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1 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22ISSUE 22M A G A Z I N EAnimalerapyRetraining Racehorses to become superstars in horseballCanine Obesityand the many health condition associated with itThe Racehorse, a miracle of bio-engineering Can the equipment used aect the Racehorse’s performance?The importance of Communication between veterinary surgeon and animal therapistEquine SplintsThe dramatic recovery following treatment with Radio FrequencyAvian OsteopathyThe amazing case of the osteopath and the Buzzard

2Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22M A G A Z I N EAnimalerapyAnimal Skincarewww.leucillin.co.ukLeucillin is a safe, effective and versatile skincare solution mimicking the body’s own immune system, it isspecially formulated to match the natural pH of your pets skin.Leucillin is non-toxic, will not sting and is safe for all skin types including ears, eyes and sensitive skin.Leucillin quickly relieves, soothes and calms for good skin and coat condition.Available from all good pet shops, Pets At Home and Just For Pets storesTHE NATURAL WAYTO CARE FOR YOURPETS SKINFast acting formula soothing and calming to: effective allergy managementskinfold care for brachycephalic breeds itchy skinsore pawscuts, grazes & post surgical sitesweepy eyesirritated ears dry, flakey or smelly skin 100% safe on all skin typesFor all mammals, birds & reptilesYour Pet Safe Antiseptic SprayTough on Pathogens includingMRSA, E.coli & SARS-C0V-2Yet skin pH NeutralGentle to SkinSafe for All The Family FP_JULY20.qxp_Layout 1 03/09/2020 16:18 Page 1

3 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22GET IN TOUCH:Hannah Ashton – Editorhannah@animaltherapymedia.co.ukBeth Lorraine - Sales Manager info@animaltherapymedia.co.ukDonna Boddie - Account Manager donna@animaltherapymedia.co.ukTony Nevin - Podcasts and Research tony@animaltherapymedia.co.ukISSUE 22Issued QuarterlyWelcome! As we approach the end of 2020 we can denitely look back on a year like no other. There have been really tough, emotional times for many people. Fellow therapists were prevented from working. It had to be done, but I know rst hand how hard it was to tell a client with an aged dog or horse than you couldn't see them for their routine appointment due to the COVID situation. Treating animals with therapeutic methods isn't seen as an emergency, however, in many situations it has become the only option left that helps relieve their symptoms, and one many owners rely on.Whilst there have been some tough times, we really have seen people and companies step up to adjust to new ways of working. Amongst this, the level of online education, webinars and virtual conferences have been brilliant. We recently partnered with the Online Pet Health virtual conference which was a fantastic day. The speakers were top class and the event had delegates from all over the world. A brilliant way to bring people together. Look out for them next year – November 2021.Looking forward, we are crossing everything that some kind of normality can return. We really do hope that the Vet Festival can run in June. This is also a fantastic event and one we highly recommend that vets, nurses, therapists and anyone else involved in the welfare of animals attend.So, here we are with our last issue of 2020. Merry Christmas to all our followers and readers, thank you for all your continued support.Let's look forward, not backwards. Take careTeam Animal TherapyCONTENTSM A G A Z I N EAnimalerapyAnimal Skincarewww.leucillin.co.ukLeucillin is a safe, effective and versatile skincare solution mimicking the body’s own immune system, it isspecially formulated to match the natural pH of your pets skin.Leucillin is non-toxic, will not sting and is safe for all skin types including ears, eyes and sensitive skin.Leucillin quickly relieves, soothes and calms for good skin and coat condition.Available from all good pet shops, Pets At Home and Just For Pets storesTHE NATURAL WAYTO CARE FOR YOURPETS SKINFast acting formula soothing and calming to: effective allergy managementskinfold care for brachycephalic breeds itchy skinsore pawscuts, grazes & post surgical sitesweepy eyesirritated ears dry, flakey or smelly skin 100% safe on all skin typesFor all mammals, birds & reptilesYour Pet Safe Antiseptic SprayTough on Pathogens includingMRSA, E.coli & SARS-C0V-2Yet skin pH NeutralGentle to SkinSafe for All The Family FP_JULY20.qxp_Layout 1 03/09/2020 16:18 Page 1Vet Festival 2021 _____ 4Tony Nevin - Treating a Paraplegic Buzzard ___ 6Photizo - Guinea Pigs _ 10CAM4Animals - The Benets of Referrals __ 14The Racehorse - can the equipment used aect performance? _______ 18Canine Massage Guild - Case Study - Buttons _ 22Hartpury University - Horseball ___________ 26Levis Blog __________ 29London Vet Rehab ___ 30Dog Claw Maintenance 32Water Properties and Equine Hydrotherapy _ 34Animal Chiropractic __ 39Repiratory Physiotherapy _______ 40International Association of Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physio Therapy ______ 44Equine Splint _______ 46CAM - Problems of Obesity in Dogs _____ 48www.animaltherapymedia.co.ukWhile every eort 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 image: Brannigan who is a 7 year old Bernese Mountain Dog. Photo from Charlotte Swarbrick.

4Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22 Book your place at VET Festival 2021 today. Readers get an exclusive 20% o with code ATM20. Visit: www.vetfestival.co.uk for more information.VET Festival is back – to deliver it’s rst-rate CPD in 2021After a dicult year for events in 2020, there’s some positive news in that VET Festival will be returning in 2021. The veterinary CPD event will be hosted across two days in its home of Loseley Park on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th June 2021. The outdoor CPD event acts to provide the veterinary community with inspiring and pioneering content over two days in a beautiful and spacious setting. Given the high quality of the educational content, it’s welcome news that the event has increased it’s CPD to 17 hours. The last VET Festival featured over 35 speakers across 12 educational streams. In 2021, you can expect the diverse range of streams to increase to 18, which includes a dedicated Rehabilitation stream with content championing a truly integrated ways of working. During the two-day CPD festival, the Rehabilitation stream will be showcasing an amazing series of lectures with new speakers, as well as welcoming back incredible speakers from past years with new material. As you are likely to be aware of, it is more important than ever for clinical practice and rehabilitation treatment to integrate for the benet of the patient. As we see more physiotherapists and other rehab professionals attached to veterinary practice, it is now common place for rehabilitation to be included as an integral part of a small animal patients’ care.An integrated approach often plays a vital role in a patient’s recovery, both following an injury and when suering the eects of a specic condition. It is clear the education programme at VET Festival supports this. The programme reects its understanding of this treatment protocol by combining veterinary surgeon with physiotherapist and hydrotherapist lectures. This unique approach puts the spotlight on the benets of a good working relationship between vet, physio and hydrotherapist to provide better overall veterinary care for the patients. The speakers will cover topics relating to both the orthopaedic and neurological patient, in specic detail from the veterinary surgeon’s perspective and the therapists as well. Each talk will lead directly into a practical therapy information session. You can view the programme so-far at https://www.vetfestival.co.uk/newsIt’s really refreshing to have an event like VET Festival actively demonstrate how closely rehabilitation can aect and inuence a complete veterinary plan.As well as a focus on physiotherapy, VET Festival 2021 will be giving hydrotherapy the attention it deserves. Lectures will cover topics such as movement techniques, balance and coordination, as well as elderly care as elements of water-based therapy – all of which will give delegates the tools to use in the day to day profession. VET FESTIVAL 20214 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 227-8 June 2019 | Loseley Park, SurreyVETERINARY EDUCATION TOMORROW7-8 June 2019 | Loseley Park, SurreyVETERINARY EDUCATION TOMORROWVETERINARY EDUCATION TOMORROW4-5 JUNE 2021LOSELEY PARK SURREYThe Veterinary Rehabilitation world is one that is continuing to expand, and it is a eld of work full of dedicated individuals who continue to drive it forward. As we continue to develop our profession using evidence-based theories and current techniques. The varied CPD that VET Festival provides for those working in the eld fully supports the industry and the individuals within it.Delegate feedback from VET Festival“Perfect CPD venue for quality ongoing training in a fun and compassionate setting” Physiotherapist ”Inspiring with fantastic speakers” Physiotherapist “A wide variety of specialist speakers that present information in a fun way in a great environment” Vet Physiotherapist“Excellent CPD in a relaxed atmosphere” Clinical Director

