point BCS model has been further adapted by ROYAL CANIN® to include one cat and six dog morphologies to make communication about obesity even more specic to pet owners with dierent sized dogs.e Challenge of Obesity by Louise Brennan BBs BSc RVN, Caroline Burke BSc RVN, Shelley Holden RVN CertSANOBESITYcontinued overleafOnce the client has recognised their pet is overweight or obese they can be referred to a weight management clinic, where they can receive additional support to help their pet reach their ideal weight and shape. A 30 minute consult is recommended for the rst session, which allows for plenty of time to discuss the pets’ previous food and exercise history in detail. Whilst on some occasions pets may become overweight or obese as a result of a metabolic disorder, it is oen other factors such as neutering, lifestyle, over feeding, too many treats/rewards and too little exercise that result in a pet becoming overweight. OverfeedingCats and dogs need to be given enough food to maintain them at a healthy weight and shape, but overfeeding plays a part in their weight gain. is may be as a result of the feeding volume, how food is measured out or extras/treats/rewards being given on top of the daily food allowance. Owners’ motivations for feeding extras vary but are oen a means of showing love, reward for training, and to stop begging. In fact, 3 out of 5 pet owners agree their pet begs all the time, or oen.[8]Begging behaviours are often misunderstoodIn a recent survey, ROYAL CANIN® found that 58% of dog owners believe that their dog is begging for human food, whilst 51% believed their dog was begging for attention, and only 37% felt that their dog was begging for pet treats.[8][9][10]Whereas for cats, 60% of owners believed their cat was begging for attention, 43% believed it was for pet treats, and 37% believed it was for cat food.[8][9][10]ese results indicate that owners oen misinterpret their pets begging as a need for food/sign of hunger.[8][9][10] A major concern for owners whose pets are undertaking a weight management programme is that they will be hungry, and how to manage begging behaviours. ese concerns may contribute towards the compliance issues many Veterinary professionals see in their practice. Recommending a weight management diet that is specically formulated to induce safe weight loss, by decreasing calories, whilst stimulating satiety, and contains all the micro nutrients a pet needs, can help increase owner compliance.[11][12][13]ROYAL CANIN® Satiety e ROYAL CANIN® Satiety diets contain an adapted high bre blend which increases gastric content/volume and reduces feelings of hunger by delaying gastric emptying. is
17Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12A 97%LIKELIHOODOF WEIGHT LOSS1,2*STARTS WITH A CONVERSATIONABOUT BEGGING BEHAVIOURResisting a begging pet is diffi cult and may lead to overfeeding.3,4Find common ground with pet owners with a new conversationaround begging behaviour, and improve adherence to your weightloss recommendations.References: 1. Flanagan J et al. Success of a weight loss plan for overweight dogs: the results of an international weight loss study. PLoS One 2017;12(9):e0184199. 2. Hours MA et al. Factors affecting weight loss in client owned cats and dogs: data from an international weight loss study. Proc of 16th Annual AAVN Clinical Nutrition and Research Symposium; Denver (USA); June 8, 2016. 3. Murphy M. Obesity treatment. Environment and behaviour modifi cation. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2016;46:883-898. 4. Kienzle et al. Human-animal relationship of owners of normal and overweight cats. J Nutr 2006;136:1947S-1950S.
18Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12REFERENCES: [1] Kealy, R.D., Lawler, D.F., Ballam, J.M., Lust, G., Smith, G.K., Biery, D.N., Olsson, S.E. (1997). Five year longitudinal study on limited food consumption and development of osteoarthritis in coxofemoral joints of dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc; 210: 222-225[2] Kealy, R.D., Lawler, D.F., Ballam, J.M., Lust, G., Biery, D.N., Smith, G.K., Mantz, S.L., (2002). Evaluation of the aect of limited food consumption on radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc; 217: 1678-1680[3] Mattheeuws, D., Rottiers, R., Kaneko, J.J., (1984). Diabetes Mellitus in dogs: relationships of obesity to glucose tolerance and insulin response. Am J Vet Res; 45: 98-103[4] Kealey, R.D., Lawler, D.F. , Ballam, J.M., Mantz, S.L., Biery, D.B., Greeley, E.H., Lust, G. , Segre, M. Smith, G.K., Stowe, H.D. (2002). Eects of diet restriction on life span and age-related changes in dogs. Journal of American Veterinary Medicine Association; 220 (9): 1315-1320[5] German, A.J.,Holden, S.L., Wiseman-Orr, M.L., Reid, J., Nolan, A.M., Biourge, V., Morris, P.J.,Scott, E.M. (2012). Quality of life is reduced in obese dogs but improves aftersuccessful weightloss.VeterinaryJournal;192: 428-434[6] German, A.J., Woods, G.T., Holden, S.L., Brennan, L. Burke, C. (2018). Dangerous trends in pet obesity. Veterinary Record; 182 (1). [7] PDSA (2012). The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals: Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report 2012 – the state of our pet nation.[8] Satiety Consumer Study (11-21-14), IPSOS2014. [9] Murphy, M. (2016). Obesity treatment. Environment and behaviour modication. Vet CVlin North Am Small Anim Pract; 46: 883-898[10] Kienzle et al. (2006). Human-animal relationship of owners of normal and overweight cats. J Nutr;136:1947S-1950S[11] German, A.J., Holden, S.L., Bissot, T., Hackett, M., Biourge, V. (2007). Dietary energy restriction and successful weight loss inn obese client owned dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine; 21: 1174 –1180[12] German, A.J., Holden, S.L., Bissot, T., Morris, P.J., Biourge, V. (2010). A high protein, high bre diet improves weight loss in obese dogs. Vet Journal; 183: 294-297[13] Weber, M., Bissot, T., Serve, E., Sergheraert, R., Biourge, V., German, A.J. (2017). A high protein, high-bre diet designed for weight loss improves satiety in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine; 21:1203-1208[14] Flanagan J et al. (2017). Success of a weight loss plan for overweight dogs: the results of an international weight loss study. ”PLoS One 2017; 12 (9): e0184199[15] Hours M.A. et al (2016). Factors aecting weight loss in client owned cats and dogs: data from an international weight loss study. Proc of 16th Annual Clinical Nutrition and Research Symposium, Denver; June 8 2016 [16] German, A.J., Holden, S.L., Mason, S.L., Byrner, C., Bouldoires, C., Morris, P.J., Deboise, M and Biourge, V (2011). Imprecision when using measuring cups to weigh out extruded dry kibbled food. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr; 95 (3): 368-373helps to increase the feeding volume; ensuring owner compliance is high and reduces the “undesirable” begging behaviours oen seen by clients.[14][15] Satiety diets are available in both wet and dry formulations for both cat and dogs, allowing you to select the most appropriate feeding regime for your patients. Whilst ROYAL CANIN® Satiety can help reduce begging, in order ensure long term changes that aid weight loss, you also need to consider how the owners are measuring out food. Digital Food Scalese importance of accurate portion control cannot be underestimated and one of the most common methods owners use to measure out food is measuring cups. However, a study highlighted how inaccurate this is, with results ranging from underfeeding by 20% to over feeding by 80%.[16] Using digital food scales is always recommended, in particular for cats and small dogs where inaccuracies due to smaller feeding volumes can be greater.Introduce a new strategyOnce food portions have been accurately measured out, discussing feeding behaviours with pet owners can be very important in understanding individual pet – owner dynamics. Knowing that cats and dogs can be described as “contra-free loaders”, in other words they prefer to work for their food, is a great opportunity to introduce slow down bowls and interactive feeders using pre measured diet portions. ere is now a wide variety of commercially available slow down bowls for both cats and dogs. Consider creating a homemade version that could provide activity and mental stimulation for a cat or dog.By helping owners recognise their pets overweight status, educating them on begging behaviours and placing the pet on a specically formulated weight management diet, we can help the owner make long term changes that help their pet reach their ideal weight and shape and maintain this over time. OBESITY
19Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12Vetkin-Tape® is a tape that sticks well and gives the maximum results for animals, as it is 20% larger than human tapes, comes in 3 sizes and starts at £6.25+vat per roll.This unit is ideal for animal therapy where the unit can be powered by battery whilst in its carry bag, and be protected from the elements. Call for latest offersArcEquine is a compact, portable, battery operated device, which delivers drug free, non-invasive Microcurrent Therapy. Full Kit £375.00+vatAnimal Therapy Productstrimbio offers a vast range of products all at very competitive prices Micro-CurrentMobile Ultrasound with Battery & Carry BagVetkin-Tape® Kinesiology Tape Plus so much more : Balance Products, Magnetic Therapy, H-Wave etc… Laser & Light Therapy From £295.00+vatWe also offer a range of Reconditioned Devices including Ultrasound, Laser, Doppler, Infusion Pumps and more for Veterinary use, please visit our website 01403 597597 www.trimbio.co.uk sales@trimbio.co.uk
20Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12ENHANCING wellbeing and performance are two key aims when working with horses. Horses are used in an array of disciplines and housed in a variety of management conditions with diering exercise regimes. Regardless of the husbandry or use of the horse, enhancing their welfare is an important consideration. One method by which this can be done is via the use of sensory enrichment. Sensory enrichment is a form of environmental enrichment where auditory, olfactory or visual stimuli are provided to the animal’s environment in an attempt to enhance their welfare. Auditory enrichment is increasingly being used in a range of domestic and exotic species. is can include the use of various stimuli such as music, audiobooks or natural habitat sounds. In particular, music has been suggested to be benecial in many species. Use of classical music has reduced stereotypic behaviour in elephants and gorillas, reduced aggression and increased social behaviour in chimpanzees and increased resting and reduced barking in shelter dogs.In this article I will discuss a number of studies that illustrate the use of auditory enrichment in horses to enhance their wellbeing and performance. Auditory enrichment in these studies has occurred via music being played in the horses’ stables. Use of music as auditory enrichment is benecial to consider in horse rehabilitation and management as it tends to be straightforward, cost-eective and easily applied.Genre of music and horse wellbeing:A number of studies have looked at the eects of dierent genres of music on horses. One of the rst studies in this eld was carried out by Katherine Houpt and colleagues. In 2000 they looked at the eects of four types of music (rock, country, classical and jazz) on the behaviour of nine ponies. e ponies were exposed to each type of music for two sessions, each of which were three hours in length. While the researchers did not nd any signicant eects of the music, there was a trend towards increased eating seen when the horses were exposed to country music. is led the authors to suggest that country music may have a calming inuence in horses.More recently in 2012, Clare Carter and Linda Greening exposed eight thoroughbred geldings to four musical genres (classical, country, jazz and rock). e horses experienced the music for one hour a day with the dierent music genres being played on consecutive days. ey found that use of classical and country music seemed to encourage more resting behaviour in the horses, potentially suggesting a relaxing eect of these music types. On the other hand, use of rock and jazz music seemed to be more problematic for use in equine management due to the horses showing more alert behaviour.Considered in conjunction, while further work with a larger sample size and longer exposure to the music conditions would be benecial, this preliminary work is suggestive that use of country music particularly may be benecial in stabled horses.Eects of music on horse wellbeing and performance:Since these earlier studies occurred looking at music genre and horse behaviour, recent work has built on this research by examining the eects of specic genres of music upon measures of wellbeing and performance in horses. In 2014, Lea Lansade and others examined the eects of classical music and country music upon horse personality, learning abilities and wellbeing. ey did this via exposing ten horses to a programme of environment enrichment where they experienced a range of treatments such as music, odours and various objects (such as balloons and tyres). e horses were alternately exposed to classical or country music for ve days a week for one hour each day. e horses were also fed three times a day with avoured pellets, hay, or fruits (randomly avoured with dierent feed additives such as garlic, banana, cherry, or oregano). ey found that horses exposed to enrichment seemed to have better well-being than non-enriched horses such that Equine CareHorsing Around Use of auditory enrichment to improve equine wellbeing and performanceby Dr V. Tamara Montrose, Animal Welfare Research & Knowledge Exchange Arena, University Centre Hartpury,
21Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12the enriched horses vocalised less and showed less alert behaviour. ey also showed less abnormal behaviours and eating problems. e enriched horses also showed more resting behaviour. In addition enrichment appeared to aect the personality of horses such that the enriched horses were less frightened by novel objects or locations suggesting that the enriched horses were more curious and had more positive views of their environment. Enriched horses also showed better performance in a learning task. While drawing conclusions about the eects of music are confounded in this study due to the multiple forms of enrichment experienced by the horses, this study is suggestive that use of music may have multiple benecial eects in horses. In addition, in 2014 Anna Stachurska and colleagues conducted a study that found that music not only improved the emotional state of forty race horses but also that these horses won more prize money when competing. e horses in this study experienced new age music for ve hours a day for a year. While the study ndings did suggest that the horses may habituate to the music, the authors suggest that using music for two or three months before important races or at the beginning of the racing season may be benecial both to improve horse welfare and performance.Recently in 2017, as part of a wider study looking at eects of massage and music, Witold Kedzierski and colleagues looked at the eects of dierent lengths of exposure to music upon race horses. Two dierent groups of twelve horses were exposed to new age music for either one hour or three hours a day. e authors found that experiencing music for three hours a day had more benecial eects on the horses’ emotional state than just one hour exposure. Exposure to three hours of music a day also had more benecial eects on the horses’ race performance than one hour of music.Considering these studies together, they suggest some benecial eects of new age, country and classical music upon both horse wellbeing and also learning and sporting performance.Practical applications of this research:Music is a straightforward form of enrichment that can be easily applied in general horse management. e research suggests that music can be utilised to reduce stress and enhance wellbeing and performance in horses. e following recommendations can be made when using music in the rehabilitation environment:• Classical music, country music and new age music may increase wellbeing in horses.• New age music may help enhance horse sporting performance.• Exposure of horses to multiple hours of music per day seems benecial.• Varying the music genre used may be eective to avoid habituation to the music by the horses.Conclusions:In conclusion, the research to date looking at auditory enrichment in horses suggests that music has the potential to positively aect horses. Various studies have suggested that use of classical music, country music and new age music is benecial for stabled horses to enhance wellbeing, learning and performance. Use of music in the management of stabled horses is an important form of enrichment to consider which has the potential to improve equine welfare.FURTHER READING:Carter, C., & Greening, L. (2012). Auditory stimulation of the stabled equine; the eect of dierent music genres on behaviour. In: Proceedings of the 8th International Equitation Science Conference. Edinburgh: Royal (Dick) Veterinary School; 2012. p. 167.Houpt, K., Marrow, M., & Seeliger, M. (2000). A preliminary study of the eect of music on equine behavior.Journal of Equine Veterinary Science,20(11), 691-737.Kędzierski, W., Janczarek, I., Stachurska, A., & Wilk, I. (2017). Comparison of Eects of Dierent Relaxing Massage Frequencies and Dierent Music Hours on Reducing Stress Level in Race Horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 53, 100-107.Lansade, L., Valenchon, M., Foury, A., Neveux, C., Cole, S. W., Layé, S., ... & Moisan, M. P. (2014). Behavioral and transcriptomic ngerprints of an enriched environment in horses (Equus caballus). PloS one, 9(12), e114384.Stachurska, A., Janczarek, I., Wilk, I., & Kędzierski, W. (2015). Does music inuence emotional state in race horses?.Journal of Equine Veterinary Science,35(8), 650-656.Dr V. Tamara MontroseAnimal Welfare Research and Knowledge Exchange Arena, University Centre Hartpury, Hartpury, Gloucestershire, GL19 3BETamara.Montrose@Hartpury.ac.uk
22Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12HARTPURY COLLEGESWIMMING is common practice within the training and rehabilitation programmes of oroughbred racehorses yet there have been fewer than 20 scientic studies on swimming in the last 30 years. It is generally considered that swimming provides a good cardiovascular work-out for horses that are unable to gallop due to musculoskeletal injury. Heart rates during swimming are similar to those seen during canter or gallop work, i.e. from 160 to 220 beats/min (Jones and Hiraga 2008) with oxygen uptakes of approximately 70-80% of the typical maximal oxygen uptake of a trained horse (omas et al. 1980). Whilst the heart rates and oxygen uptakes during swimming and galloping may be similar, the biomechanical demands are entirely dierent. Unlike working overland, or on a water treadmill, the swimming horse is completely unable to generate locomotor force by pushing against the ground. In this respect, swimming exercise has certain advantages over work up the gallops as the horse exercises without any impact on the distal limbs. e disadvantage is that now the considerable mechanical advantage aorded by the ‘biological spring’ of the horse’s tendinous distal limb is absent and so all forward movement requires muscular eort. During normal overland movement, the weight of the abdomen exerts a downward force on the spine, tending to draw the spine into extension. In water, the weight of the abdomen is supported, and the action of the hind limbs being brought forward under the body can generate considerable exion (rounding) of the caudal thoracolumbar spine. Horses that are unable to ex the thoracolumbar region/lumbosacral joint due to back pain or stiness are oen less procient swimmers. Indeed some authors report that swimming can exacerbate proximal limb lameness and/or back pain (Swanstrom and Lindy, 1974); Galloux et al. 1993). erefore evaluation of an individual’s thoracolumbar comfort and range of movement should be undertaken before swimming to assess suitability. Consideration of the dierence between galloping and swimming in terms of physiological and biomechanical demands raises certain questions; does swimming exercise improve hind limb muscular strength in a way which improves performance during galloping? Does swimming decrease the likelihood of musculoskeletal injury and should swimming exercise be additional to galloping or should it actually replace galloping within training programmes? Before these and other questions could be answered through scientic study, it would be useful to know a little more about how trainers currently use swimming within training programmes. A pilot study carried out by Hartpury College and the Animal Health Trust investigated routine swimming practices amongst racehorse trainers. We were primarily interested in the frequency and duration of swimming sessions and to nd out why trainers chose to swim their horses. We surveyed 13 oroughbred racehorse training yards where a total of 1,101 horses were swum, made up of a roughly 50:50 split of National Hunt and Flat racehorses. Nearly all yards surveyed had over 10 years’ experience of swimming horses. Of the 13 respondents, 9 yards had circular pools, 2 had straight pools and 2 yards had a pool which encompassed both. When a horse was rst introduced to swimming, the swim session lasted on average just 5 mins (range 2 to 15 mins). For an experienced swimmer, the session lasted 16 mins on average (range 2 – 25 mins). Post swimming colic is one of the risks associated with swimming horses. 50% of the respondents to our survey had horses which had experienced swimming associated colic (SAC) within the previous 12 months, varying in incidence from just ‘a couple’ to ‘quite regularly’. SAC incidence is reported to be less than 1 every 1000 swims (Walmsley et al. 2011), however for large yards swimming every day this could be up to one SAC per week. ere was no indication from our study that any particular swimming practice was more or less likely to result in SAC. Some trainers simply opted not to swim horses that had experienced post swim colic, which would tend to reduce their incidence of SAC, whilst others felt that SAC was more likely if a horse became fatigued as a result of swimming. We were surprised to nd that 85% of yards surveyed (including all the National Hunt yards) swam all year round. Given that none of the pools were heated; horses are exposed to quite a wide range of water temperatures. None of the yards monitored the water temperature of their pools. Most yards employed rigorous warm up and cool down routines, with over half the yards putting horses on a horsewalker as part of their pre-swim and post swim routine.e use of swimming in thoroughbred racehorse trainingby Dr Kathryn Nankervis SFHEA CVPM, e Equine erapy Centre, Hartpury CollegePhoto courtesy of Ed de Giles Racing
23Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12We found that the most common reason for swimming was to exercise horses that were lame, and not in fact for training purposes. On average, racehorses swimming for training purposes alone were swum 6 sessions a week (i.e. once per day) alongside daily gallop work, but horses suering from lameness and unable to be ridden were swum up to 14 sessions a week (twice each day). Eight of the 13 yards swam horses with back pain. Given that swimming is primarily used as a means of managing and rehabilitating horses recovering from lameness and back pain, further studies on the biomechanical and muscular demands of swimming would be useful not only to improve horse welfare but to enable trainers to minimise the number of days lost to injury whilst maximising the benet of this very expensive, but enigmatic, training tool. Cover StoryThis issue’s cover star is 4 year old Lucy. Having owned her from 10 weeks old, at 7 months her owner noticed things weren't quite right. After a diganosis of bilateral hip dysplasia, Lucy headed over to Professor Noel Fitzpatrick. After some conservative rehabilitation it was decided that Lucy needed to be operated on and in two stages, Lucy underwent a total hip replacement in both hind legs. Amazingly, and after a strict rehab programme, Lucy is now competing in Flyball and is a very happy, able and enthusiastic participant."I could go on forever about Lucy as she is denitely an inspiration and testimant that if the work is put in you can achieve anything. I am so proud of her." says Lucy's owner.1Animal Therapy Magazine | SPRING 2018SPRING 2018M A G A Z I N EAnimalerapyLevi Hunt shares some tips for a benecial warm up of a ridden horse.Whether you are a competitive rider, or train at home, focused on jumping or dressage, the basic principles are universal.Much of the work we ask horses to do is strenuous on muscles and limbs. An eective warmup can improve performance, maintain healthy supple muscles and keep ontop of straightness.Generally, stretching should dominate your warmup, allowing all muscle groups to elasticate before the collection and shorter position is required.A free walk for a few minutes allows the horse to settle under the rider. Stretching the neck in walk, trot, and canter, in equal measures on the left and right rein is paramount to opening up the body of the horse. One thing I look for is the poll of the horse being the lowest part of the neck and the wither being the highest. It’s easy to see and also allows the back of the horse to lift up and activate the core.Bending the horse both ways can give an indication to which is the least supple rein, enabling you to focus more on that bend to allow your horse to be more ambidextrous.Check that your horse is active enough. If he starts behind the leg and a little slow, then that has to be addressed before the main part of your session begins. You can do this by making quick transitions and changing the pace of the walk, trot and canter to keep the work interesting and create energy.The length of time will vary for each horse, older or stier horses may require longer, younger horses may feel ready to start their main work within ten minutes. I wrap up my warmup when I feel my horse is feeling supple, active and balanced.However, some horses don’t settle and stretch to start with, this could be down to tension, excitement or stiness. If this is the case then don’t force stretch if it can’t be oered. Allow the horse to work in his most comfortable position and try to achieve aforementioned stretch when they relaxe into work, most likely at the end when tiredness kicks in.Also if you have a sharp horse to start with don’t be a hero on a long rein! Don’t fall o on my behalf!levihuntequestrian.co.ukLevi’s BlogREFERENCESGalloux, P., Goupil, X., Vial, C., Auvinet, B. and Lepage, O. (1994). Heart rate and blood lactic acid concentration of the horse during swimming training. The Equine athlete (USA).Jones, J.H. and Hiraga, A. (2008). Metabolic, cardiovascular and respiratory responses to swimming in horses. InProceedings of a Workshop onExercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage: State of current knowledge. Havemeyer Foundation Monograph Series no. 20 p. 34.Thomas D. P., Fregin G. F., Gerber N. H., Ailes N. B. (1980). Cardiorespiratory adjustments to tethered-swimming in the horse. Pügers Archiv: Europ. J. Physiol. 385, 65-70Swanstrom, O.G. and Lindy, M. (1974). Therapeutic swimming.Walmsley, E., Steel, C., Haines, G., Lumsden, J. and O'Sullivan, C. (2011). Colic after swimming exercise in racehorses: an investigation of incidence, management, surgical ndings and outcome. Australian veterinary journal, 89(5), pp.180-183.Levi Hunt - Grand Prix International Rider for Great Britain, British Dressage Young Professional of the year 2016, Regional British Dressage Team Trainer, UKCC3 Coach
24Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12The Animal Health Professions Register (AHPR) aims to raise standards within animal health professions and provide a comprehensive register of appropriately qualied practitioners to enable the public and the veterinary profession to select the right treatment and a well-qualied practitioner for their animals. The Review of Minor Procedures Project (as part of the Veterinary Surgeons Act) showed that the public and veterinary surgeons are confused by the wide number of qualications held by people who provide health related services for animals, particularly those who oer services relating to the musculoskeletal system. By registering with the AHPR you can demonstrate your dedication to maintaining high academic and practical skills and therefore ultimately improving animal health and welfare. The AHPR will represent you to important organisations, such as the Exemption Orders and Associates Working Party of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and DEFRA. The AHPR is also in communication with insurance companies to ensure they are aware of the professional nature of our registrants. Membership of AHPR is open to those professions who provide services for the treatment of animals under veterinary referral and for the maintenance of health. Registrants are currently categorised into the following subgroups: Animal Chiropractic and Manipulation; Small Animal Hydrotherapy; Animal / Veterinary Physiotherapy; Animal Sports Therapy and Massage.All AHPR registrants have achieved an industry-recognised appropriate standard of training through externally accredited courses or recognised prior learning (grandparenting), comply with Continuing Professional Development and hold appropriate insurance as required by the wider industry. Even when applying through the grandparenting route, potential registrants must be able to show they can meet the day one competency skills required by their subgroup. This means that everyone registered on the AHPR has shown they hold the skills necessary to entitle them to be on a professional register. The AHPR aims to raise standards in the animal health and welfare industry and provide clarity to animal owners and veterinary surgeons around the training and treatment type oered by its members.The RCVS EOA Working Party has come to the conclusion that the EO for “physiotherapy” is too wide and requires amendment and this may lead to the restriction on the types of procedures people working under the EO currently carry out. The aim of the RCVS is to have a solid working proposal that they can put to DEFRA to make any necessary changes to either the Order or the Act when some parliamentary time can be found. However, at a meeting at the RCVS attended by members of AHPR earlier this year (January 2018) it was proposed that this could possibly be achieved in two years. The RCVS EOA Working Party have put forward a proposal to tackle this issue –The accreditation model; where the RCVS would accredit an existing register based on the regulatory structures it already has in place. They would expect the organisation to “provide registration services, set the standards for education, develop a code of conduct, provide advice to practitioners and investigate concerns (including holding disciplinary hearings)” and as long as the register met the stip-ulated criteria the RCVS would accredit it.The full regulation model; where the RCVS would regulate individuals (as they currently do with vets and vet nurses).The RCVS EOA Working Party considers both models could be suitable going forwards. With the full regulation model being described as a “RCVS Associates” and accredited organisations as “RCVS Accredited”.AHPR will oer you a register that will stand up to scrutiny by the RCVS and provide assurance to veterinary surgeons and animal owners that our registered members are well trained, professional, accountable and above all else have the welfare of the animals that they treat as their top priority. With the condence of the “end users” that AHPR registrants are the people who can be trusted with their animals or their client’s animals then you will have an opportunity to increase your own client base.The AHPR is unique in that it brings together a wide variety of allied animal health professionals providing dierent therapies that can complement each other in an animal’s treatment and well-being.The decision to join the AHPR is up to the individual practitioner. Whilst remaining a member of your professional association is important, it is your choice as to whether you wish to be on a Register where all the registrants have attained the level of training required by their subgroup. We are delighted that we can now accept applications to the Animal Health Professions Register, for further details visit www.ahpr.org.uk If you have any questions that you would like us to answer please email us at: enquiries@ahpr.org.uk Animal Health Professions Register24 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12
25Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12Our members are highly skilled in providing physiotherapy care for animals. We work as part of the multi-disciplinary team which is involved with the care and welfare of animals. Members are graduates of university validated BSc and PgD/MSc courses that are accredited and supported by the NAVP.NAVP members must full certain requirements including CPD, they must carry Professional Liability Insurance and practice in line with the Associations regulations and standards of practice. FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONTACT: EMAIL info@navp.co.uk W EBSITE www.navp.co.ukPromoting Excellence in Veterinary PhysiotherapySupport good circulationMaintain mobilityEase muscle tension, aid warm-up and warm-downto help prevent injuryrecoverperformprepareLearn more at www.backontrack.comTo find your nearest stockist, call now on 07766 463099 or email georgia.keegan@backontrack.com.®Back on Track’s own unique Welltex fabric works by reflecting the body’s infrared heat due to the infused ceramic particles in the textile, helping to support circulation and ease muscle tension. As used by Lauren Langman, Devon Dogs agility team. Whippet Rug - not just for whippets!ATM-Spring2018_190x134_BOT10 April 2018 15:26:25
26Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12Chris ZinkPlease, can you tell me a bit about yourself?I am a specialist in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation with additional certications in canine rehabilitation, acupuncture and chiropractic. I have won awards for ve books and a DVD on canine sports medicine and rehabilitation, including Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, the rst textbook on the subject. I helped to establish the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation as one of the newest specialities in veterinary medicine and am President-Elect of its Board of Directors. I teach canine sports medicine and rehabilitation to veterinarians, physical therapists and veterinary technicians throughout the world. I have been named Outstanding Woman Veterinarian of the Year by the Association for Women Veterinarians Foundation in 2009 and won the John J. Sherman III Award for Excellence in the Field of Veterinary Rehabilitation in 2015. As a canine sports competitor, I have put over 100 titles on my dogs in agility, obedience, rally, conformation, tracking, hunt tests, barn hunts and nosework. I am currently competing with my Golden Retriever, Hobby, and Norwich Terrier, Helix.Did anyone or anything, in particular, inspire you to specialise in sports medicine and rehabilitation? What do you nd most interesting?I have been interested in canine sports medicine for 40 years since I rst started competing and realised how large the gap was between our knowledge of the orthopaedic needs of pet animals and those of canine athletes. In addition, the eld of rehabilitation was completely lacking in veterinary medicine. I have worked hard over those 40 years to develop the eld of canine sports medicine and rehabilitation to veterinary medicine.What do you think the future holds for sports medicine or veterinary medicine in general?The eld of canine sports medicine is growing along with the increasing number of people who are participating in activities with their dogs, whether those are formal activities involving training and competition, or just people who walk, run, hike or play ball or other games at home with their active dogs.What attracts you to coming to lecture at VET Festival in the UK?I would be lying if I didn’t say that an incredible part is to work alongside of my colleague, Noel Fitzpatrick, one of the most knowledgeable and dedicated veterinarians in the eld. In the VET Festival, he has designed a unique venue that will combine an abundance of learning opportunities with fun and relaxation - who wouldn’t want that? This is not your average veterinary conference!What are you hoping that delegates will take away from your lectures? Why is it so important for them to attend?In addition to being one of the veterinarians who established the speciality of canine sports medicine, I have a unique perspective from the points of view not only of an actively practising veterinarian but also of a canine sports competitor. In this eld, developing a relationship with the competitors is important, and the material that I will present combines these two perspectives in a practical way.Ellen MartensPlease, can you tell me a bit about yourself?My mother is a vet and I obtained my passion for animals from her. I had to choose which pre education I wanted to do to learn this profession: vet school or physical therapy school. I decided to do physical therapy school because all the human techniques we learn are techniques used in veterinary medicine, and I received my master’s degree in Physical Therapy in Belgium in 2002. I worked with human patients for seven years while I trained in manual therapy, animal physiotherapy (the Netherlands) and animal osteopathy. I have worked with humans, dogs and horses since 2003 until I founded Het Waterhof Animal Rehabilitation Center in 2009. Since then, I have worked full-time with animals. I am the founder and president of the Belgian Association for Certied Animal Physical Therapy and have been the physical therapist for the Belgian agility team since 2008. I teach canine and equine rehabilitation at the University of Ghent and lecture nationally and internationally. I completed my certication at the Canine Rehabilitation Institute (USA) in 2009. I am an instructor for CRI in The Canine Rehabilitation Therapist and Advanced Canine Rehabilitation Therapist.Did anyone or anything, in particular, inspire you to specialise in sports medicine and rehabilitation? What do you nd most interesting?My mum introduced me into rehab. In that time, rehab existed of only hydrotherapy. Nowadays, hydrotherapy is only a small part of the treatment plan. 96% of the patients benet from rehab without hydrotherapy.What do you think the future holds for sports medicine or veterinary medicine in general?Veterinary medicine is progressing really fast, and rehab follows this evolution. Veterinary medicine is meeting the same quality as human medicine.What attracts you to coming to lecture at VET Festival in the UK?The great audience to share my knowledge with!What are you hoping that delegates will take away from your lectures? Why is it so important for them to attend?I hope to make a dierence in how delegates can manage a sporting dog, with or without a physical problem.Top specialists at VET Festival 2018VET FESTIVAL 201826 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12
27Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12 5 Admiralty Way, Camberley, Surrey GU15 3DT Tel: 01276 608500 • www.naturalinstinct.comProudly supporting British produce Order online for fast delivery to your dr 100% British Meats Human grade ingredients No artificial additives, colours, preservatives, fiers or grains Check out naturalinstinct.com to s what our wonderful customers say about usRichard DoyleWylie Veterinary Group For the last 6 years we have bn working closely with Natural Instinct who provide a range of high-quality, wholesome, complete and balanced raw fds for both dogs and cats. The fd they provide is tested for nutrient levels, which gives us confidence to recommend and se Natural Instinct to our clients. A fresh clean, natural superfd alternative to kibble and tied pet fdMade in Surrey Visit us at Vet Fest Stand ST49 Complete Organic Meals Available tooWERAW 00333_Animal Therapy.indd 1 06/04/2018 16:28
28Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12 VET FESTIVAL 2018 Q&A with Dr Chris Zink and Dr Ellen Martens1. Post-injury, owners are often instructed to keep their animals on crate rest or very reduced exercises which, particularly in the case of young animals, can be very hard. Do you have any tips to give to owners in this early recovery period? Ellen: Yes indeed, this can be very challenging for some dogs! But in a lot of cases, it is so important to follow the instructions regarding restricted activity. It is needed to help the healing process and to minimize the risk of complications. I think every dog benets with crate training. Make sure that your dog links the crate with something fun or with a positive reward. For some dogs, it helps to put the crate in a silent environment with as less triggers as possible. Make sure that you lower the amount of food during this period because the dog has less activity and might receive more food rewards. Mental games become more and more popular and can be an answer to mentally fatigue your dog. Also, try to organize the controlled leash walks during the day so that your dog doesn’t have to be in the crate for a long period of time. And last but not least, make sure that the crate is not too small, not too big, and safe - watch out for slippery oors!Chris: First, I think we need to be very clear about what we mean by crate rest. Studies have shown that crate rest rapidly reduces a dog’s muscle strength and aerobic activities, whereas just a small amount of movement, such as that used in activities of daily living, can help a dog maintain its tness level for much longer. So I often prescribe ‘room rest,’ in which the dog is conned to a small room with good ooring, such as a carpeted bathroom, instead of crate rest. In any case, the key to resting a dog is to just rest its muscles, not its mind. Scenting games, puzzle games and one-on-one training of non-concussive manoeuvres will occupy a dog’s mind during a less active period.2. At what point in recovery, post-surgery, do you think is the optimum time to begin therapy? Ellen: As in human medicine: as soon as possible! Of course, not every treatment technique can be applied during every stage of recovery, this is where the knowledge and experience of the therapist comes in. For example, not every dog or every pathology benets from hydrotherapy, especially not in the early stages of recovery.3. Rushing rehabilitation can increase the risk of setbacks or re-injury. What do you feel is a realistic time frame to recover from an injury that has required surgery?Ellen: Of course, this depends on dierent factors: the injury itself, complications, activity level of the dog, age of the dog, co-morbidities, muscle wasting, etc. Overall we can say that it takes between 3 to 6 months to have the dog back to full activity without restrictions. For a sporting dog, it can take even longer before they are in full training again.4. Are there any tips you can give on key changes in movement or musculature that may indicate an injury is on its way?Chris: For performance dogs, competitors should view videos to conrm that their dogs are using the correct lead legs on jumps and turns, and look comfortable in all aspects of the sport.5. After cruciate surgery, owners are often advised that the other leg may also succumb to cruciate injury. Is there anything that can be done to prevent this? Ellen: Full recovery and rehab of the surgery leg is really important. Sometimes we see that dogs keep compensating during explosive activities and thus keep overloading the other non-surgery leg with a higher risk of cruciate injury on that side. Full weight bearing during all activities, good muscle mass and strength, good coordination and proprioception are a must. Of course, we can not control everything (conformation and genetics play a role too) but these are already some good factors to minimize the risk.6. Can a dog diagnosed with arthritis still work or do agility?Chris: For the vast majority of dogs, arthritis can be managed well using a multi-modal approach that would include nutrition, supplements, pharmaceutical pain relief and appropriate, non-concussive tness exercises. Many dogs with arthritis are competing at international-level sports.7. Do you think it really matters if a dog carries a few extra pounds?Chris: Absolutely. That is dead weight that makes all motions more dicult and more stressful on the body.8. When a dog is diagnosed with a neurological condition, can therapy really help? Ellen: Of course, this depends from condition to condition. Some dogs come in without diagnostics so that the prognosis is unpredictable, but often our neuro examination with interpretation of the clinical signs gives us an idea if the dog has less chance to walk again. We see a lot of neuro dogs in our rehab centre, conservative or postoperative with a lot of variation of clinical signs. I have to say that we are able to rehab most of the dogs to independent daily activity again. Our rule of thumb is that we have to see improvement from week to week. As long as we keep on seeing improvement, it is worth to move on with the therapy.
29Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12 REFERENCES: 1 Dietary supplements for treating osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.2. Nutrition and Inammation in Older Individuals: Focus on Vitamin D, n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Whey Proteins.3. Eect of Marine-Derived n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Major Eicosanoids: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis from 18 Randomized Controlled Trials.4 Atopic dermatitis and the intestinal microbiota in humans and dogs.5. Supplementation of food with Enterococcus faecium (SF68) stimulates immune functions in young dogs.6. Comparison of microbiological, histological, and immunomodulatory parameters in response to treatment with either combination therapy with prednisone and metronidazole or probiotic VSL#3 strains in dogs with idiopathic inammatory bowel disease.7. Cognitive enhancement in old dogs from dietary supplementation with a nutrient blend containing arginine, antioxidants, B vitamins and sh oil.8. Strategies for improving cognition with ageing: insights from a longitudinal study of antioxidant and behavioural enrichment in canines.9. In some cases, therapy has to be limited due to lack of funds or ability to reclaim on insurance. Are there any valuable exercises you suggest that owners can do at home? Ellen: It is hard to give exercises that are good for every dog in every condition. If we have dogs that are limited to come to therapy, we try to spread our sessions during the recovery period and guide the patient and the owners with a home exercise plan.Chris: There are many at-home exercises that can be performed but these should be specic to the dog’s size, structure, and injury and they should be prescribed by a rehabilitation professional.The VETFest Conversation with Jonathan Ross OBE VET Festival, sponsored by Centaur Services, has announced the VETFest Conversation with television and radio presenter Jonathan Ross OBE. Jonathan has agreed to join VET Festival in an exclusive appearance on the Friday night (8th June). Moving away from the traditional conference keynote format, the VETFest Conversation will be a relaxed discussion between Jonathan and founder of the event, Professor Noel Fitzpatrick VET Festival tickets are available to buy at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/vet-festival-2018-tickets-35876825551.10. More and more owners want to go down the 'natural' or homeopathic route these days, however, the supplement market is a mineeld! Are there any supplements or ingredients you have found particularly benecial in the recovery stage and ongoing? Ellen: It is indeed a mineeld and not all supplements are from good quality. In Belgium, we work a lot with Flexadin advanced, Cosequin, Primeval and Seraquin. I always suggest to ask advice to the vet in charge of the treatment of the dog.Chris: Here are the supplements that I recommend and the evidence basis (scientic references) for them: - Joint-Protective Nutraceuticals – A dose of about 20 mg/lb of glucosamine per day is recommended. Products designed for dogs include Dasuquin Advanced, Glycoex II or III and others. Natural sources of glucosamine include trachea (1 oz = 1400 mg) and chicken feet (one foot = 400 mg). The Evidence: A 2018 meta-analysis of publications on a variety of dietary supplements for osteoarthritis in humans suggested improvement of pain and function with glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and avocado soybean unsaponiables, although they stated that there was also a need for more higher quality evidence (1). - Omega-3 Fatty Acids – The recommended dose is 15 mg/lb of DHA. Make sure the source is tested for heavy metals. Good sources include Grizzly Salmon Oil and Nordic Naturals, but there are others as well. The Evidence: Two 2016 metastudies concluded that there is evidence for the systemic anti-inammatory eects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation (2, 3). - Probiotic supplement designed for dogs – Two good sources are Geneora and VisBiome (aka VSL-3). The Evidence: Probiotics can reduce the severity of canine allergies, improve inammatory bowel disease, and boost responses to vaccines (4, 5, 6). - Antioxidants – Antioxidants are most eective if fed in their native form. Blueberries are very high in antioxidants, and an easy way to provide them is by purchasing freeze-dried blueberries. Give about 10 blueberries for a small dog, 20 for a medium dog and 30 for a large dog once a day in their food. Available at Amazon. The Evidence: Two studies show that diets containing antioxidants improved cognitive function in old dogs (7, 8), so why not provide antioxidants to all dogs that need optimum cognitive function. - Amino acids – Many dog foods, particularly dried foods provide the vast majority of their amino acids from plant sources since these are cheaper. Dogs need certain essential amino acids and other nutrients that can only come from animal sources. A supplement called ProBalance by AVN is recommended to ensure that your dog is receiving an abundance of the correct, animal-sourced amino acids. This supplement has been designed by an independent, board-certied veterinary canine nutritionist to supply all of the essential, animal-sourced amino acids and building blocks for important nutrients, like taurine, that often are lacking in commercial dog food and homemade diets.
30Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12Restoration of strength and balance Using a phased progression approachCanine Careby Alan Gardner PgD A. Phys, MDip, DipMgmt, IAATIntroductionPhysiotherapy is oen referred to as ‘treatment by physical methods such as electro / thermal modalities, massage, manual manipulation and exercise’. It can be employed for post-surgical rehabilitation, as a conservative treatment or to aid the canine patient to return to performance based activities. is article focuses on non-aquatic 1 exercise programs which are typically employed in1. e later stages of rehabilitation following recovery from surgical intervention. For post-operative cases, the protocols laid out by Bockstahler et al (2004) 2 indicate that the time to start initial therapeutic foundation exercises in the canine patient may begin some 3 weeks post-operation2. As part of the strengthening following a so tissue injury where active exercises can be introduced during the nal stages of tissue healing. 3 3. As a conservative treatment.A feature of exercise programs is that they can be continued daily by the patient’s owner at home, therefore optimising the treatment program. Physiopedia 4 reports that Home Exercise Programs (HEP) are one of the most fundamental and important aspects of physiotherapy and patients who adhere to their exercises are signicantly better at achieving their goals” and demonstrate a greater increase in physical function. To facilitate this, each client that I work with receives access to Canine Exercise Solutions5 online exercise portal. is allows us to tailor and update a specic program following each consultation and review. Of course, like any physiotherapy program, there is no ‘cookie cutter’ approach and each case will be unique and the advice of the animals’ veterinarian must be followed before commencing any active exercise program. Goals and phasing of therapeutic exercisesBasic rules of exercise include: 61. Use it or lose it 2. Individualise the program 3. Vary routine – avoid adaptation 4. e overload principle 5. Patient guides program intensity increases 6. Specicity Gross Saunders (2007) 7 describes the goals of therapeutic exercises to include the improvement of: • Gait• Balance• Function• Strength Which ultimately helps with daily life, preventing re-injury and if an athletic dog, enhance performance. Table 1 compares how we might implement and interpret outcomes to each of these improvements.ese improvements can be broken into phases. Although each phase will overlap, it helps to work out exercise progression. Initially the practitioner can propose gait and oor based exercises to encourage use of all limbs. ey can then move to working on the core and stabilising muscles 9, active ROM 10 before focusing on strengthening the main extensor Table 1) Improvements, implementation and outcomesPhase Improvement Implementation Outcomes1 Gait Simple walking Visual or dynamic through to more gait analysis advanced for assessment 8 proprioceptive tests2 Balance Working core and Even distribution of stabilising muscles body weight when using isometric standing contractions3 Function Active ROM Joint exion / extension4 Strength Resistance training for Ability to execute extensor muscles specic tasks*continued overleaf
31Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12….the NEW range ofSuper Premium Dog FoodTel: 01845 565630 www.vetspec.comVeterinary Specification Supplementsin CEREAL-GRAIN-FREE SUPER PREMIUM DOG FOODSThe benets include:- • Very palatable food which your dog will love. • High quality chicken meat content with added vegetables and herbs. • Cereal-grain-free, Hypoallergenic and Non-GM. • Prebioticbreandherbalsourcestohelpmaintainguthealth. • Will greatly improve the coat and promote a supple skin. • Noaddedcolours,preservativesorarticialavours.“Since feeding VetSpec my dogs have never looked better. VetSpec Omega-3 Joint Mobility Formula has without doubt helped my older dog get back to competition winning form after an injury.” Richard King
32Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12 Figure 1) Phasing the improvementsStart of exercise programFoundation and gait workBalance workExtensor targeted strengtheningActive ROMPhase THR FCE Iliopsoas 1 Sling standing and Supportive standing and Reduce ‘over’ walking walking abduction 2 Ladder walking Static displacement All feet up 3 Assisted extension Cone weaving Active stretching 4 Round and round Stair climbing SquatsTable 3) Phased progressive approachALAN GARDNERDiscussionThe use of physiotherapy is becoming more widespread for the treatment of soft tissue injuries, as a possible conservative treatment for orthopaedic conditions and for post-surgery rehabilitation. An important modality in physiotherapy programs is tailored exercise programs of which Home Exercise Programs (HEP) are used between face to face consultations.A phased program helps the practitioner design and the owner carry out a targeted HEP, stimulating both progression and variety to aid completion of the program and successful outcome. To demonstrate this, we introduced and described 3 cases based on Total hip replacement (THR), Fibrocartilaginous Embolism (FCE) and an Iliopsoas strain. These represented very dierent starting points and exercise needs. For each case examples were given of a phased program starting with improving limb use, recuperation of proprioception / balance, progressing joint ROM and building muscle strength. Table 2 – Common canine conditions requiring rehabilitation• Bicipital tenosynovitis• Elbow dysplasia • Femoral head ostectomy (FHO)• Fibrocartilaginous Embolism (FCE)• Iliopsoas strain• Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD)• Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)• Tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO)• Total hip replacement (THR)“Greater strength may be required to perform active ROM compared to normal ambulation”muscles using methods based on increasing resistance 11. Having a phased plan to an exercise program also helps the practitioner meet the basic rules outlined above: 1. It targets the muscles that need improving 2. Exercises will be tailored for the patient 3. e phases add variety 4. Each stage builds on the last 5. e practitioner can decide if the patient is ready to move on 6. e program is guided by the long-term goalCommon conditions in canine rehabilitation 12ere are certain conditions that appear regularly in a canine physiotherapists workload. ese are outlined in table 2. e phased based approach to designing an exercise program can be applied to each condition and examples are discussed below. Whenever starting a new exercise program, the practitioner should always consider that each individual case is unique. erefore, this approach is proposed as an open template, facilitating the design and implementation a program of based on: • Case specics • erapists knowledge of canine exercises • Equipment availability • Owner complianceTo demonstrate an exercise based rehabilitation program using a phased progression approach I will use case studies based on THR, FCE and an iliopsoas strain which represent dierent approaches from the beginning namely:1. THR case was initially unable to walk unassisted2. FCE case could stand for a limited time unassisted3. Iliopsoas case had weight bearing lameness and over-abduction of corresponding rear limbe primary aim during the exercise process is to continue the increase in muscle strength and joint exibility with quality over quantity being a crucial factor 13 14. In each case they had received or were receiving the appropriate treatment with electro-physical agents, massage, ROM and stretching, as applicable. Exercise being a complementary treatment to restore movement and tissue strength.
33Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12Case 1 - THRThe owners of the THR case that I had in mind when preparing this article didn’t think of the sling stage as physiotherapy or rehabilitation, but a physical necessity. The dog in question weighed more than 50 kgs and some 5 times a day, 2 people had to physically walk help him get up and out to ‘do his business’. I explained that this was a critical stage in him ‘re-learning’ to walk and that once we could see independent rear limb movement, we could progress this to phase 2, stimulating his proprioceptive reactions.The size, as well as the condition of our patient dictated what exercises we might chose in phase 2. Any potential fall could potentially damage the hip and result in a complete new operation. So, we chose to use a ‘football ladder’ which is essentially very small dimeter poles held together by fabric to prevent movement of the rails. This meant (i) the owners could assist (ii) we could do the exercise in the home on soft carpet (iii) our patient could work out for himself deliberate picking up and placing down of all limbs. As the dog gained the ability to walk without assistance, we raised the height of the poles to hock height in preparation for increasing hip extension. With the weight of the dog a major factor, we decided to have his front legs resting on a peanut ball. Making small forward and backward movements we could achieve some of the advantages of dancing, namely encouraging active hip extension.Finally, we could introduce some strengthening work including ‘round and round’ exercise. This involves raising the front limbs onto a balance disc and then encouraging the dog to step side wards using just rear limbs and therefore engaging adductor and abductor muscles.Balancing on all four limbs should be carried out in the neutral position. Image courtesy Canine exercise solutionsBalance discs provide an excellent surface for ‘round and round’ exercise. Image courtesy camddwrcanine / FitPaws UK FITbone provides an excellent tool to provide support for small to medium sized breeds. Image courtesy camddwrcanine / FitPaws UK Case 2 - FCECase 2 was a medium sized terrier breed weighing around 12 kgs. Although there was some pain / reex sensation in the rear limb, the ability to stand and walk was very limited. In addition to sling walking, with an appropriately sized canine specic inatable to support body weight. This allowed us to position the dog’s limbs in their natural position and therefore provide assisted weight bearing. The exercised was progressed by gradually;1. Increasing time of standing to 30 seconds with no noticeable fatigue2. Decreasing the pressure in the inatable, therefore reducing level of supportWhen the dog could support its own body weight we could further progress this by slowly applying pressure to the dog’s ank inducing a muscular contraction to remain upright. At rst this exercise is performed on hard ground and then gradually increasing to uneven surface (i.e. gym mat) and then to a low inatable. Concurrently we could move to phase 3 as the dog gained core muscle strength and encourage. This involved weaving in and out of cones to further develop use of the spinal muscles.Our nal phase involved controlled stair climbing. At rst, about a month after rst seeing the patient, we just climbed 2 stairs. Then progressed it each day for a step at a time until the dog could manage the whole ight using each limb in turn.continued overleaf
34Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12Case 3 - Iliopsoas Case 3 diered from the previous 2 in that the dog showed no visible signs of lameness in a normal walk, but over abduction of the rear limb when walking at 2.5 kph on a treadmill. is would also correspond to a weight shi to the opposite side during limb retraction. So, phase 1 involved using the treadmill encourage even limb use by loosely tying a theraband around the waist of the dog which has the eect of correcting the tracking. is is continued until there is noticeably less ‘leaning’ into the band.Phase 2 was targeted at improving balance on all fours and is an ideal home exercise. . e dog is encouraged to hold a 4-legged stance on a balance discs or FITbone for up to 30 seconds without shiing weight o the aected limb. Weight shiing and head movements are added to increase the level of diculty.With the dog used to standing on inatable equipment, we can then introduce the next stage of active improvement of ROM. is involves having (alternatively) the front limbs and then the rear limbs raised and using a treat to encourage the dog to extend shoulder / hip joint respectively. e aim is for the dog to engage the stretch for 30 secs, with a full session of 3 repetitions per set.Finally, we can introduce some power work to strengthen the rear limb and hip exor muscles. By having the dog place front limbs on a peanut ball, we can use a treat to move him from sit to stand to sit (1 repetition). is can be equated to human ‘squats’. e exercise can be varied between slow (2 – 4 seconds per repetition) to fast with a repetition per second.Weaving provides active bending of the spineImage courtesy Canine exercise solutionsALAN GARDNERREFERENCES1 Aquatic therapies such as swimming and water based treadmill are complementary therapies to most physiotherapy and I often work alongside hydrotherapy with my cases. However, for this article it is to demonstrate the use of ‘land’ exercises with a focus on home based treatments to supplement in practice consultations.2 Bockstahler, B., Levine, D., Millis, D. (2004) Essential facts of physiotherapy. Babenhausen, Germany.3 Cameron, M. (2003) Physical agents in rehabilitation. Elsevier science. Missouri, USA.4 https://www.physio-pedia.com/Adherence_to_Home_Exercise_Programs [accessed 5th April 2018]5 https://canineexercise.com/6 *https://www.verywellt.com/the-6-scientic-rules-you-must-follow-to-get-t-3120111 [accessed 5th April 2018]7 Gross Saunders, D. (2007) Therapeutic Exercise, Topics in companion animal medicine, Volume 22, Issue 4, Pages155–159, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1053/j.ctsap.2007.09.003 http://www.companimalmed.com/article/S1096-2867(07)00074-6/fulltext [Accessed 2nd April 2018]8 https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/the-real-world-benets-of-strengthening-your-core [Accessed 2nd April 2018]9 Millis, D.L, Levine, D. & Taylor, R. (2004) Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy, Saunders, Missouri USA10 Kristensen, J. Franklyn-Miller, A. Resistance training in musculoskeletal rehabilitation: a systematic review. Br J Sports Med 2012;46:719–726. doi:10.1136/bjsports7937611 The remainder of this article focuses on therapeutic exercises and assumes that the examples given have already received or are receiving appropriate electro-physical, massage or manual therapies.12 http://www.animaltherapymedia.co.uk/winter2016/#/4613 www.pawsitive-performance.com14 Gardner, A. Lyons, B (2016) Canine Groin Muscles Rehabilitation http://www.animaltherapymedia.co.uk/winter2016/#/4615 There is a temptation to push them too fast and miss the type 1/slow twitch muscle action, so attention is given to correct formAUTHORAlan Gardner PgD A. Phys, MDip, DipMgmt, IAAT. Alan is an animal physiotherapist and practices at Hawksmoor, Nuneaton and Dunton Veterinary Clinic in the UK. He specializes in rehabilitation of performance dogs and improving gait post-surgery. At the Hawksmoor practice, there is a GAIT4DOG gait analysis treadmill which is exceptionally good for evaluating imbalances in pressure distribution of the canine limbs. This evaluation can quickly demonstrate compensatory patterns.www.smartpawsphysio.com alan@smartpawsphysio.comCanine Exercise Solutions provides an essential clinical tool for physio and other therapists. The online program is used to create home exercises programs and informative advice for their clients. Advantages include HD videos of each exercise which are accessible on any kind of device. New exercises can be created on demand. Contact: info@canineexercise.com
35Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12by June Le Fevre PDip V. Phys, MIRVAP, FP-MT, CCFTThe real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new lands but seeing with new eyes Marcel ProustA quote that Canine Arthritis Management can really relate to. The “rat-race” that we all live in, racing to work, feeding the kids, paying the bills, often lends to us being completely unaware of what or even who is around us. We are so busy we overlook the simplest things in life.Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) was set up to raise awareness of canine osteoarthritis and the treatment routes available to dogs and their owners. We aim to help owners and other professionals “see with new eyes”, and together tackle the wide scale problem.The shocking statistics are that over 80% of dogs over the age of 8 years old will already be suering from osteoarthritis, and that this insidious disease is the single largest cause of early euthanasia in dogs. The gures don’t begin to uncover the sheer scale of the problem though, with so many younger dogs also suering from the disease but are overlooked as they don’t t the stereotypical mould of an arthritic dog. Many dogs suer in silence for years before a prominent lameness, a change in behaviour or an inability to perform the owner’s routine alerts them to their dogs requirements.As therapists of all disciplines, we know we can do so much more to improve both the quality and longevity of dog’s lives. We have all witnessed the incredible results achievable when combining veterinary care with therapist intervention. The CAM team consists of determined souls that are hoping to go one step further. Having witnessed transformations in pain control, mobility and quality of life when education, inspiration, empowerment and options are given to the owner, they have taken their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm online. Every member of the team is learning from each other as well as from the guest speakers we invite to write for us. But what is wonderful is we are also learning from the public. Through “listening with new ears” we have been given a glimpse of ways we could really raise greater awareness of the condition and the available treatment options for owners.Social media is a booming phenomenon with estimates of 1.5 billion people having Facebook accounts. You either love it or hate it, but you can’t avoid it. CAM started as a simple Facebook page where Hannah posted about the cases she was treating (with the owner’s consent). Most of her clients were dogs in stage 5 osteoarthritis (5x5x5) that were running out of options. Through combining owner education, lifestyle advice, home management tips and her chosen therapy, she too saw almost miraculous results, too miraculous to not share and inspire other owners. Since then the page has grown, and has become, and will continue to be, a platform for other vets, vet nurses, therapists and pet professionals to empower owners to construct the best multimodal plan for their dogs.Time and time again we are reminded that everything counts when managing this disease, from minor adjustments of daily routines, to major house rearrangements. A rug placed in a key location, such as where the owner greets them, can prevent those repetitive slips, trips and falls that can progress their condition.A pet step in front of the sofa can minimise the concussive forces that jolt through those forelimbs as they descend. Furthermore we have also learned that this input is also a game changer for the owner. When creating a therapeutic plan for a dog, the owner’s needs can be overlooked as we are programmed to treat the dog. Through fullling the owner’s needs, which are to also do the best for their beloved dog, the results can be outstanding. Owners become driven, not defeated. They become inspired not deated. They develop condence in their own role rather than feeling confused and frustrated.To oer this additional support can be the straw that breaks the camels back for many. As a profession, we are all very prone to empathy exhaustion, compassion fatigue and other mental health issues. Many of the CAM team understand this having been exposed to it themselves, another reason why they are driven to give up their time to provide an online resource where this “owner essential” can be delivered.We now oer a plethora of free resources, which can be found on our websitewww.caninearthritis.co.uk, on our facebook pagewww.facebook.com/CAMarthritis, subscribe to our youtube channel or join our fantastic forum which can be found by going towww.cam-foundation.co.uk.The forum is a fantastic place for owners to come together, ask questions, gain appropriate answers and share their stories.So as well as gaining expert advice they gain support from their peers.For the forum to become increasingly successful it needs to grow and become a vibrant oasis of information and support.If therapists united and supported the forum they would be able to share their skills and give the forum members information on how each of the specialist disciplines benet dogs suering from this debilitating disease.Awareness and teamwork really is the answer to raising both the prole of the condition and how therapists can become increasingly involved.To assist with awareness CAM launched the initiative #yourdogmoreyears. and it is vital that as many therapists as possible unite and promote this information to their existing client base and ensure that their local vets, who they work alongside of, are engaged with this initiative.So #yourdogmoreyears needs to be trending via all social media, the more it is shared the more dogs will benet from the information.Doing this is simple – just write #yourdogmoreyears on paper and take pictures of both your and your clients dogs, share them via all social media routes and make sure you include #yourdogmoreyears in the text – let’s all get the message out there and get it trending.Therapists need to share the benets of sharing the knowledge and the change that it can make to dogs lives – To quote our youtube video “not just growing old, but growing old great”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=772uy7NnCBM.Canine Arthritis Management
36Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12I WAS quietly reading when I felt a gentle tug on my sock. e sock moved down an inch. Using great precision and carefully minding my toes, the sock was gently pulled o. With a wag of delight and an air of satisfaction Mabel, my golden retriever, rolled on her back and held the sock high in the air with her front paws while grabbing the dangling end with her mouth. Within a minute her daughter Phoebe joined in and they played tug-o-war, stretching my sock to its limit. Watching the dogs act out their mock battle was fascinating: the game did not appear competitive nor serve any purpose: it was pure fun. But is play just about fun? It surely must have a function too, otherwise evolution would have eliminated it. The function of playIn her book Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know: scientist and author Alexandra Horowitz denes play as: “…a voluntary activity incorporating exaggerated, repeated behaviours, extended or truncated in duration, varied in fortitude and atypically combined; and using action patterns that have identiable, more functional roles, in other contexts.” Play helps to rewire the brain and increases neural connections in the cerebral cortex, and those deprived of the opportunity to play have poorer social skills. Singleton puppies without sibling rivalry to teach them play skills oen struggle to interact socially with other dogs in acceptable ways. During play, hormones and neurotransmitters such as dopamine, noradrenaline, oxytocin and endorphins are released, which have positive eects on the body, and dogs who frequently play have lower cortisol levels. e mood of play is contagious, and research shows that stress levels of shelter dogs reduce when listening to recordings of dogs at play1. Play is a window into emotions. It is indicative of a positive state of mind and security, and takes place in safe environments when essential needs such as food are met. Play is self-reinforcing, it binds dogs together in friendship and is generally not discriminative of breed. A dog’s ability to self-handicap – to purposely put themselves at a disadvantage and curb their strength - means they can play with dogs of dierent ages, sizes and generations. Dogs prefer to play in pairs rather than groups and the most common type of social play is play ghting. Play is essential for mental and physical wellbeing. Puppies start to play pouncing and chasing games when their ears and eyes open around four to ve weeks. Play hones social skills and helps to bond animals and people, and requires co-operation. It demands quick decision-making and Dogs just want to have fun! Play for health and wellbeingby Kate Mallatratt A Dip CBM, ICB, PPG, Canine BehaviouristCanine CarePuppy Pickle entertaining himself with a rope ball © Bounders Dog Photography
37Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12ideal for dogs on restricted exerciseexcellent for crate trainingcalming for anxious dogsgreat distraction from unwanted behaviourfabulous for puppy developmentstimulating for dogs with sensory impairmentperfect mental stimulation for golden oldies useful for extending reward timesrecommended by canine professionals fully washable and can be tumble driedwww.pickpocketforagers.comwww.pickpocketforagers.comWhy does my dog need aPick Pocket?EMAIL kate@PickPocketforagers.comTEL07875 951632A MUST HAVE! The PickPocket is a superb interactive feeder providing mental stimulation, especially important for dogs on restricted exercise for medical reasons. Highly recommended!Brigie Barton, chair & education oicerInternational Canine Behaviourists | www.icb.globalMy 9 month old border collie Thessie loves her PickPocket. It occupies and mentally stimulates her, and is helping to improve her nosework skills ready for competition. As a behaviourist I strongly recommend this product to all dog owners.David Svennelid, canine behaviourist & trainer Swedish Dog Academy | www.swedishdogacademy.comMy dogs love the PickPocket! They are perfect to keep noses busy, and as a veterinary nurse I can see their value for dogs on crate rest, restricted exercise or recovering from ortho-paedic surgery. With a PickPocket your dog can ‘exercise’ with his nose!NIKKI CADDICK, Registered Veterinary NurseTrained to Pawfection | www.trainedtopawfection.co.ukThe puppies in my class LOVED exploring the PickPocket – one had his evening meal in it! In my grooming salon, the PickPocket made Angel’s first puppy visit very enjoyable, and she happily foraged in the pockets while being combed.Karen Backhouse, APDT trainer & groomerGuiding Paws Training | www.guidingpaws.co.ukGift setsAre you looking for that extra special gift for your ‘bestie’? Look no further than our pawsome gift set - PickPocket and matching bandana.ideal for dogs on restricted exerciseexcellent for crate trainingcalming for anxious dogsgreat distraction from unwanted behaviourfabulous for puppy developmentstimulating for dogs with sensory impairmentperfect mental stimulation for golden oldies useful for extending reward timesrecommended by canine professionals fully washable and can be tumble driedwww.pickpocketforagers.comwww.pickpocketforagers.comWhy does my dog need aPick Pocket?EMAIL kate@PickPocketforagers.comTEL07875 951632A MUST HAVE! The PickPocket is a superb interactive feeder providing mental stimulation, especially important for dogs on restricted exercise for medical reasons. Highly recommended!Brigie Barton, chair & education oicerInternational Canine Behaviourists | www.icb.globalMy 9 month old border collie Thessie loves her PickPocket. It occupies and mentally stimulates her, and is helping to improve her nosework skills ready for competition. As a behaviourist I strongly recommend this product to all dog owners.David Svennelid, canine behaviourist & trainer Swedish Dog Academy | www.swedishdogacademy.comMy dogs love the PickPocket! They are perfect to keep noses busy, and as a veterinary nurse I can see their value for dogs on crate rest, restricted exercise or recovering from ortho-paedic surgery. With a PickPocket your dog can ‘exercise’ with his nose!NIKKI CADDICK, Registered Veterinary NurseTrained to Pawfection | www.trainedtopawfection.co.ukThe puppies in my class LOVED exploring the PickPocket – one had his evening meal in it! In my grooming salon, the PickPocket made Angel’s first puppy visit very enjoyable, and she happily foraged in the pockets while being combed.Karen Backhouse, APDT trainer & groomerGuiding Paws Training | www.guidingpaws.co.ukGift setsAre you looking for that extra special gift for your ‘bestie’? Look no further than our pawsome gift set - PickPocket and matching bandana. Tel: 07875 951632 kate@PickPocketforagers.com www.PickPocketforagers.com Fabric food foragers for your best friendFind us on FBSee our latest fabrics, watch videos of happy customers and read our training tipscontinued overleafGolden Oldie Nellie, 16, still enjoys playing with her toys© Justine Chater Schuurmanstrust combined with the ability to read the other’s body language and predict what might happen. is could suggest that dogs have theory of mind, in that they understand that other dogs might have dierent intentions and desires to their own and may think and feel dierently: they are self-aware. e amount of time spent playing declines with maturity and dogs are unusual in that they play into adulthood and beyond. Why they continue to play into later life when they have learned necessary survival skills isn’t certain but its function could be social bonding and/or purely for fun. About playPlay is universal, and many of us have seen videos of seemingly incompatible animals who nd common ground through play. Some dogs will quite happily amuse themselves with toys, while others prefer to interact with another dog or human. According to dog trainer and journalist Metchild Käufer in Canine Play Behaviour: the science of dogs at play, there are three separate play systems: object play, play predation and social play.Play has rules. It frequently starts with an introductory play bow and roles are oen reversed. If play gets out of hand – perhaps one dog bites a little harder than he should – there are shake-o or play bow ‘apologies’ or other pauses such as sning, sneezing, yawning, scratching and licking. However, play is not without risk. It expends energy, takes focus away from the environment and potential predators, and could possibly escalate into a ght risking injury (although it rarely does). If play escalates, it may need to be interrupted. If one dog is clearly more assertive, a consent test is a useful measure of whether the ‘underdog’ is happy: stop the play and see if he returns to the game. Play is inuenced by selective breeding, which has exaggerated certain physical and psychological traits. For instance, Dachshunds like digging games, bite-shaking toys, hiding and attacking. Border Collies enjoy tug and ball games involving movement, which they like to stop.
38Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12PLAYTo take a ball o a collie, start playing with a second ball by rolling it around with your feet and shortly your collie will drop the ball in his mouth and focus on the moving one. Some physical characteristics can negatively inuence play, especially where selective breeding makes reading facial expressions dicult, inhibits ear movement or impedes tail communication. e ‘collie eye’ stare can be misinterpreted by other dogs and make them feel threatened.Play is a powerful reinforcer of behaviour with some dogs preferring to work for a toy rather than food, and tug is a game enjoyed by many dogs.Tug playAll games need boundaries and tug is no exception. Keep a tug toy that is reserved only for play with you to maintain interest and value. With NO instructions, wait for your dog to oer a calm behaviour of his choice and when he is showing good self-control start your tug game. Waiting for the game to start teaches impulse control.Releasing a toy is counter-instinctive although it can of course be trained. To teach a clean release of the tug, a verbal cue isn’t necessary. Gently hold your dog’s collar under the chin to stop him backing away, while holding the tug still. e tug MUST be ‘dead’ for your dog to release it; if still moving it’s ‘alive’ and if this was prey he could lose his well-earned dinner by letting go. Pulling will only increase his grip. Be patient! Some dogs - especially terriers – are quite determined to hang on, which of course is a perfect skill for ratting. When the tug is lifeless, you will notice the eyes soen, the body become less tense, the jaws relax and nally the grip is released. Calmly take the tug. Even if your dog has your best shoe, follow this protocol - your shoe must be ‘dead’ for your dog to release it. Play without boundaries: blind Spaniel Rio enjoys playing with his toys and tug with his house mate © Rachel DaviesMany dogs but especially terriers enjoy tug games © Bounders Dog Photography
39Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12Kate Mallatratt is a founder member of International Canine Behaviourists and is a member of Pet Professional Guild for force-free training. She is author of Home Alone – and Happy! and worked in television as assistant animal trainer for Plimsoll Production. Kate holds an Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour Management and specialises in errorless learning, a concept she incorporates into problem prevention, behaviour modication and enriching the home environment for the family dog. Kate has owned and trained dogs for many years and runs her behaviour and training business, Contemplating Canines, in East Devon, UK.When shopping for a tug, look for one with a strong bungee handle to help prevent injury and jarring of the dog’s neck and your shoulders/wrists, which can occur from rope tugs that have no ‘give’. A large bite area helps passionate ‘tuggers’ to get a good grip, and food bag tugs can entice the more reluctant dogs. Gun dogs especially enjoy holding large, so objects and part of tug play can include allowing the dog to carry the toy aerwards. Bull dog breeds enjoy the tugging part of the game and terriers will oen love running aer a chaser tug before catching and ‘killing’ it.Ball play Some types of play incur a high risk of injury, especially repetitive behaviours such as throwing a ball and dogs can become unhealthily obsessed especially by automatic ball launchers. Driven by instinct they may chase to the point of exhaustion. ese types of games include predatory sequences and can become addictive, keeping dogs in a state of arousal and are contraindicated in dogs who are already over-aroused and reactive. e sharp skidding halts to grab the ball puts pressure on the joints and risks repetitive strain and cruciate injuries.Alternative games on walks can involve nose work: hunting for a ball, toy or treats, or following a track, and these are activities that engage mind, body and soul with the thrill of the nd without the danger of chase. Conclusion Personality and creativity are oen expressed through play and Mabel’s daughter Phoebe is no exception. She entertains herself on walks by plunging her head into the stream like a kingsher diving for a sh and pulling out a large stone. Aer parading around she drops it on the grass and playfully pounces on it. Next, she digs at the stone, and nally picks it up again to carry to a new spot, and the game begins again. She is blissfully happy and 1 Simonet 2005 cited by Käufer, Machtild (2013). Canine Play Behaviour: the science of dogs at play Page 8. Dogwise Publishing, Washington, USA.Beko, M PhD (2007). The Emotional Lives of Animals: a leading scientist explores animal joy, sorrow, and empathy, and why they matter. New World Library, USA. Beko, M PhD (2017). The Power of Play: Dogs just want to have fun. Psychology Today. Available from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/animal-emotions/201709/the-power-play-dogs-just-want-have-fun Horowitz, A PhD (2009). The Inside of a Dog: what dogs see, smell and know. Simon & Schuster UK Ltd, UK. Käufer, Machtild (2013). Canine Play Behaviour: the science of dogs at play. Dogwise Publishing, Washington, USA.Laurence, K (2010). Tug More Learn More. DVD from Learning About Dogs, UK. Available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/More-Learn-Learning-about-Dogs/dp/189094842XMiklósi Á, (2009 paperback edition). Dog behaviour, evolution, and cognition. Oxford University Press, Oxford, England. there is little doubt that her purpose is the thrill of play. Marc Beko, professor emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology says we “train too much and play too little”, and maybe we should all take a leaf out of our dog’s book and play more.CASE STUDY: SOPHIE, THE PLAYFUL GOLDEN RETRIEVER Sherri Steel, owner of seven year old Golden Retriever, Sophie, describes the many ways Sophie encourages the family to engage in play with her. “Sophie brings me teddies and then waits for me to do something. Sometimes she rolls a little soft ball at my feet. She often teases us by holding something in her mouth and as we go to take it she’ll move away a tiny, tiny bit so we can’t quite reach it. Sophie will pull down her feeding mat, oer a play bow with something in her mouth or pretend she wants to go outside and then run inside with her ears up (ho ho!), which I’m sure she nds amusing. She’ll show me where her games are kept and ask to play, and nudge her wobble cushion.Sophie rolls on her back and looks at us upside down with her feet in the air and shows her front teeth until we all laugh at her and say “Ooh! Look at Sophie!!”. We rub her tummy and get on the oor with her - that’s denitely about making us laugh. She looks from one person to another until we’ve all looked back at her and laughed at her! She likes doing this even if we don’t always play - just to get the laugh, and the attention too I suppose. She steals socks and then comes and shows us, with her ears all slicked back and with big eyes and we laugh, and she teases us with them. It’s not just that she wants us to laugh and play, I feel she nds these things amusing too.”
40Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12THIS was a question I was asked at the end of a talk I had given covering the osteopathic treatment of all kinds of animals and birds. It was the rst time I have been asked such a question in more than 25 years of working with all manner of species, including elephants. e originator of this found it hard to understand why we should bother trying to help anything other than another human being, and I wasn’t sure how much compassion they would have in that department either.It didn’t help when I said treating any creature was much like taking care of your dog, to which the lady replied, “I’d just have it put down!”I never did nd out why she had taken the time to attend an evening that clearly oered nothing that she could understand, or empathise with.I can mention this incident safe in the knowledge that she would never peer inside this publication that, in her mind, merely promotes a waste of time and money.However, the question did get me asking myself why it is that, over the last 28 years I’ve found myself administering osteopathic treatment to lots of elephants, hundreds in fact, with several hundred others that I’ve merely had to observe and comment on.I have been privileged to work with captive (as no elephant is really domestic) and wild ones, and many very talented and knowledgeable professionals who have dedicated their lives to caring for, and improving the welfare and conservation of these amazing species.Very many of the individual animals I work with have suered either physical or psychological trauma, and some have suered both. at they let a complete stranger make physical contact with them, and then administer therapeutic changes within their physiology is astounding. I am fully aware that they could end my life in the blink of an eye if they wished to, but they don’t (or at least haven’t yet!).I have spent the last three decades listening to, and acting on expert advice on what I can, and cannot do around each individual elephant. More importantly I have learnt to realise that an elephant can be your best friend one day, and not want you anywhere near them the next. ey have complex personalities just as we do, and sometimes want to be le alone, in the same way we do.ose that know me are aware that I have been running specialist workshops to introduce other manual therapists to my world of elephant osteopathy. Some of you reading this may well have attended one or more of them. ey usually take place over a 5 day period.Occasionally clients, whose own animals I’ve treated, attend, and what strikes me as unusual is that these people very oen listen to and adhere to all of the health and safety information that we continually give. What worries me is that by around day four there is always at least one professional delegate that forgets, and puts themself, or others in potential, and on one occasion actual danger. at person won’t be joining any future workshops!Why do we need to treat Elephants?by Tony Nevin, BSc (Hons) Ost, DO Zoo Ost LtdTONY NEVIN40 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12
41Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12But I digress. Why have I spent so much of my life working with these incredible creatures?As a child I saw my rst elephant when the circus came to town. I was fascinated by their sheer size, intelligence, and ability to behave as individuals. ese were dierent times, and bizarrely I nd myself as part of the care team for the last retired circus elephant in the UK, and reportedly the oldest individual in Europe.When I began my training to become an osteopath I got thinking about other species, and elephants (also Giant Pandas but that’s another story) and what problems individuals might get if they were not able to roam on a daily basis. I compared the way humans in sedentary lifestyles appeared to suer certain problems both physically, and emotionally and it got me to thinking and asking the question “do other species with highly developed brains suer similarly?”I found out a couple of years aer graduating when I came face to face with my rst elephant patient at Twycross Zoo. Both she and the zoo’s vet had a good sense of humour. She was still a juvenile, and the vet acted like one (he’s a good friend of mine now so I can say this!).I knew this encounter would be a steep learning curve, but it was made a whole lot worse by the fact that the regional news station wanted to lm me attempting to give this elephant an osteopathic treatment. What I didn’t realise, thankfully, was that it would make the breakfast news throughout the UK.e elephant in question was presented to me aer I’d gone through her case history with the vet, then he asked for the “baby” to be brought into the elephant house. In walked a 7 foot tall baby and she continued walking up to me, then through me, before turning and sticking her trunk between my legs and liing me about a foot (30cm for the younger readers) o the ground. She was none too continued overleafgentle either. Aer picking my pockets, undoing bootlaces and the like I tried to palpate her. is she seemed to like, but it didn’t stop all of her shenanigans.e vet, clearly enjoying my double discomfort of an uncontrollable patient and a large video camera stued in front of my face, decided to wind things up a notch, and asked one of the zookeepers if they could fetch me a step ladder. Being so focused on not trying to let my profession down, I gladly accepted the oer of them when they arrived. Big mistake. I was soon on my back looking up at the elephant house ceiling. e elephant was clearly enjoying all of these extra stimuli, as was the vet. At one point I thought he was going to choke himself laughing!Eventually I had done all that I could and commented that it would be a lot easier if we could get her to lie down next time. e keepers said they would get her comfortable doing this with them scrubbing and cleaning her in this position. e ordeal over, we arranged to reconvene in two weeks.In the meantime the news item went out and most of my friends and family thought it was an April Fools joke as that was the morning it was aired!On my second visit the elephant was much calmer, and actually seemed to begin to accept me into her circle. e keepers commented that they had noticed a change in her behaviour since the rst visit and were keen to see what else would happen.41Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12
42Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12Over the next 6 months we worked on a series of trials to see what did and did not work, and from this early experience my knowledge of working with elephants was born.I should add that I was asked to treat the eects of a traumatic altercation she had been involved in with the zoo’s matriarch elephant, or bully, as she appeared to be. e two younger elephants both ended up needing my help thanks to this other individual.From that rst encounter I have now worked with elephants on several continents, and an awful lot in their own range states.Elephants feature a lot within many cultures and religions, and they provoke powerful emotions within people.In parts of Africa they are hunted for the price of their tusks. In Asia they are sometimes persecuted due to what are termed human elephant conict. is is where there is too much pressure on limited pockets of land, or where elephants get a taste for certain crops. Add to this in some countries elephant calves are still taken from the wild to feed the human tradition and occasionally status of owning elephants. In some Asian countries the elephant in domesticity is classied as a beast of burden with ignorance oen playing a part in the way that they are looked aer. Not so much the physical aspect but rather in the elephant’s psyche.I know why I get involved, and stay involved in treating elephants. I truly believe that a world without them will be a very much poorer one. By sustaining and improving the Tony Nevin, BSc (Hons) Ost, DO is Clinical Director on the MSc Animal Osteopathy programme, run through the McTimoney College of Chiropractic, Oxon. He also lectures nationally and internationally; runs unique wildlife workshops; and is a prolic writer, presenter, and broadcaster. His radio show “The Missing Link” on Corinium Radio is the only one of it’s kind and is rapidly gaining a loyal listenership.For more than 6 years he chaired The Society of Osteopaths in Animal Practice (SOAP), which recently changed its name to the Association of Animal Osteopaths (AAO). For more information contact Tony at +44 7831 759339 www.zooost.comwww.horseost.co.uk www.coriniumradio.co.ukTONY NEVINhealth and wellbeing of “domestic” elephants in range state countries we (I include everyone involved in this colossal task) can ease the pressure on wild populations. By creating more elephant movement corridors linking forests and suitable elephant habitat, we can reduce human elephant conict, and also create pathways for all other forms of wildlife.By raising welfare standards for captive elephants we can also encourage, through better access to mainstream education, fewer next generation mahouts (elephant keepers/handlers). With each successive generation there will hopefully be fewer, and fewer wanting to keep elephants. Aer all they take a lot of looking aer, and can easily consume 250kg of food a day as adults. at results in a lot of cleaning up from the other end too.Getting to the present day that is why I have spent the last 7 years supporting the work of John Roberts and his team at the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF). With John’s and the team’s support I have been able to not only treat ex street elephants with physical and psychological problems, but also to run workshops aimed at mahouts and camp managers, elephant veterinarians, as well as fellow osteopaths, chiropractors, and physiotherapists. But there is still a long road ahead. A major achievement in ailand has been the successful micro chipping of all domestically kept elephants, along with an even more robust DNA proling so that any elephant can be screened to see if it is from domestic or wild stocks. As I write this I have just nished running the latest workshop, and safely seen all the delegates on their way back to their normal lives!is group were excellent with a high regard for team safety.Working with elephants and professional elephant people I have sadly lost friends and colleagues to “incidents,” and I always breathe a sigh of relief when each workshop nishes.Elephants may be enormous but they suer from all of the same physical and emotional problems as us, and have been shown to both solve problems and work within a team to achieve their goals (now being proven by top researchers like Josh Plotnik).at’s why we need to treat them. at’s why I have been treating them for most of my career. e fact that they let me is one of the most humbling experiences one can have.If you don’t believe me why not join me on the next workshop?42 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12
43Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12YOU may be thinking how does a picture of some Shire horses ploughing eld relate to re training of racehorses? For obvious reasons; 1. (Unless it’s for charity) Shire horses do not race 2. A sheer volume and size dierence3. Unless your racehorse would like to become a star of the lm ‘War horse’ you are not likely to see them, or ask them to plough a eld (and there would be a big question mark over their legs and body at the end of it if they did) I always like to ‘think outside of the box’ or draw experience and training techniques from other disciplines. I believe that we, as trainers, can learn something from everyone. We are all working with our equine friends, and although its may not be discipline specic, the theory, or what you're trying to achieve, may be similar. e dynamics of how a shire horse pulls a plough is similar to that of how a horse works. With most horses, but most notably in the ex racehorses who are built slightly croup high, when you ask them to move forwards from the leg they naturally ‘pull’ into their shoulders. All horses are wider at the hips that the shoudlers, but mores that of the ex racehorse, so the tendency to pull down is even greater. As mentioned in previous articles, the ex racehorse is not built to naturally li though their abdomen, li their backs, push from behind and li through their shoulders and withers. is can be seen by how a horse pulls a plough. When you ask a Shire to walk forward, the rst thing they do is pull into their shoulders, meeting the collar of the plough and therefore enabling the plough to move forward. e ex racehorse does this when you ask them to move forward; however, there is no collar to stop them so all energy falls slightly onto the forehand, which as a rider, we feel through the weight in the rein and the slight tip forward of us onto our knees, as our ex racehorse is avoiding using their back, and may not be at the stage of their training where they can take the weight behind.In the early stages of retraining, when your ex racer loses their balance, they will pull very heavily onto the forehand, and run a little in the rhythm. e temptation of us as riders is to then pull on the mouth and take the leg away. Some see this as a ‘closing of the front door.’ What we have to remember as re trainers is that we are on a breed that likes to travel. e more we ask them to ‘woah’ and wait, especially with the rein, the more they pull into their shoulders and ght the rider. Self preservation is a bit of a hinderance for us as riders at this stage and it takes a lot of practice to let go of the front end and slowly, get our lower leg around our running ex racehorse. e problem we have as riders is that we have an animal who is ‘anti’ hand and leg at the same time. Its seems a little like the chicken and egg scenario, which one do we address rst. For me, I address the leg rst and the hand second. is is where my neck strap comes in. e neck strap allows me to take half halts on the horse, and prevent the pull down into the collar, without aecting or interfering with the horses mouth. For some horses it takes a fair few attempts to understand that you are no longer interfering with the front end, and that the ‘front door’ is still open, but in a more controlled and mannerly fashion. Most times, I have found that once your ex racer accepts the leg, they actually become quite lazy to it. Another hard part, for us as riders, is what we can see. When we have our slightly pulling and running ex racers, we have either lost sight of the head and neck as its pulling down, or its is right in From RaceHorse to Dressage HorseLouise Robson, a sought after specialist in the eld tells us more about what is involved in the retraining of a racehorse and the success she has enjoyed.THOROUGHBRED DRESSAGE
44Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12our face. For the time being, we have to ignore what we can see and think more about making the horses body accept the lower leg, to then enable us to inuence the front end. Again, this is where the neck strap is pivotal. It can help us as riders balance for those that are wanting to go around like a girae. e ones who want to go with their necks very high and a stilted front end action, the horse themselves is ‘closing the front door’ and becoming panicked by it as they feel they have no way forward. A slight push forward of the hand and neck strap can encourage the forward motions, along with little leg yield feels from inside and outside leg. For those that want to go very deep and pull very heavily downwards and take us with it, the neck strap stops the pull down and burying into the chest. In both cases, our ex racers backs are becoming quite sore by staying in both states, so the sooner our ex racer accepts the lower leg and moves forward with the front door open, the better As you can see in the photos Neville wants to pull down into his shoulders and make his neck quite short in the process. He does this as his back muscles are weak, and it is easier to élan on the forehand. You can see where he is trying to pull down into the collar. My outside hand is placed on the neck strap to stop him pulling down with my lower leg around him. If we compare this to four months later where he has become stronger over the back and learnt to go forward, with the use of his back, with the ‘front door’ still being open. e wither and holder has lied with the neck out and so. It is not only the early stages of retraining that I use the neck strap. All of my horses, religiously, are ridden in neck straps. Primarily it is for safety, and to help balance myself without my hands coming in, but it is also used in the more advanced movements. I always talk about ‘default.’ Normally, when we teach our ex racers something new, or ‘ask for a little more’ in their training ‘default’ usually kicks in. Take for example, Quadrille. Quadrille is slightly croup high with the tendency to put his le hind to the side, rather than following in line with the le fore, poke his shoulders to the right and give too much le exion and not enough right bend. When Quad struggles wth something, he will lock his back, and pull, quite heavily, into shoulders, becoming increasingly downhill and shortening his neck, whilst ‘default’ i.e le hind, lack of right exion etc etc all happening at the same time. “Default’ isn't a bad thing, its a good thing, as I Above: Dubai Prince aka Neville two months into re training. Below Neville, four months into retrainingTHOROUGHBRED DRESSAGE
45Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12am aware that when he gets stressed, or unsure, or he is struggling, this is what he will do. A very good example, would be when Quad was being asked to ‘sit’ in the canter and begin to take the weight behind. Due to his conformation, ‘default’ would kick in, and his coup would become higher, his shoulders lower and he would pull into the reins very heavily, whilst pulling me forward. My intuition as a rider would kick in, and straight away, I would want to li my hands to encourage the head to come o the oor. If I put more lower leg on, ‘default’ would become greater and he would start to run on, a lot like the early days of retraining. So how to combat this? Go to the neck strap and look at eventers…I defy any person to nd an image of William Fox Pitt riding cross country without a neck strap on. e way in which he rides and uses his neck strap is ideal for any horse, but more so of our ex racers whether its be jumping , or on the at. if you think of the dynamics of the horse galloping across the ground, just like a racehorse galloping in a race. Long, at, covering as much ground as possible, frame very long and travelling. en they come up to a rather ridiculous sized fence, how do they gather them together? You pull on the rein you could possibly get an argument with the head and mouth, which is the last thing you want heading into this ridiculous sized fence. You, as a rider, need your horses shoulders up, hindlegs underneath, head focused, and in balance, all in the space of a few seconds ... li the collar. If you get the chance to watch William go cross country, its amazing. He very very rarely interferes with the mouth, but uses the neck strap to help get the horse together, in balance, with the neck out, and the hindlegs under, ready to jump in good balance. is can be used on the at with our ex racehorses, when asking them to begin to sit. Whether it be in the canter, or trot, or even walk. e half halt on the neck strap, will ‘li the collar’ It allows the chest to come up and present. e wither lis, the head and mouth stay relaxed and untouched, whilst the front door is open. e liing of the chest, will then in turn allow the hindlegs to sit down and take the weight behind. It must be said, that when you ‘li the collar’ you need your weight, position and lower leg in the right place and applying an aid, so your ex racer begins to put the two together and understand what you're asking them to do. If we look at Phillip, rst year into his re training, the neck strap has helped teach him to li and turn the shoulders in the canter, therefore staring to place the balance on the hindleg. If we compare it to Quad four years into his retraining. the frame is a lot more uphill and the chest is ‘presenting’ itself, with the neck so and outer and the hindleg underneath You can use the neck strap for; transitions within the pace, between the paces, asking the horse to sit, extend, compress. Its a vital piece of equipment that I feel is massively under used and makes for a happier horse with better communication between horse and rider. Above: Philip, rst year into re-training. Below: Quadrille, 4 years into re-trainingBelow: William Fox-Pitt
46Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12THE terms ‘long and low’ or ‘working your horse in the correct outline’ are terms very frequently used in the equine industry. However there is much confusion as to what the ‘correct’ out line is and how it is achieved. ere is oen a misconception that the ‘correct outline’ is to make the horse look professional and pretty when ridden, giving the impression the horse has a specic job and is trained to move in a certain way for this job. However the main focus of working the horse in the correct outline and indeed gaining it in the correct manner, is in fact to protect the horses’ musculoskeletal frame. e ‘correct outline’ is very dicult to train and can take long periods of time, but can be achieved by any horse and rider combination if they understand what they are trying to achieve and how to achieve it. The Horse’s Framee horse’s back is a very important structure, made up of various dierent vertebrae, large supportive ligaments, muscles and so tissue.Interestingly the horses’ body is not naturally designed to carry a saddle and rider, therefore it must be a priority to work them in the correct way to prevent pain, injury or illness. To understand the horse’s body we must look at its makeup and how it has evolved. Naturally the horse has two major responses known as ‘ght or ight’. e interesting response on this occasion is the ight response of the horse. In the ight response it is visibly obvious to see the horse raise its head, and tail, hollow its back and run. In turn these reactions mean that the horse’s spine alters and the spinous process of the vertebrae move closer together. e shape of the back in this response in relation to a hollow back and high head carriage, plus a saddle and a rider will bring the spinous processes closer with the extra weight. In some cases the spinous processes may get so close they touch causing the horse large amounts of pain, this is known as Kissing Spines.Another common skeletal condition seen in many horses now is a condition around vertebrae C2 and C3 joint in the neck or ‘broken neck syndrome’ as it is sometimes known. is occurs when a horse is forced to brace his neck, arching in the cervical 2 and cervical 3 junction, dropping the head at the poll and clenching the jaw. is not only puts huge amounts of pressure on the vertebral structures, strains the surrounding muscles, overdevelopes specic muscles and in some cases causes tension or strain through the nuchal ligament.e real meaning of ‘Long and Low’e Correct Outlineby Emma Green, Veterinary Physiotherapistis obviously impacts the rest of the body structures, causing weakness through the rest of the back and muscles, compromising the horse’s balance and coordination. Many horses not only show an unnatural head/poll position, but oen have a curve or lump on the top of the neck, as well as holding tension through the surrounding muscles oen causing swelling through the jaw line.What we look forWhat is the correct outline or position of the horses back and how does ‘long and low’ work make a dierence?In order to look aer the horse’s musculoskeletal structures in the best way we must train them to not only use their back correctly, but also use other parts of their body to support the mechanics of their back plus carry the saddle and rider successfully. e main focus is to make the horse’s back round, ideally with the head and neck low, the middle part of the back lied, with the whole back working in engagement. To support the spinal structures we encourage the horse to li through its abdominals, power PHYSIOTHERAPY
47Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12Achieving ‘long and low’A few considerations and simple techniques to help you look after your horse’s body.Rider position – This is very important when training any horse. Ensuring you are balanced in your seat and transferring weight equally through your stirrups is essential. The correct length of rein and ensuring you are soft through your hands, elbows and wrists will enable you to move your arms with the horses head movements, encouraging reach and stretch from the horse without the rider blocking the movements or becoming unseated.Impulsion – So many riders struggle with the dierence between speed and impulsion. Impulsion is a rhythmical beat of the horse’s gait which enables the horse to keeps its balance and for the rider to ask for bend and movements when required.Bend – By asking for your horse to bend around a circle, around your inside leg or slightly o the track will help to encourage your horse to work through his back and stretch the head and neck long and low. Bend is again something that has to be correct, because when a horse bends correctly it bends through the whole back, not just through the neck. Simply pulling on one rein and your horse turning its head is not achieving true bend.Spirals – Using spiral exercises will help to encourage stretch and bend when schooling the horse. By starting on a twenty metre circle, opening the inside hand and rein away from the horse and pushing with your inside leg will ask the horse to bend around your leg. Use the outside leg to push the horse in and spiral into a fteen metre circle, keeping the outside leg in place so the horse does not fall out through the shoulder. Spiral out once more and you will nd the horse asking to stretch its neck forwards and down. As the horse lowers its head and tries to stretch down and forwards, try not to block this, praise this behaviour as this is after all what you have asked for. With practise and most importantly time, the horse will learn what you require and this will become a natural outline whenever the horse works.through the hind quarters, with the rear part of the body almost carrying the front limbs, neck and shoulders. By working with all of these structures supporting each other, we are not only allowing the whole body to carry the weight of the rider instead of just the back but ensuring that the spaces between the vertebral spinous processes stay open. By engaging all of the body structures we are now able to ask the horse to work ‘long and low’. e correct meaning of long and low is to have the horse engaged from the hind quarters, with the horse supporting its whole frame and then working to reach forwards and down to stretch through the back. By training a horse in this way whether they be used for dressage, showjumping, eventing or hacking we are able to prevent injury to the large but very fragile body structures of the horse.When riders get it wrongConfusion occurs when owners have little knowledge of schooling a horse or when they see horses working at high level competitions with a higher frame and believe that this is the correct way of working a horse.e higher frame takes a huge amount of self-carriage from the horse and is achieved with the power of the hind quarters and abdominals liing the body and providing cadence and elevation. is is something that takes years of training, but does all begin with the supportive training of ’long and low’ work.Once the long and low frame is trained and gained correctly, riders are then able to train the horse to lengthen and shorten its frame and stride in order to convert the power into elevation, liing the horse into the frame we oen see at top level disciplines. is power and elevation production is what allows dressage horses to produce the complex high level movements or jumpers to push up and over high fences. Another fantastic way to encourage the horse to activate the hind limbs more and lengthen through the back and neck, taking the frame longer and lower is pole work. Using various pole formations can make it varied and fun for horse and rider to achieve the desired frame. Common mistakes made by riders when trying to achieve a frame which is perceived to be correct include;Over use of the bitHeavy, strong hands moving side to side will only encourage the horse to bend through the vertebrae at the cervical 2/ cervical 3 junction. This will not encourage correct engagement through the horses back and hind quarters and only puts strain on the neck and weakens the back of the horse.Warming up and Cooling downTraining correctly and encouraging the horse to work in the correct manor in order to protect their body is so important. The warm up enables the muscles to stretch and prepare for what is going to be asked of them next. The cool down then relaxs the muscles and helps decrease lactic acid build up which will make them feel sti and sore after a period of rest.Teaching your horse to work in ‘the correct outline’ can take time but it will keep the horse more active and supple for many more years.Another very important part of producing the correct outline and maintaining muscular health in your horse’s body is regular visits from a qualied physiotherapist. With each visit they will be able to release any muscle tension/ soreness that may have built up, discuss any concerns with the owner about the horse’s body and advice on home exercises that may help achieve the end goal. You can nd a fully qualied physiotherapist in your area by visiting the Register of Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP) at www.rampregister.org. or if you are in the Yorkshire area visit egreenanimalphysio.co.uk to arrange a physiotherapy treatment
48Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12Your Partner for Every Stage of CareCompanion , your trusted source for laser therapy, now offers you more than just great therapy lasers. For every stage of care, Companion has the right therapeutic solution to produce superior outcomes. The newly expanded portfolio includes diagnostic, pain management, rehabilitation, and regenerative medicine products. Your partner on the road to recovery – see the difference the right Companion makes.1. a person or animal with whom one spends a lot of time2. one of a pair of things intended to complement or match each other3. your animal health partnercom•pan•ionWELLNESSYour PARTNER on the Journey to®UK Office | Georginam@LiteCure.com | +44 (0) 1646 603878 | CompanionAnimalHealth.com 2239_CAH_Material Resize- A4_Ad.indd 1 9/27/17 2:37 PM
49Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12Gloria: 11-year-old Selle Francaise mareThe above sports horse owned by Lingeld Equine Partner Kate Granshaw was, being used for show jumping and dressage when she developed sudden onset hindlimb weakness, alteration in the quality of her right lead canter and an inabilityto balance herself when travelled. She was diagnosed with acute bilateral and biaxial desmitis/degeneration of all four hindlimb suspensory branches after clinical examination, dianostic analgesia, ultrasonography and radiography. The mechanism of injury was presumed to be bilateral metatarsophalangeal joint hyperextension during an episode when she escaped from her individual paddock during turnout.After diagnosis, she was placed on box rest with controlled hand walking for 5 minutes twice daily using supportive dressings, on a dose of 1.5g suxibuzone twice daily. After 8 weeks, disappointingly there was no ultrasonographical improvement, nor improvement in hindlimb strength or stability when she was reas-sessed. After consultation with other veterinary special-ists she was started on a Class 4 laser therapy treat-ment programme. Initially she was treated three times weekly using a desmitis/tendonitis setting delivering 6960 J of energy over 9 minutes and 40 seconds at 12 W with continuous wave on each suspensory branch for 4 weeks before being reassessed. During this time her controlled hand walking was increased in duration by 5 minutes per week up to a maximum duration of 20 minutes twice daily. The ultrasonographical improvement was nothing short of miraculous, with a decrease in the size of her suspensory branches and a signicant improvement in bre pattern and delineation. She also displayed less hyperextension of her metatarsophalangeal joints and better stability and comfort both statically and when ambulating. The laser sessions were continued three times a week for a further 2 weeks, and the suxibuzone tapered to 1.5g once daily. At this point the laser sessions were reduced to twice weekly for another 4 weeks, at which point both laser sessions and suxibuzone medication was ceased and limb support when being hand walked was steadily reduced without ill effect. Small pen turnout was commenced 4 months after the initial injury was sustained and shortly afterwards walking work was commenced under saddle. After 6 weeks, follow-ing an encouraging ultrasound scan, trot work was intro-duced alongside gentle inclines. A further 6 weeks later canter and schooling work was introduced to the exercise programme alongside hacking. When assessed clinically and ultrasonographically at regular intervals during her rehabilitation she has remained sound with minimal suspensory branch swelling. There is no doubt that laser therapy has played an integral part in Gloria’s recovery, with ultrasonographical and clinical improvement only occurring after it was commenced. To date there has been no evidence of re-injury which is very encouraging.Pegasus Laser TherapyEQUINE CASE SUMMARY UK Ofce // Georginam@LiteCure.com // +44 (0) 1646 603878CompanionAnimalHealth.comCase Courtesy of: Lingeld Equine Vets2331_V_UK Equine Case Ad.indd 1 12/28/17 2:01 PMYour Partner for Every Stage of CareCompanion , your trusted source for laser therapy, now offers you more than just great therapy lasers. For every stage of care, Companion has the right therapeutic solution to produce superior outcomes. The newly expanded portfolio includes diagnostic, pain management, rehabilitation, and regenerative medicine products. Your partner on the road to recovery – see the difference the right Companion makes.1. a person or animal with whom one spends a lot of time2. one of a pair of things intended to complement or match each other3. your animal health partnercom•pan•ionWELLNESSYour PARTNER on the Journey to®UK Office | Georginam@LiteCure.com | +44 (0) 1646 603878 | CompanionAnimalHealth.com 2239_CAH_Material Resize- A4_Ad.indd 1 9/27/17 2:37 PM
50Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12IN my opinion the best Vet of his time: a tonic for those of us promoting Animal Physiotherapy or Manipulation. Stewart was ahead of his peers – indeed he learned Manipulation himself and promoted the idea of horses needing Physio. Because he rode, he knew the importance of a decent saddle, was veterinary advisor to the Society of Master Saddlers and was a keen member of the Worshipful Company of Saddlers.We Animal Physiotherapists owe both Stewart Hastie and Peter Scott Dunn a big thank you. I recall both Stewart and his wife, Jane, together with Peter and Anne Scott Dunn coming to dinner to start an ocial body of Sherry’s Blogby Sherry Scott MBEIn Memory of Stewart Hastie, 1922-2018Animal erapists, compiling the best of everyone working in the eld to join together and form ourselves into an Association, with Vet referral and insurance companies recognising our work. When I started we were not allowed to use the word “treatment” so I would bill customers calling my work “visits”.Mary Bromiley and I spoke on the phone remembering Stewart – recalling his sense of humour and brilliant diagnostic powers, always keeping an open mind on what we may try, to benet the horse.Stewart’s passing is the end of an era. I believe he had such a long life very much due to the care Jane, his wife, gave him but also his interest in the future of vet practice and animal welfare.Let’s all look at his well-written books and drink a toast to a lovely man.Ailsa Page is a TCAP student from Scotland originally but now living and working in Northern Sweden in the beautiful High Coast (Höga Kusten) area.THE RIDEI have wanted to do a long ride for a while. I had breast cancer and I want to celebrate being alive and being in the nature I adore And to do that with some other women riders who want to share the opportunity and also celebrate life after some major health and emotional challenges.ABOUT THE RIDEWe are planning a horse ride in the northern wild forests of Sweden from Örnsköldsvik to Jokkmokk a ride of around 650 km avoiding main roads, and staying in the boreal forests which are the lungs of our northern hemisphere. We plan to use 4 of British rescue horses and at least 3 others from Sweden. The challenge for the humans involved will be navigating through wilderness on forest tracks that are not always as cleared in reality as they are on the map, on barefoot horses that are unused to the terrain, keeping the horses secure over night while we camp, coping with vast temperature changes and a lot of light, which we and the British horses will be unaccustomed to! We include in our number Kim ten Damme, a Dutch vet, Emma Bailey an English hoof expert practitioner, myself Ailsa Page an animal ‘friskvård’ worker and children’s therapist, Sara Mead a Bowen therapist from Wales and Louise Talintyre, the nutrition expert from Pure feeds. The challenge for the rescue horses is huge. We are asking them to work in a new climate, with predators (wolves, lynx, bear) and unfamiliar prey species (elk and reindeer). The ride will start 28th May and complete at Jokkmokk around midsummer so that we can enjoy riding in the midnight sun.OUR CHARITIES We have chosen 3 small but eective charities that don’t generate much coverage, yet make an enormous dierence in their world: Wisdom of Equus oers equine assisted therapy and education to children and adults with physical and mental health problems, ASHA animals is a rescue & veterinary centre in India, Sunbears outreach rehabilitates these beautiful bears from captivity back into the wild in Indonesia.OUR SPONSORS We are supported by a number of sponsors, without whom we would struggle to achieve this. We are very grateful for the generosity of; Arctic Horse riding skirts, Hoofarmor; scootboots; Pure Feeds, Bockman trailers,, Baleno outdoor clothing, urban horse.com; horseexplore sweden, natural Horsemanship saddles, the smart rider’s shop.com, norse Herbs, vismo satellite tracking. Get involved with our ride by sponsoring the charities at https://www.youcaring.com/ 3therapydevelopingworldanimalcharities-1075015Read about our progress on www.longridenorthadventures.org or follow our Facebook page at https://m.facebook.com/longridenorth/?ref=bookmarksThe Long Ride North50 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12
51Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12The College of Animal Physiotherapyis the longest-established animal physiotherapy college in the UK and trains students from around the worldAnimal PhysiotherapyIs this the career for you?There’s no need to be a human physiotherapist rst! Visit our website to see how we can help you develop your skills or start a new career.Our Equine and Canine Massage courses will complement and develop your work with animals.01844 290545 admin@tcap.co.uk www.tcap.co.uk Magnetopulse II Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field machine Blue and red light phototherapy plus six different magnetic field frequencies enabling a wide range of therapy treatments for joints, bones, ligaments and muscles Package includes: Magnetopulse II unit, phototherapy head, leg applicator and charger. RRP: £900 +VAT Promotional price: £700 +VAT Dual outputs allow two applicators to be used together. Other accessories are available. We also stock Electrovet and Long and Shortwave Ultrasound machines. Please contact us for a price list, training opportunities and CPD. The College of Animal Physiotherapy admin@tcap.co.uk | www.tcap.co.uk | 01844 290545 magnetopulse IIPulsed Electro-Magnetic Field machineBlue and red light phototherapy plus six different magnetic eld frequencies enabling a wide range of therapy treatments for joints, bones, ligaments and muscles.Dual outputs allow two applicators to be used together. Other accessories are available.Package includes:Magnetopulse II unit, phototherapy head, leg applicator and charger.RRP: £900 +VATPromotional price: £750 +VATMagnetopulse II Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field machine Blue and red light phototherapy plus six different magnetic field frequencies enabling a wide range of therapy treatments for joints, bones, ligaments and muscles Package includes: Magnetopulse II unit, phototherapy head, leg applicator and charger. RRP: £900 +VAT Promotional price: £700 +VAT Dual outputs allow two applicators to be used together. Other accessories are available. We also stock Electrovet and Long and Shortwave Ultrasound machines. Please contact us for a price list, training opportunities and CPD. The College of Animal Physiotherapy admin@tcap.co.uk | www.tcap.co.uk | 01844 290545 We also stock Electrovet and Long and Shortwave Ultrasound machines.Please contact us for a price list, training opportunities and CPD.01844 290545admin@tcap.co.ukwww.tcap.co.ukWe are working for excellence in animaltherapy through ourregistered animal therapistsIAAT exists to provide vets, owners and insurance companies with a register of trained professionals in a number of disciplines: Physiotherapy Osteopathy Animal Manipulation Massage HydrotherapyIAAT is run by its members, for its members andis committed to providing a professional andproactive association. It is a high profile organisation that boasts a large number of international members.To find a fully qualified and insured therapist please use our postcode search on our website: www.iaat.org.ukTo register as a therapist, or for more information, please contact: info@iaat.org.uk or 01844 290545We are working for excellence in animaltherapy through ourregistered animal therapistsIAAT exists to provide vets, owners and insurance companies with a register of trained professionals in a number of disciplines: Physiotherapy Osteopathy Animal Manipulation Massage HydrotherapyIAAT is run by its members, for its members andis committed to providing a professional andproactive association. It is a high profile organisation that boasts a large number of international members.To find a fully qualified and insured therapist please use our postcode search on our website: www.iaat.org.ukTo register as a therapist, or for more information, please contact: info@iaat.org.uk or 01844 290545
52Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 12OVER 40 EXHIBITORS120 CPD LECTURESwww.vetfestival.co.ukFind out more and BOOK NOW #vetfestival14 STREAMSVET Festival is different...very different. It’s the UK’s only outdoor CPD event so bring your wellies!Subjects include: Minimally Invasive Surgery, Cardiopulmonary, Nutrition & Diagnostic Imaging, Soft Tissue Surgery, Critical Care & Anaesthesia.8-9 June 2018, Loseley Park, SurreyVETERINARY EDUCATION TOMORROWUSE CODE ATM1515%DISCOUNT