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6Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22TONY NEVINIt didn’t and a week later the clock had nearly run out. I was asked if I could see if there was anything I could do.With a wild bird, and a raptor at that, the biggest worry is preventing shock from setting in. Everything is kept quiet and calm, even if one does snag you with its talons. Paraplegic or not it is a golden rule to assume they can use their legs. To test any clasp reex I usually use a pen or pencil to tap the centre of each foot. If there is any feeling, a raptor will close the talons around the sha of the implement. Much safer than sticking a nger there!Treating a Paraplegic BuzzardA case study from the les of Zoo Ost Ltd by Tony Nevin, BSc (Hons) Ost, DO, Zoo Ost LtdPARAPLEGIA comes from a Greek word meaning half stricken. When I rst saw this common buzzard (Buteo buteo) it was very much stricken, and most people at the wildlife hospital put it at much more than half. In fact it was seconds away from receiving a humane exit. Luckily for it and me, as I love a challenge, I happened to be in that morning.e buzzard was an adult male, and was probably the victim of a road trac incident. When I rst saw it radiographs had already been taken and all appeared ok from a skeletal point of view, yet it appeared to have no use in its legs. e head, neck and wings all worked ne. I had been present when the bird was admitted but then it was given cage rest to see if it would recover, along with receiving some anti-inammatory medication.Handling of any species of wild bird requires sensitivity and patience. Movements are kept slow, meaningful and gentle. Although this bird was o its legs we needed to know if there were any other issues. What I love about working as part of an integrated team is that we can all pitch in. Egos have no place here. erefore I am oen allowed to do a more thorough examination than might normally be the case.Pupillary reexes were present and normal. Sight was good, as the bird could track movement and range. Palpation of a raptor has to respect the integrity of the plumage, possibly more than is required for other species, but please don’t think we treat others in any lesser way. Crepitus is a dead giveaway of a serious issue, and I was pleased when I found none in any of the joints. What I did feel very quickly was a marked torsion at the junction between the thoracic plate and the synsacrum. Bird’s skeletons have adapted to both save weight and increase rigidity for the sheer size and power of the ight muscles. Normally the joint in question is negligible to palpate, but not this time.Explaining what I’d found and that everything else felt pretty good I got the go ahead to treat, as the other alternative was euthanasia.erein lies the dilemma. How do you reduce, or rectify a torsion strain without using a similar amount of force that created it in the rst place?e answer I’ve found over the last 30 odd years is to let the patient be the guide and work with any torsion pattern rather than against it. If you have too much so tissue tension between two xed points, is the answer to try and prize them apart, or would it make more

7 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22sense to gently move the xed points closer together and thus create relative slack in said tissues?I chose the latter and hay presto by the end of a very short session the buzzard tried to repay me by exing its talons. We then placed it back in a shielded cage with a large semi-circular log perch. e buzzard just about managed to stay on this but looked punch drunk, the legs being weak at this stage. e nursing sta were delighted. A reprieve had just been bought.e following week it was much livelier when we went to get him out. Treatment managed to further improve the torsion pattern and I was also able to work through the muscles and facia throughout the rest of his body. He was pretty feisty which is unusual for common buzzards, but I saw this as something we could harness to aid a swi recovery. He was then transferred to his own outdoor ight aviary, complete with swinging perches to help him get some ight tness back, as well as coordination.A further week later both Tim, the vet, and I assessed him and we concurred that he was t for release. He had managed to keep all the important plumage intact and just needed a little gentle cleaning to some of the feather extremities. Due to some of the specics of the Covid-19 lockdown we could only release him locally, which is also excellent buzzard territory.e following day I was privileged to be part of his release team along with Tim the vet and Adriana, a Portuguese vet student who had also been there right from his admission to now. Being gentlemen we let Adriana do the honours and as she carefully removed him from the so travel cage, and then launched him into the air we lmed the whole sequence.He ew straight and well from the middle of the eld we had chosen as the release site and alighted onto a branch of tall poplar tree. Immediately he was set upon by some of the local crows, and a few minutes later he ew along the line of poplars and then briey met up with a local buzzard before settling in another tree about half a kilometre away. Within seconds he looked like any other wild buzzard.From there he later ew o, hopefully steering clear of road side carrion and people. A very dierent outcome from the one initially envisaged. Photos: Top and above centre: Buzzard nal assessment.Above: Buzzard release.7 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22Tony Nevin, BSc (Hons) Ost, DO is Clinical Director on the MSc Animal Osteopathy programme, run through the McTimoney College of Chiropractic, Oxon. For more information contact Tony at +44 7831 759339. www.zooost.com www.horseost.co.uk www.coriniumradio.co.uk www.mixcloud.com/tonynevin

8Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22Animal Essentials Inc. was founded in the USA by world renowned herbalist, product formulator, veterinary educator, industry expert and worldwide lecturer, Greg Tilford. Greg is also an authoritative author on herbal medicine and has written ve books on the subject including the acclaimed “Herbs for Pets.” Animal Essentials Inc. serves as an industry consultant and custom formulator for hundreds of veterinarians worldwide and the brand is known for its integrity, quality, sustainable sourcing and green business practices.At Animal Essentials we regard dogs and cats and other pets as integral family members that need and deserve the same level of quality of life as their owners. That is why all herbal products must only contain human grade ingredients, use certied or ethically harvested herbs, be tested for purity in a USA-based analytical lab and be selected and formulated specically for animals by leading experts. Animal Essentials is also a member of the National Animal Supplement Council. Members of NASC are concerned and committed manufacturers of animal health supplements across the globe. Together they endeavour to improve the quality of these products sold to consumers for the benet of their cats, dogs and other companion animals.All Animal Essentials’ products are available in tincture format in 30 ml bottles and include a graduated, shatter-proof dropper pipette for accurate dosing. There are tinctures which can help with digestive issues, skin and coat health, organ support, joint care, seasonal allergies, the immune system, urinary tract issues and calming related problems helping to alleviate stress and anxiety in pets.Animal Essentials’ products provide a great selling opportunity for animal therapy establishments helping to enhance, healthy nutrition and other factors that contribute to the wellbeing of pets.Animal Essentials is distributed throughout the UK and Europe by All About Pet Health.To become a stockist or to nd out more about Animal Essentials, visit www.animalessentials.eu. Contact Dan MacKenzie at dan@allaboutpethealth.co.uk Tel:. +44 (0)1892 281 007 Animal Essentials is distributed throughout the UK and Europe by All About Pet Health. www.allaboutpethealth.co.ukQuality pet supplements to stock from world leading herbal specialists, Animal EssentialsANIMAL ESSENTIALS8 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22

9 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22Overby Farm is an extension of the NaturVet brand, manufactured & distributed by Garmon Corporation in the USA. As one of the largest pet supplement manufacturers in the USA, Garmon Corporation has extensive experience of employing natural ingredients to formulate solutions for dogs and cats. Garmon Corporation have been manufacturing products in North America for over 30 years, helping provide pets with the quality of life they deserve. Garmon Corp is a fully compliant cGMP Standards facility. They are also an NASC Audited Member carrying the NASC Seal on all labels, providing a symbol of “quality assurance” for consumers. Overby Farm formulations are developed by Garmon Corp sta scientists and veterinarians.Like us, pets have their preferences as to taste and mouth feel. The feedback from Overby Farm’s 4-legged customers strongly suggests that soft chews are the tastiest and best accepted method for taking supplements. Where taste is less of a concern some formulations are available as a powder. Soft Chews are aromatically enticing for nicky eaters and are ideal for Senior Pets and those with missing teeth. They are also suitable for crumbling if required. Most formulations are wheat free. This reduces the potential for setting up grain allergies in pets and is helpful for pet owners who are themselves are wheat intolerant. Time Release tablets are designed to be advantageous for animals with quicker metabolisms and/or those with shorter digestive tracts. A vegetable oil coating extends the dissolution time. Splitting a tablet does not aect its ecacy. Powders can be mixed in with your pets regular meals.The extensive range of pet supplements and problem solvers cater for the following areas: • CALMING AIDS• DIGESTIVE & BOWEL AIDS• GROOMING AIDS• JOINT HEALTH• LAWN CARE• REGULAR CARE• SKIN AND COAT CARE• TRAINING AIDS• URINARY AIDSDistributed across the UK and Europe by All About Pet Health, Overby Farm can also be supplied as an own label product range helping animal therapy businesses establish their own brand of pet supplements.To become a stockist or to nd out more about Overby Farm, visit: www.overbyfarm.eu.Contact Dan MacKenzie at dan@allaboutpethealth.co.uk Tel:. +44 (0)1892 281 007 Overby Farm is distributed throughout the UK and Europe by All About Pet Health. www.allaboutpethealth.co.ukGenerate more income by stocking one of the f inest pet supplement brands, Overby Farm or set up your own label version OVERBY FARM9 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22

10Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22Photizo shines its lightGuinea Pigs and all creatures great and smallby Anna Webb on behalf of Photizo VetcareBroadcaster, Author, Trainer has studied natural nutrition and therapies with the College of Integrated Veterinary Therapies (CIVT)PHOTIZOWHEN Yasmin Porritt of Yorkshire Pooches Therapies was studying at Rose Therapies & Training (www.rose-therapy.co.uk), she rst spotted Photizo Vetcare in a free copy of Animal Therapy Magazine at Crufts. Through her study the name Photizo kept popping up in conversation with fellow students, lecturers and in magazine articles. Once qualied Yaz invested in a Photizo Vetcare to integrate into her practice.As a specialist in Merishia massage, which is a combination of Swedish and Sports massage techniques, responding to behavioural cues. She explains:“I couldn’t wait to own my own Vetcare and integrate ‘red light therapy’ into my massage sessions. Being so easy to use and portable it is a great way to prepare a muscle for manual manipulation. Plus I encourage my clients to actively take part in sessions, using the Vetcare with direction from myself”. A massive animal lover, Yaz shares her home with her dogs Lily, Rodney, Peggy and Romanian foster dog Tycho, Charlie the rescue Cockatiel and a rescue sh named Gunther. For as long as she can remember, Yaz has been a massive fan of Guinea Pigs . Currently Yaz is on the waiting list to re-home a suitable Guinea Pig to live with Nancy, her ‘American’ Guinea Pig. Sadly due to their relatively short lifespans, Yaz’s previous Guinea Pigs Tyrion, Lupin, Rosie and Juno have passed. But it was her tiny favourite Juno who inspired Yaz to use Photizo on her ‘piggies’, and learn more about the device’s exibility and deep natural healing. As Juno began to slow down with old age at around ve years, Yaz was determined to keep her mobile, boost her immune system and promote her natural well being. Desperately fond of these ‘small furries’ Yaz adores their cheeky personalities and proves that animal welfare is most denitely for all creatures great and small!One day as Yaz was massaging raw coconut oil into Juno’s dry skin, she experimented with some of her Merishia massage techniques. Clearly scaling the movements down in proportion to Juno’s petite body combining eeurage, ROM and paw work, Juno responded immediately. That’s when the lightbulb moment happened, Yaz enthused:“Why hadn’t I used Photizo on my ‘piggies’? Looking for research on the use of LED therapy and geriatric Guinea pig care, it became clear that I was ying in uncharted territory. However Photizo works beneath the mitochondria creating a cascade of biological eects, deep at a cellular level to promote ATP. There’s cases of its success on various animals, so why not on a ‘piggie’? I nd it’s so easy to use. Also with its pre-programmed evidence based 30 second doses it makes the Vetcare so easy to monitor the dosing eects.”Photizo and Merishia massage complement each other so well, aiding in soft tissue preparation before manipulation. Tissue or fascia that has become adhesive causing trigger points can be softened and broken down through manual techniques Photizo can be put straight to work, rejuvenating the cells to begin healing where trigger points have been released. In order to repair and restore muscle health, we must rst address the root tension and damage to then go on to build strong muscle foundations. The Photizo is also a great way to get to those small hard to reach areas, where if I attempted deep tissue work it would be too uncomfortable and invasive for the animal”. Given Juno’s age and deteriorating health, she was suering with extensive muscle atrophy across her body but still able to move, feed, toilet and groom herself.continued overleaf

11 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22“I couldn’t wait to own my own Vetcare and integrate ‘red light therapy’ into my massage sessions. Being so easy to use and portable it is a great way to prepare a muscle for manual manipulation.Yasmin Porritt

12Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22Yaz began with the Photizo roughly an inch of the skin to gauge Juno’s reaction, the beep of the Photizo caused a icker of the ear before she went back to munching on her veggies. Due to the muscle atrophy and Juno’s size, the dosage I used was one preprogrammed dose per area once a day. (see table below). Juno was completely receptive to Photizo being used and purring happily with the odd yawn and stretch thrown in. It was after the 2nd session with Juno Yaz noticed that during her oor time she was more active with longer bursts of running and even the odd popcorn!Yaz continued: “As Juno moved into her palliative care phase, Photizo was upped to twice a day with the same doses, to best manage pain and discomfort. When Juno passed our household was devastated, for One dose administered lateral of median plane per limb.One dose administered dorsal of each paw.One dose administered the base of the skull and dorsal of cervical vertebrae.One dose administered dorsal of the thoracic vertebrae. One dose administered dorsal of the lumbar vertebrae. One dose administered dorsal of the sacral vertebrae, covering the left and right Iliac crest of pelvis. One dose administered dorsal of the coccygeal vertebrae, covering the left and right ischium point of pelvis. One dose administered ventral of entire pelvis. PHOTIZOsomething so little she still holds a huge place in our hearts and I’m glad that Photizo was able to make her last months with us more comfortable. Nancy has no current health complaints but I use Photizo on her three times a week, same doses, just to work pre-emptively, supporting her active lifestyle and longevity of her overall musculoskeletal health. Ruth Milner, MD, Danetre Health products added: “We’re so delighted to hear that Yaz has been one of the rst to use the Vetcare on Guinea Pigs. The device is completely ‘multi-species and not limited to dogs, cats and horses. We’ve seen Tigers, Pangolins, Squirrels, Hedgehogs, birds of Prey all treated successfully with Photizo’s Vetcare. In fact, the latest CE approved range for people including Pain Relief, Sports, Skin Care and the beauty tool, Blush prove the generic eects of Photobiomodulation – the ocial term for the systemic eects of red and near Infrared light. The Photizo range has been delivered after years of research and using the latest LED (Light Emitting Diodes) technology. Making the range safe to use without cumbersome eyewear sets the range apart as easy and safe to use not just in practice, but at home too.”Above: Juno eating having Oxbow Critical Care and Photizo treatment at the kitchen table.Right: Nancy being treated by Photizo.

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14Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22by the CAM4animals TeamCAM4ANIMALSTHE PRACTITIONER’S VIEWAll animal practitioners should work under the legal guidelines for ‘non-veterinary animal practitioners’. Anyone carrying out complementary therapy must gain permission from the primary care vet before any treatment is given. Practitioners should show full details of their professional qualications, insurance, and referral forms, plus contraindications and what to expect during treatment.Caroline Hearn, is a sports and remedial therapist, treating human, equine and canine patients. She says, “I’ve had instances where a vet initially won’t sign the form. I do get where they’re coming from; they may be handing over a patient to someone they know nothing about. If anything goes wrong, it’s them that’s given the go-ahead. That’s why it’s vital for practitioners to be qualied and transparent. On the other hand, I have frequently found working alongside a vet and other health professionals produces some fantastic results.“Therapists know we must not diagnose. The vet must be the rst point of contact for the owner. Their accurate diagnosis, along with pointers for relevant therapists, will lead to the best possible outcome and recovery of the horse. Detailed therapist records can be emailed to the vet and any other therapist treating the horse. “Furthermore, as a sports therapist who treats horse and rider, I nd these detailed records useful for discussing ndings with the client’s trainer or their saddle tter, as any imbalance of the rider can have a huge impact on the way the horse moves under their inuence.“Teamwork such as this is essential. Vets, practitioners and owners have dierent skill sets and each can contribute to the individual animal’s wellbeing.”Carole Justice Gray, Chair of the Canine Bowen Technique Association, says of her work with older dogs: “It’s about creating a team which provides a supportive wheel of health. The owner may not notice subtle changes between vet visits such as early signs of lameness and these may not be discussed during a routine check. Practitioners have more time with the animal and will highlight a symptom which should be investigated by their primary vet. After seeing a dog that I know well, I know when something intangible is dierent and will refer back to the vet for diagnosis.” PEOPLE are investing more than ever in pet health and increasingly turning to Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) alongside conventional vet care. So, we read with interest Jonathan Pycock’s Pitfalls of Physiotherapy Referrals where he discusses the challenge vets have in referring patients to CAM practitioners. He highlights the potential adverse consequences of signing a referral form. We understand his reasons but this could leave the animal owner in a dilemma and seriously aect the relationship they have with their primary care vet and worse, their animal’s health.We know that a good relationship between vets, owners and holistic practitioners will optimise any treatment plan, as our website lays testament to. However, we fully recognise the challenges described by Jonathan Pycock. The Benef its of Referrals14 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22

15 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22Top right: Bec relaxing with acupuncture for arthritis. Centre right: Galen Myotherapy practitioner. Bottom right: Caroline Hearn passive triceps stretch on Duncan.Opposite left: Kiwi at the clinic with Sally Walker from the Canine Massage Guild.Opposite far left: Pickle with acupuncture treatment for back pain.THE CUSTOMER’S VIEWHolistic feline behaviorist, Julie-Anne Thorne and her cat Pickle demonstrate when veterinary relationships work well and improve the overall care given to her cat. She told us “The vet suggested acupuncture might help in resolving Pickle’s lower back pain. The veterinary acupuncturist sent thorough notes back to my vet and we discussed her treatment at the next review. My vet welcomed working with another professional who added value to her practice. I felt valued and respected in my choice to seek additional support and treatment.”Owners should feel comfortable talking to their vet about CAM options and not hide information from their vets. Nobody wants an owner to feel isolated and rely on, say, the internet where there may be confusing and inaccurate information, and what happens if things go wrong?There is a growing choice of therapies with which to approach our pet’s health. What owners really want is to be able to draw on those talented, holistically-qualied vets and practitioners whose experience will most benet their animal. As CAM4animals co-founder Sara Kernohan said of her relationship with her conventional vet, “I am lucky enough to be able to discuss a holistic approach with my vet because she listens to me and I trust her to discuss the best option respectfully. A previous vet did not, so I found another vet.” In summary, most customers understand the risks vets may take signing a referral form. Our nding is that we need MORE holistic vets to meet the demand and more vets prepared to discuss CAM options; veterinary customers are already travelling a long way to nd them. We believe these positive changes will come about through open vet/customer relationships based on good communication and trust.ABOUT CAM4ANIMALSCAM4animals is a 100% volunteer-run,consumer-driven organisation promoting CAM and integrated veterinary care in the UK. It is a resource for animal owners, vets and practitioners to nd out more about accessing CAM treatments for animals and relevant professional or registration bodies in the UK. They have over 1000 new visitors to their new website each month and continue to grow on social media platforms.15 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22

16Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22Walker and Drake is an exciting range of Cold Pressed food for dogs that is made from the highest quality ingredients to keep those doggy tails wagging. The meat and the majority of vegetables are sourced from British farms and quality producers, and the sh is sourced from traceable sheries.A healthy microbiome is crucial for a dog’s overall health, from nutrient absorption to mental health. When bacteria become out of balance, disorders such as inammatory bowel disease (IBD), digestive issues, immune system reactions, diabetes, and even depression can result. It is therefore important that you feed a dog a balanced diet that contains all the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino and essential fatty acids that are required for a health and wellbeing and avoid any ingredients that are likely to cause an allergy or intolerance such as llers, articial colourings and preservatives. Walker and Drake recipes are easily digestible, grain and gluten free, promote good gut health, hypoallergenic, are great for joint care, contain no nasties and are gently pressed to preserve nutrients.Cold Pressed dog food is the best way of producing a dog food and is the nearest thing to a raw diet. The food is pressed at a lower temperature of 40 - 44°C compared to ‘kibbled’ dry dog food which is extruded at a temperature of approximately 140°C and above. The end result is a naturally softer, denser, complete nutritious dog food which breaks down easier in the stomach and is gentler on tummies as opposed to kibbled food, which can absorb liquid meaning that is stays in the stomach longer and can lead to bloating and discomfort. The lower temperatures are also the key to locking in natural enzymes and vitamins, as well as retaining bre and molecular structures so that delicate ingredients such herbs and botanicals are not destroyed in the cooking process.Walker and Drake is available in there tasty recipes, Duck, Ocean Fish and Chicken in attractive 2 kg and 10 kg bags made from recyclable materials. Other key ingredients include: Sweet Potato , Beet Pulp, Peas, Chicken Oil, FOS Inulin, Yeast Bio-Mos, Psyllium Husk Powder, Apple, Carrot, Tomato, Seaweed, Cranberry, Flavour Bioavex, Glucosamine, Fenugreek, Green Tea Extract, Fennel Seed, Blueberry, Yucca Schidigera, Chondroitin, Marigold Powder and Devils Claw Root.Walker and Drake can oer quick delivery, quality customer service and many testimonials from satised customers.For further information visit: www.walkeranddrake.com and for trade enquires contact Tim Matthews our Sales Director email: tim@walkeranddrake.comStock Walker and Drake’s exciting range of Cold Pressed Foods to keep those doggy tails wagging16 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22WALKER AND DRAKE

17 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22Complete Nutrition Cold Pressed Dog Foodwalkeranddrake.comPROMOTES GOOD GUT HEALTHEXCELLENTWITH VEGETABLES& BOTANICALSGENTLY PRESSED TOPRESERVE NUTRIENTSCMYCMMYCYCMYKWD_ATA3.pdf 1 03/12/2020 11:33

18Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22THE racehorse is a miracle of bio-engineering; at the gallop, every motion cycle the front limb experiences considerable forces in the region of two times the horses bodyweight (~1 ton). Not only do the front limbs transfer high forces to the thoracic spine, the horses back is exposed to large propulsive forces both from the hindlimbs but also the dynamic forces of the jockey which can be in excess of two and half times the jockey’s body weight. The demands on the locomotor apparatus of the racehorse are evident, it is essential to consider all aspects of equipment which is used when racing, in order to improve the health and performance of the racehorse.Thanks to advances in technology, we have enhanced our understanding of the physiological and biomechanical demands placed on the horse. This evidence-based knowledge is leading to progress in the development of race and exercise tack, allowing trainers to optimise benets brought about by the design and t of saddles, griths and bridles, benets which have been quantied using scientically robust principles and state-of-the-art measuring systems.Generally, whenever the subject of tack and equipment is discussed, the saddle is always the rst, and possibly even the only, consideration. Recent scientic studies using state of the art measuring systems quantifying saddle, girth and bridle pressures alongside motion capture quantifying limb kinematics in dressage and jumping horses have revealed interesting ndings relating to girth, saddle and bridle design and its eect they have on equine locomotion. Applying the same research design and technology, the eect that tack and equipment has on the racehorse is becoming better understood. The Racehorse - a miracle of bio-engineeringCan the equipment used aect the racehorse’s performance?by Dr Russell MacKechnie-Guire, Director: Centaur Biomechanics LtdNew DesignHalf TreeFull Tree3/4 TreeT13 T13 T13 T13Half-tree: High peak pressures in the region of T10-T14 were consistent with the end of the treeThree-quarter tree: Peak pressure was localised on one side of the back at a time, depending on the horse’s gallop lead Full tree: Peak pressure was further back and, although not high, gait analysis demonstrated a reduction in the extent to which the hindleg comes under the horse, reducing the power in the strideNew design: A more uniform pressure distribution, recording the lowest peak pressures at each locationRACEHORSE BIOMECHANICS

19 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22Initially, research focused on quantifying the pressure distribution beneath three designs of commonly used exercise saddles: full tree, half tree and three-quarter tree. The objective was to identify pressure magnitude and distribution under each of the saddles then to establish whether the gait (gallop) was improved in a saddle designed to remove these pressures. Similar to the sport horse studies, areas of high pressure were found in the region of the 10th-13th thoracic vertebrae (T10-T13). Contrary to popular belief, none of the race exercise saddles tested in this study produced peak pressure on or around the scapula. The pressures around T10-T13 at gallop in the half, three-quarter and full tree were in excess of those detected during jumping or dressage in sport horses. They were also higher than pressures reported to be associated with clinical signs of back pain (>35 kPa). Therefore, it is widely accepted that high pressures caused by the saddle could be a contributory factor to back pain in horses in training. The high pressures seen in gallop are due to forces created by an increase in speed and locomotor forces. In gallop, the horse’s back is experiencing a higher range of motion than in any other gait; so if the saddle induces high pressures or limits this movement, it will undoubtedly compromise the gallop. High speeds are associated with higher vertical forces beneath the saddle: it has been shown that a 10% increase in speed at walk increases pressures under the saddle by 5%, and in trot the gure rises to 14% and as can be expected that will increase exponentially when in gallop.The saddle is obviously an essential item however, the eect that girth t and design can have on equine health and performance are often overlooked. It has always been assumed that girth pressures are at their highest on the horse’s sternum. Previously in a study investigating girth design on sport horse performance, researchers identied repeatable high pressures beneath the girth, but these pressures were actually located behind the elbow, not on the sternum. This also seems logical, given the location where girth galls and girth pain may often appear. The girth has the potential to be more inuential and important than has ever been imagined. Indeed, the girth’s impact on equine locomotion has been reported to be so great that authors of a study suggest the girth and girth t should be considered by a veterinarian when evaluating a horse for poor performance.In a group of racehorses researchers quantied girth pressures in horses who were galloping on a treadmill at a standardised speed wearing commonly-used exercise girths. All girths were of the same length and tension. Similar to the sport horse study, increased girth pressures were identied behind the elbow in the galloping Thoroughbred, with pressure peaks occurring when the forelimb opposite to the leading limb was in stance. Although the location of pressure was consistent between sport horses and racehorses, the magnitude of the pressures recorded under commonly-used race girths was far higher than had been reported in any previous saddle study. The girth pressure mat was calibrated to manufacturer’s guidelines at a maximum of 106kPa, but in the racehorse study, pressure values for a galloping horse wearing a regular girth peaked out above the highest calibration point. It was not possible to estimate the exact magnitude of girth pressure, but it is worth noting that 106kPa is already three times the peak pressure reported to cause capillary damage and back discomfort beneath a saddle. In the second part of the experiment, the same horses were galloped over-ground in order to quantify gallop kinematics and determine if there was any change when girth pressures were reduced. Data demonstrated that a modied girth, designed to avoid areas of peak pressures, signicantly improved the horse’s locomotion at gallop with increased hock exion, hindlimb protraction and knee exion. The ndings of these studies support the suggestion that girth t and design can have a signicant eect on equine health and performance and should be considered when evaluating the equipment being used. Previously pressure mats have been positioned beneath the saddle and girth, however with modications, researchers were able to position a pressure mat beneath the bridle, allowing them to quantify the pressures which occur beneath the bridle during locomotion. Like the girth, the bridle research revealed interesting ndings and disproved some long-held assumptions. It had long been thought that horses experience bridle pressure directly on the poll. In contrast, the research team found no signicant areas of pressure over the poll. Instead, areas of high peak pressures were located at the base of the ears in the region where the browband attaches to the headpiece. Anatomically this corresponds to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The TMJ is an essential part of the physiological apparatus, associated with the swallow reex and the hyoid apparatus. The location of pressure (base of the ear and TMJ) was consistent in all commonly-used headpieces and occurred at the same moment in the stride, regardless of the make or design. Nosebands can be associated with extremely high pressure and distribution, and therefore also have signicant eects on equine locomotion. From the research it was found that maximum noseband pressure was located either side of the nasal bone causing compression of the soft tissues in this area. Similar to the headpiece, the timing and location of the noseband pressures was consistent in every stride cycle. Interestingly, during locomotion, noseband pressures diered relative to the horse’s head position. When the head was positioned more horizontally (for example when galloping) the frequently-chosen cavesson exerted signicantly higher pressures on Pressures were signicantly reduced in the modied girth, designed to avoid peak pressure behind the elbowcontinued overleaf

20Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22RACEHORSE BIOMECHANICSPeak pressures were consistently recorded at the same locations in all commonly used bridle and headpiece designsUsing a bridle designed to avoid locations of maximum pressure led to lower peak pressure under the noseband and headpieceHigh peak pressures were recorded in 7 key zones around the horse's head:1. At the back edge of the headpiece against the wing of the atlas2. At the front edge of the headpiece on the ear bulbs3. Across the crown of the head4. Under the browband above the TMJ5. Under the noseband on either side of the nasal bone6. Under the back of the noseband on the jaw bones7. Under the facial crest on top of the vein and arteryNew bridle design signicantly reduces pressure around the horse's head:1. Anatomically contoured to prevent interference with the wing of the atlas2. Lined with pressure relieving cushioning at the back of the ear3. Headpiece has a wider centre section to increase stability4. Cushion pads on both sides lift the browband clear of the sensitive TMJ area5. Large pressure relieving pad to hold the cross straps clear of the sides of the nasal bone6. Wide pressure relieving jowl pad to protect the jaw bones7. High ring sets the noseband above the artery and vein, allowing the noseband to articulate with the movement of the horse's headthe lower edge of the noseband, which was associated with a reduced range of motion. A specially designed Mexican grackle, which sits higher on the side of the horse’s head above the main artery and vein running under the facial crest, was found to exert the least pressure and, consequently, was associated with an improved locomotion and increased joint range of motion. It might be easy to assume that removing the noseband removes the problem, but this has been shown to be counterproductive. A noseband provides stability to the bridle and improves the interface between bridle and head. It has been shown that horses perform better when the bridle (and all equipment) is stable. Horses like predictability and require stability in order to eectively transfer propulsive forces from the hindlimbs to propel their mass forward. If the horse is unstable, it will seek a stabilising strategy which consequently will induce asymmetry and a loss in performance. In summary, the eect that the saddle, girth and bridle can have on the health and performance of the racehorse should not be underestimated. Consider this: a horse galloping seven furlongs twice a day will make approximately 363 repeated gallop strides. With horses which have 1) areas of high pressures in the region of T10-T13 induced by the saddle, 2) areas of high pressures directly behind the elbow and 3) areas of high pressures in the region of the TMJ joint and or noseband will result in the horse seeking a locomotor compensatory strategy to alleviate any discomfort caused by the saddle, girth and bridle. This will undoubtedly have a negative eect on gallop performance and eciency, and ultimately health. Compensation strategies may manifest themselves with horses altering their gallop lead, demonstrating excessive lateral bending away from the leading leg, or stiening of the thoracolumbar spine in addition to some of the physiological signs. The development of compensatory locomotor strategies will lead to asymmetric force production. We know these asymmetries have an eect on the horse at walk, trot and canter, and it is likely that these will be amplied when galloping. We must remember that the horse can feel a y, why can they not feel a saddle, grith and or bridle which creates high pressures, the answer is they can, but they develop a strategy to alleviate the discomfort.

21 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22Study withus online. Join us in 2021

22Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22Buttons’ owner, Vicki, contacted me in July 2017, wondering if massage could help her cherished 11-year-old rescue boy. Black Labrador, Buttons had recurring, intermittent neck and back pain. He had been x-rayed, but no abnormalities were found. Tramadol had been prescribed, but Buttons was still very uncomfortable, and Vicki could see no hope of resolution. Buttons was a very special boy who had slipped into Vicki’s life by chance. Owned in the neighbourhood by someone who left him to sleep outside, this littlest hobo followed his nose to Vicki and her husband’s door, as if he had an inkling that these dog-lovers (currently without a dog) would take pity on him. It began with them giving him a blanket and allowing him to shelter on their porch, but it wasn’t long before he was oered a bed and had become a part of their daily lives. Fortunately, Buttons’ owner was happy to have Vicki take him o his hands and this lucky Labrador’s life changed for the good when he ocially became part of a loving home with an indoor bed to call his own. But years of sleeping out in all weathers had taken its toll on his ageing body. He struggled to walk, his head carriage was very low, and it was only with diculty that he could turn his neck. Intermittent front limb lameness meant he was unable to walk far. It was heart-breaking for Vicki to watch him, day-in day-out, silently bearing the pain whilst still constantly wagging his tail as he looked into her eyes. No amount of love and happiness could rid him of his constant aches and pains; even at night he struggled to lie comfortably enough to sleep.  CASE STUDY Clinical Canine Massage by Melanie Merritt of Canis Major, Essex Clinical Canine MassageI not only learned his history, lifestyle and activities of daily living, but I used gait analysis, a postural assessment and a full palpation routine. Palpating his muscles revealed to me that he had signicant areas of myofascial pain. His fascia (a web of connective tissue that envelops every bone, every organ and every muscle in the body) was restricting movement and manifesting a pain response. Restrictions in fascia show up as visible local twitch responses.Buttons’ shoulders were a mass of hypertonic tissue. This permanent state of contraction in his muscles prevented him from holding up his head or fully turning his head from right to left. He was therefore stuck with a permanent shrug in his shoulders.His lumbar area was hypertonic, his pectoral muscles were solid, and his range of motion was severely restricted as a result. He was inexible and very sore.All these factors aected his mobility, resulting in him being overweight, putting additional strain on his struggling joints. However, with the four disciplines of massage learned during my two-year course with the Canine Massage Therapy Centre, plus the Lenton Method™ of myofascial release all at my ngertips, I was condent that I would be able to help this long-suering boy.I worked slowly with Buttons during his rst session. It’s important to be guided by the dog’s issues and needs, always working with them and making sure that they are comfortable. This allowed me to get to know Buttons, establish trust and to ascertain his needs. The feedback after this session was that he was initially a bit sti, but very sprightly the next day – a visible improvement after just a single session. My initial consultation session with Buttons allowed me to assess his condition. Clinical Canine Massage Guild therapists use a number of tools to create a bespoke treatment plan for each dog’s care. continued overleafCANINE MASSAGE22 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22

23 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22Coat changes / icking up / dry in areal l lKyphosis (roaching) / Lordosis (swayback)l l lTwitching, or ‘shivery’ skinl l lInexplicable tremorsl l lTail carriage e.g., swimmers taill l lNeck / back / shoulder issuesl l lUneven nail wearl l lHip or stie rotation (dog stands / sits with knee pointing out)l l lDown on the wristl l lReluctance to be petted /groomed / examinedl l lDisinterested in life /isolating themselves /depressed l l lSelf mutilation e.g., nibbling their hind areal l lLick granuloma, e.g., excessive licking of wristl l lSnapping when touched or towel driedl l lSnapping at other dogs as a pre-warning for them to stay awayl l lAnxietyl l lFrequent rolling on backl l lLame / limping /carrying a leg or pawl l lReduced range of movementl l lStiff when movingl l lSlowing down on walks l l lAbduction or adduction (throwing a leg)l l lSingle trackingl l lPacing l l lHopping/skippingl l lLack of reach or drivel l lCrabbing l l lStruggling to get up on or down from sofa, stairs, carl l lNot settling, pacing at night timel l lWeakness in back legsl l lGeneral signs of ageingl l lStruggling / slowing down on walksl l lDifculty rising from lying downl l lSlipping / unbalanced on ooringl l lLying down to eatl l l Agility dogs – pole knocking, weave and /or contact issues, lack of drive, measuring,l l lGun dogs – early onset fatigue, retrieval issuesl l lCanicross – early onset fatigue, reluctance to wear harness, not pullingl l lObedience - change in work positions e.g., down stay / sendaway l l lFlyball -Turning wide on box, missing/avoiding jumps l l lAll disciplines: any deviation from natural performance l l lIf you have noticed, or have concerns about, your dog’s mobility and /or behaviour, you can easily classify your observations with the 5 Principles of Pain, a useful aid for identifying symptoms of musculoskeletal conditions that could be helped by clinical canine massage. The signs of muscular pain listed can be mistaken by some owners as simply signs of ageing or ‘just something they do’. The reality is, however, that muscular pain can be caused by anything from normal activities of daily living to chronic, arthritic conditions. Just tick the severity of each of the conditions that apply to your dog and turn over.      l Sometimesl Oftenl AlwaysWhat’s your dog trying to tell you?A guide to help you assess your dog for the viability of clinical canine massage therapyDiseased joints rely on the extra muscular support which, in itself, is likely to mean increased secondary pain. For truly effective management of chronic pain, all areas of associated muscular dysfunction must be addressed.Please tick the relevant boxes... Osteoarthritis Hip dysplasia Cruciate ligament Elbow dysplasia Spondylosis Luxating patella OCD Previous break / fracture Other My dog is pre-surgery My dog is post-surgerywww.k9-massageguild.co.uk

24Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22For more information on clinical canine massage therapy or to nd your local therapist please visit www.k9-massageguild.co.uk Following a Clinical Canine Massage session, it can often be small aspects of behaviour that signal a dramatic improvement. Things that we may have forgotten they used to do – suddenly the clock is turned back and we are reminded of what used to be normal. In Buttons’ case, after his second session a week later, Vicki noticed that he was able to scratch the dirt behind him after toileting. A natural behaviour he hadn’t been able to do for a very long time. After Buttons’ third session, Vicki was delighted to report that he had managed to trot; he was happy and In the owner’s words: “I was desperate out of love for my big old dog. Buttons had been with us for three years but had reached a point where he almost had no quality of life. But he still wagged his tail and loved his people with zest. He had been on Loxicom for a year, but it had stopped having any eect and was making him sick. He’d been switched to Tramadol, but it just made him sleep all the time. And he looked so sad. Of course, we tried the various supplements, but they only had short term benets. I was pouring my heart out to a friend who had seen Mel’s van. We thought, why not give it a try? But my hopes weren’t high for any real improvement. When Mel came to see us, Buttons and I took to her right away. She was so easy to talk to. She watched and assessed Buttons and lmed him walking before beginning his rst treatment. There were a few ouchies – but he trusted Mel and still thought it was just one big fussing session. After the second session, I really started to notice an improvement in his mobility. After the third session he was o the Tramadol.As the treatment progressed, Buttons turned naughty. He ran! He ran because he could, and it felt good. He ran right across the farmer’s eld and ran level with me until he turned back with a silly big grin on his adorable face. I texted Mel a picture of a dot in the distance and said, ‘You did this! LOL!’ No doubt about it, Mel’s treatments truly gave Buttons his quality of life back. My old boy turned playful and puppy-like again. He revelled in being able to wriggle on his back making happy grumbling noises and biting the air. He was able to enjoy playing again. Another massive benet of the massage was his weight loss. Buttons was 49 kg when we took him on. We got him down to 35 kg but then plateaued. I think the massage stimulated his lymphatic system and digestion – he lost a further 3 kg to reach his goal weight. Mel was always there for us, until we sadly lost Buttons at age 13. She made such a dierence to both our lives.” bouncy and even her massage-sceptic husband was convinced now that Buttons “was like a dierent dog!”I feel so privileged that I was able to facilitate such signicant changes to a dog’s life. In this case, a dog who, in his twilight years, had moved out from the shadow of years of neglect to a warm home and the loving support of a devoted family.I was fortunate enough to continue treating Buttons until the end of his life in March, 2019.He was such an utter pleasure to spend time with and it was so rewarding to see the phenomenal dierence that massage made to him: his excess weight dropped o because he was now able to move more freely; he was able to raise his head; his shoulders resumed normal function; his coat improved. And, although Buttons had always heartily wagged his tail, it was easy to see that without the burden of so much pain, he was happier than ever. CANINE MASSAGE24 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22

25 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 2201646.603878 | www.CompanionAnimalHealth.com | georginam@litecure.comKeep Your Athlete in Top ConditionDETECT LAMENESS EARLIER TO PREVENT INJURY Is your athlete hurting? They work hard and often hide pain well. The new Stance Analyzer is designed to detect lameness earlier by evaluating your dog’s weight bearing. Dogs carry 60% of their body weight on their forelimbs (30% per forelimb) and 40% on their hindlimbs (20% per hindlimb). Even small changes in weight bearing per limb can indicate orthopedic abnormalities that require intervention.What Does it Do?The Stance Analyzer can be used to collect baseline weight bearing data and evaluate any changes over time to identify subtle changes that may indicate opportunities for preventative care.How Does My Dog Get Analyzed?The Stance Analysis process is simple and involves your dog standing on a floor mat with 4 quadrants to establish weight bearing by limb. Keep Your Athlete in Top ConditionReach out to your veterinarian or vet physiotherapist and ask about Stance Analysis or call our UK office on 01646.603878 to arrange an educational consultation on the Stance Analyzer

26Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22What is Horseball?Horseball is an equestrian team sport made up of four players, where the main objective is to score more goals than the opposing team. A goal is scored by throwing the ball through one of the vertical hoops, which are located at opposite ends of the pitch. Similar to rugby and football, whereby opposing teams aim to score by getting the ball in goals opposite to one another. A minimum of three passes between three individual players must occur before a goal can be scored. This is a fast-paced game, based on combination of both attacks and defences.IntroductionThe British Horseracing Industry has been recognised as an expanding industry. The thoroughbred foal crop rises annually, to ensure that there are enough racehorses available to race as the industry continues to expand (British Horseracing, 2019). With a rising number of thoroughbreds entering the horseracing industry, the consequent number of retired racehorses exiting the industry also increases. The British thoroughbred racehorse population is considered as being vulnerable and at risk of their welfare being compromised once they leave the track (Heleski et al., 2020; Horseman et al., 2016). Concerns regarding retired racehorses’ quality of life after racing has led to a relatively new branch of research, which explores the rehabilitation and retraining of retired racehorses. To date however, this evidence-base is limited. It is known however, that the current destinations of British retired racehorses are either into the bloodstock sector to be bred, to be rehomed or to be euthanized (Lynch, 2016; Barnett, 2006). Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) aim to rehome retired racehorses in an environment where they are given a second chance at a career. The purpose of these retired racehorses can vary considerably, from them being utilised as a companion horse, being used within equine assisted activities or to being successfully competed across a range of disciplines as a second career (Stowe and Kibler, 2016). Racehorses all have individual personalities and various levels of physical and mental health states, therefore identifying which discipline a retired racehorse may be more successful in, could potentially lead to their successful long-term rehoming (Stowe and Kibler, 2016; Suwała et al., 2016).Currently, the racing industry is under an increasing amount of public scrutiny, whereby external stakeholders are considering the possible ethical implications and negative impacts that the industry has on equestrian welfare (Animal Aid, 2020; Heleski et al., 2020). A key component in achieving a perceived social license to operate could be to ensure transparency in the rehoming processes of retired racehorses, following their retirement. In response to public social values, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Horse Welfare Board (2020) has highlighted the racing industry’s lifetime responsibility of racehorses. The BHA (2018) additionally conducted a survey to optimise understanding of the aftercare of retired racehorses, however, to date, these results have not been published (Heleski et al., 2020). This suggests that although some work is being done, more research is needed to recognise the destinations and possible future disciplines retired racehorses partake in. The key attributes that determine a retired racehorse’s discipline suitability, however, are currently unknown. We aimed to initially explore the role of the retired racehorse in Horseball, as the British Horseball Association is constantly being developed and expanded across the UK, and is sponsored by RoR, therefore the breed of choice for this sport is the thoroughbred. RoR (2020) has thirty retired racehorses on record that are currently owned by British Horseball Association members and organises various RoR Horseball specic awards. This suggests that Horseball could provide a suitable model to determine Retraining of RacehorsesHorseballby Steph Evans, Associate Lecturer in Animal Therapy, and Jane Williams, Head of ResearchHartpury University, Gloucester, UKHARTPURY UNIVERSITY

27 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22which attributes support a successful transition into a racehorses second career, that could be applied in the future to other equestrian disciplines.With Horseball currently being expanded and more people participating in the sport, more horses may consequently be purchased to compete (British Horseball Association, 2020). This combined with the collaboration between the British Horseball Association and RoR, and the successful promotion of RoR success stories in Horseball, means more retired racehorses may be rehomed for Horseball competition purposes. Understanding what makes a horse, and specically a retired racehorse, a good choice for Horseball could help increase rehoming of racehorses in the sport. Therefore, this preliminary study explored the key attributes retired racehorses are required to possess to facilitate a successful second career competing in Horseball.MethodsParticipants voluntarily completed an online, 18 question survey (SurveyMonkey®), distributed through Horseball related communication channels (Facebook™, Instagram™ and the British Horseball Association). Horseball competitors were asked a) what key physical and behavioural characteristics they considered necessary for a successful Horseball horse, and b) whether they would consider competing a retired racehorse. Thematic analysis using a grounded theory approach analysed dierences in opinion when ranking attribute importance (Horseman et al., 2016; Bryant and Charmaz, 2010). Ethical approval for the study was granted from Hartpury University Ethics Committee. ResultsForty-ve Horseball competitors completed the survey. Thirty-two competitors had already owned and competed a retired thoroughbred racehorse in Horseball and forty-four competitors would consider purchasing and competing one. A substantial proportion of respondents, thirty-one competitors, currently competed with thoroughbreds and thirty-three competitors recognised the thoroughbred as the optimum breed for Horseball competition. The majority of respondents identied four- and ve-years of age as the minimum age a horse should be purchased for Horseball. Optimum height varied, with fourteen competitors selecting both 15.2hh and 16.3hh as the ideal horse height for Horseball. Soundness, a balanced and symmetrical conformation with muscular development and speed were consistently identied as key performance attributes required in successful Horseball horses, and combined with ridden temperament and reactivity, were thought to enhance horses’ agility performance. Unsurprisingly, tendon and ligament injuries were considered detrimental to a successful Horseball career. Most participants celebrated retired racehorses’ suitability, commenting “ex-racehorses have very desirable characteristics [speed and agility] for Horseball and that they are easy to retrain for other equestrian disciplines, especially Horseball”. This study recognised speed, agility and temperament as characteristics Horseball competitors looked for when sourcing a potential Horseball horse capable of competitive success. An overwhelming theme that was recognised throughout the survey, was Horseball competitors overwhelming adoration of their retired racehorses. Competitors commonly used the terms; fantastic, great, easy and best when asked to describe their retired racehorses’ suitability to the sport. Discussion and Practical ApplicationThe British Horseracing Authority’s Horse Welfare Board (2020) aim for all racehorses to have ‘a life well lived’ and recognises that the racing industry has a collective lifetime responsibility to ensure racehorse welfare – both on and o the track. This preliminary study has identied that retired thoroughbred racehorses possess key performance attributes suitable for a successful second career in competitive Horseball. Most competitors recognised the thoroughbred as the optimum competitive Horseball breed, due to their agility, temperament and speed. Additionally, the age that racehorses retire from the track is commonly between four- and ve-years of age (British Horseracing, 2019). Our continued overleaf

28Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22work recognised this age range, as the minimum age a horse should be purchased for Horseball. This could emphasise retired at racehorses’ suitability for a successful second career in Horseball competition. Personality and physical characteristics play an important role in horse-rider relationships because a horse’s behaviour inuences their quality as a riding partner (Graf et al., 2013). Anecdotally thoroughbred racehorses are often considered to be highly reactive. However, while Lloyd et al. (2008) reported thoroughbreds to score highly for anxiousness and excitability in their horse personality assessment, they also scored the highest of the breeds assessed for sociability and inquisitiveness. When racing, being reactive (agile) and having heightened ight responses (speed) provides racehorses with a performance advantage, that may EquineHartpury UniversityHartpury, Gloucesterwww.hartpury.ac.ukHartpury is a specialist educational provider located in Gloucestershire with more than 3,600 college and university level students studying postgraduate and undergraduate degrees, A-levels and diplomas in the areas of sport, equine, animal, agriculture and veterinary nursing.REFERENCES: Animal Aid (2020) Horse Racing. Available from: https://www.animalaid.org.uk/the-issues/our-campaigns/horse-racing/Barnett (2006)The slaughtered horses that shame our racing. Available from: https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2006/oct/01/horseracing.sportBritish Horseball Association (2020) British Horseball Association. Available from: https://www.britishhorseball.co.uk/British Horseracing (2018)BHA launch racehorse aftercare survey. Available from: https://www.britishhorseracing.com/press_releases/bha-launch-racehorse-aftercare-survey/British Horseracing (2019) December_Racing_Data_Pack.pdf. Available from: http://media.britishhorseracing.com/bha/Racing_Statistics/Racing_Data_Packs_By_Month_2019/December_Racing_Data_Pack.pdfBritish Horseracing Authority Horse Welfare Board (2020) A Life Well Lived. Available from: https://www.britishhorseracing.com/press_releases/a-life-well-lived-british-racings-horse-welfare-board-publishes-ve-year-welfare-strategy/a-life-well-lived-british-racings-horse-welfare-board-publishes-ve-year-welfare-strategy/Bryant, A. and Charmaz, K. (2010)The Sage Handbook of Grounded Theory. California: Sage Publications Ltd.Graf, P., von Borstel, U.K. and Gauly, M., 2013. Importance of personality traits in horses to breeders and riders. Journal of Veterinary Behavior. 8(5), pp.316-325.Heleski, C., Stowe, C.J., Fiedler, J., Peterson, M.L., Brady, C., Wickens, C. and MacLeod, J.N. (2020) Thoroughbred Racehorse Welfare through the Lens of ‘Social License to Operate—With an Emphasis on a U.S. Perspective. Sustainability. 12 (5), pp. 1-23. [Accessed 31 October 2020].Horseman, S.V., Buller, H., Mullan, S. and Whay, H.R. (2016) Current Welfare Problems Facing Horses in Great Britain as Identied by Equine Stakeholders Claire Wade. PLOS ONE. 11 (8), pp. 1-16.Lloyd, A.S., Martin, J.E., Bornett-Gauci, H.L.I. and Wilkinson, R.G., 2008. Horse personality: Variation between breeds. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 112(3-4), pp.369-383.Lynch, P. (2016) What Happens When A Racehorse Retires? Available from: https://www.raceadvisor.co.uk/happens-horse-retires/Retraining of Racehorses (2020) Retraining of Racehorses. Available from: https://www.ror.org.uk/Stowe, C.J. and Kibler, M.L. (2016) Characteristics of Adopted Thoroughbred Racehorses in Second Careers. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science. 19 (1), pp. 81–89.Suwała, M., Górecka-Bruzda, A., Walczak, M., Ensminger, J. and Jezierski, T. (2016) A desired prole of horse personality – A survey study of Polish equestrians based on a new approach to equine temperament and character. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 180 (1), pp. 65–77.infer a competitive advantage in other disciplines. Equally their sociability and inquisitiveness could promote positive human-horse bonds that translate to the adoration observed by retired racehorses in this study. Horseball competitors’ felt that retired racehorses were versatile and displayed behavioural and physical characteristics which were recognised as benecial for Horseball success; these traits may also be benecial and promote success within other equestrian disciplines. RoR celebrates the adaptability of retired racehorses and their capacity for success in a range of disciplines, including dressage, showing and eventing (RoR, 2020). Retired racehorses gain many positives from their time in training and a career on the track including but not limited to becoming familiar with crowds and busy environments, and familiarisation with general management practices and veterinary procedures, loading and travelling etc. This can provide a solid foundation for a successful transition to a competitive second career, as well as provided a loving and loyal companion. Therefore, horse owners should truly consider the huge benets of sourcing a retired racehorse as their next horse (RoR, 2020). Next stepsFurther work in collaboration with racehorse rehoming stakeholders is required to produce guidelines to identify specic behavioural and physical characteristics, which could predict the suitability of retired racehorses for successful second careers across equestrian disciplines. Such research could begin with identifying which disciplines retired racehorses progress into, then determining what attributes are necessary for competition success in each of these equestrian disciplines. Alongside this, further exploration of the horse-human relationship and how both human and equine personality inform this is warranted to ensure successful matches and rehoming success. This information could then potentially be applied in rehoming centres to recognise which discipline a retired racehorse may be more likely to successfully compete in and to match them with their ideal partner, creating the potential to enable a retired racehorse to nd their forever home. Want to nd out more?British Horseball Association: https://www.britishhorseball.co.uk/ Retraining of Racehorses: https://www.ror.org.uk/ Horseball photography credit:Mary Pettifor and Andrew Cavanagh. Horseball Competitors in photographs: David Worthington and Jude Lucas.HARTPURY UNIVERSITY

29 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22Most reading this magazine will be well aware of the nancial implications attached to equine pursuits. The average price of a swimming, football, tennis, cricket, golf or netball lesson is dwarfed by the average price of a horse riding lesson across the UK. It’s easy to understand why. Tennis rackets don’t need 24/7 care. Golf clubs don’t require routine veterinary and physiotherapy appointments. Hockey sticks don’t need constant feed to keep them going. The same cannot be said for ponies and horses that are used to teach people how to ride, I’ll briey mention insurance and business rates to strengthen my point and we can then understand the comparatively high price. It is therefore no surprise that the demographic statistics of those who ride in the UK leans overwhelmingly towards, suburban, middle class participants. It doesn’t take an economist to realise that those with the most disposable income can aord the experience and resources needed to excel in sports not accessible to the majority. I grew up in a council estate in the Black Country as part of a single parent household on welfare support. If I hadn’t given every spare minute of my time and ounce of my energy for over a decade, moved to any corner of the country that provided the right opportunity, then I don’t believe I would have got to where I am today. Competing internationally and not feeling totally out of place amongst those at the top. My point (as long winded as ever) is that I now realise I had the talent, stamina, vision and discipline to represent the UK. However, because of a non-existent nancial support network I had to head butt my way to the top. I’m now in a place professionally and personally that I never saw myself reaching. I still and probably always will have endless ambition for the future but I now feel I can take time to look around at the clients I coach, junior or senior, dressage or eventing. I see certain people just as desperately hungry for some recognition and support from those who can inuence and open the right doors. I have identied riders who I coach and oered them various type of scholarships and mentorships. The riders that I have selected to support I hope will rise above their given social hierarchy and end up riding with their countries ag stitched onto the collar of their competition jacket. They might not pursue an equestrian career path. That doesn’t bother me. What matters to me is giving an opportunity to someone who gives “IT” everything. I want them to realise that they are not less worthy than those they are stood next to who happen to be fortunate enough to be able to aord those extra lessons or the horse with the large price tag.I’ll leave you with one observation I’ve made. Where equipment and facilities matter least, countries with lower GDP excel. Those sports that require the upper most funding have an overwhelmingly white, western and upperclassmen representation. My summary is that ANY sport can be within ANYONE’S reach so please, if you see talent and perseverance and you can assist that person in anyway, HELP THEM! I wouldn’t be preaching to you from this high and mighty position without people seeing something in the boy from the council estate who used to catch 2 buses to work at a Trekking Centre in his £10 wellies.LEVI HUNTLevi Hunt - Grand Prix International Rider for Great Britain, British Dressage Young Professional of the year 2016, Regional British Dressage Team Trainer, UKCC3 CoachLevi regularly runs clinics up and down the country. You can contact him via his facebook page - Levi Hunt Equestrian or through his PA - Nicky on 07771 61002729 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22Levi’s BlogUsing an “Elite” industry to become socially upwardly mobile ...

30Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22IntroductionOn the assumption that the benets of physical rehabilitation are well documented in canine practice, (Millis et al, 2015) less in the feline practice, (Sharp, 2012) a multimodal approach could give the added value to physical rehabilitation in dogs and cats to achieve results and improvements quicker. Multimodal approachA multimodal approach features complementary and integrative techniques to improve symptomatic and functional recovery. It is dened as the application of dierent treatments simultaneously, concurrently or sequentially in order to improve pain and facilitate the physical rehabilitation. The goal of combining dierent rehabilitative techniques is to progressively regain a normal or better locomotion in small animals, that has been lost or changed due to congenital pathologies, traumas, ortho or neuro surgery or multi-factors.A multimodal approach is a 360 degrees approach, that does not only include the combination of dierent physical techniques like physiotherapy, acupuncture and hydrotherapy, but allows an holistic view of the animal patient. This means including also the pharmacologic pain management (managed together with the Vet in charge), the body condition management (weight control) and the environment management (living space and daily routine). Holistic view means thinking about the big picture, the whole animal including the physical, mental and emotional health. Pain ManagementTo achieve the goal of a benecial physical rehabilitation plan in dogs and cats, the starting point should be a good communication and collaboration Rehabilitation in small animals: The importance of a Multimodal Approachwith the referring Vet. This is important to make sure the patient is receiving the adequate pharmacologic pain management to be able to be an active part of the rehab plan. AcupunctureAcupuncture is an ancient medicine-based discipline belonging to the Traditional Chinese Medicine. As in human practice, Veterinary Acupuncture is a technique in which specic points of the body are stimulated by the insertion of thin stainless steel needles into the body surface. Studies have shown that the use of acupuncture involves the stimulation of sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscles. Production and releasing of endorphins and mono-amines that change the conduction in the central nervous system are activated. Stimulation of acupoints has pain relieving properties associated with activation of specic pain-associated areas in the brain (Lin YC et al 2017).In small animals, any kind of physiological alteration or pathology can be supported by using acupuncture but the main conditions treated during a rehabilitation session are musculoskeletal problems, osteoarthritis, intervertebral disc disease or traumatic nerve injury. In severe neurological cases, electroacupuncture, which involves by Silvia Boscolo RVn, Pgd Vet Physio, MIAAT, MIAVRPT, RCH, London Vet Rehab Limitedand Laura Romano DVM, Cert Vet Acup (IVAS, ItVAS), MSc Vet Physio, IRVAP, CAH, ABVA, MRCVSLONDON VET REHABREHABILITATION IN SMALL ANIMALS: THE IMPORTANCE OF A MULTIMODAL APPROACH Introduction On the assumption that the benefits of physical rehabilitation are well documented in canine practice, (Millis et al, 2015) less in the feline practice, (Sharp, 2012) a multimodal approach could give the added value to physical rehabilitation in dogs and cats to achieve results and improvements quicker. Multimodal approach A multimodal approach features complementary and integrative techniques to improve symptomatic and functional recovery. It is defined as the application of different treatments simultaneously, concurrently or sequentially in order to improve pain and facilitate the physical rehabilitation. The goal of combining different rehabilitative techniques is to progressively regain a normal or better locomotion in small animals, that has been lost or changed due to congenital pathologies, traumas, ortho or neuro surgery or multi-factors. A multimodal approach is a 360 degrees approach, that does not only include the combination of different physical techniques like physiotherapy, acupuncture and hydrotherapy, but allows an holistic view of the animal patient. This means including also the pharmacologic pain management (managed together with the Vet in charge), the body condition management (weight control) and the environment management (living space and daily routine). Holistic view means thinking about the big picture, the whole animal including the physical, mental and emotional health. the use of an electrotherapy medical device connected to the needles, is the technique of election. By using electroacupuncture it is possible to achieve a higher level of stimulation than the manual technique, reducing the timing of recovery of the nervous system (Han JS 2003).PhysiotherapyPhysiotherapy is an important component of veterinary rehabilitation by facilitating maintenance of muscle mass and joint range of motion, and through improvement in strength and mobility. Several are the techniques available to manage the animal patient, which are used through the entire rehabilitation program, some of them are:• Manual therapy (myofascial releasing) • Thermotherapy (hot and cold)• PROM and AROM• Electrical stimulation (TENS, EMS, PEMF)• Controlled walking• Targeted exercisesHydrotherapyThe natural properties of the water, create a suitable environment for performing non concussive active exercise which helps to relieve pain, reduce swelling and stiness, improve blood circulation, improve limb mobility, muscle strength and range of motion (Jackson AM et al. 2002). Warm water increases the circulation of blood to the muscles, increasing the supply of oxygen and nutrients, leading to muscle relaxation and reducing pain and stiness. Improved circulation reduces swelling around an injured area and enhances healing.The buoyancy eect of water reduces the load on weight bearing joints which helps to reduce pain and allows easier movement and exercise. Hydrostatic pressure applied to the animal’s body in

31 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22water can assist in reducing swelling, and as the pressure increases with depth this encourages inammatory uids in the limbs to move away from aected areas which are immersed lower in the water, back towards the body. Hydrotherapy can be performed in either a pool or underwater treadmill (UWT) depending on the goals the hydrotherapist wants to achieve and the diagnosis being treated. UWT provides the ability to quickly control water height, undertake dynamic and static handling, the possibility to work on proprioception and the ability to work on controlled gait and improvement of muscle mass. The pool is the better choice in case of severe progressive OA, thanks to the buoyancy that will help to sustain the body weight and alleviate the pain of the joint pressure from gravity. It provides the ability to undertake dynamic and static handling and eliminate gravity, work on the full ROM and improve muscle strength and volume.DietWeight loss can be a very powerful strategy in the multimodal approach but it is perhaps the most dicult modality to successfully employ due to client perception and behaviour (obesity in dogs has increased 37% in the last 5 years according to data).By combining high quality proteins, low or grain free and calorie restriction with an personalised physical therapy program, signicant weight loss and improvement in lameness can be accomplished (Mlacnik et al, JAVMA 2006). The perfectly physiological and balanced diet from puppyhood can even more profoundly inuence the development and progression of OA, an important discussion to have with new pet owners.ConclusionTeam work is always the key of success. Veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, holistic vets, veterinary physiotherapists, hydrotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths and owners must work as a team to have successful management of pain and restore the animal patient to a functional life. A personalised plan for each patient is what we consider the best treatment towards a more comfortable lifestyle.www.londonvetrehab.co.ukREFERENCES(Millis et al, 2015) (Evidence for canine rehabilitation and physical therapy. Vet Clin North am Small Anim Pract. 2015 Jan; 45(1):1-27)(Sharp, 2012) (Feline physiotherapy and rehabilitation. J Feline Medicine and Surg 2012(14):622-32)(Bockstahler at al 2004) (Essential facts of physiotherapy in dogs and cats, Jan 2004, www.researchgate.net) (Slingerland at al, 2011) (Cross-section study of the prevalence and clinical features of osteoarthritis in 100 cats. Vet J 2011; 187(3):304-309)(Lin YC et al 2017) Lin YC, Wan L, Jamison RN (2017) Using Integrative Medicine in Pain Management: an evaluation of current evidence. Anesth Analg, Dec;125(6):2081-2093(Habacher et al 2006). Habacher G, Pittler MH, Ernst E (2006) Eectiveness of acupuncture in veterinary medicine: systematic review. J Vet Intern Med 2006; 20:480-488.(Han JS 2003) Han JS. Acupuncture: neuropeptide release produced by electrical stimulation of dierent frequencies.Trends Neurosci 2003;26(1):17-22Jackson AM et al (2002) Joint kinematics during underwater treadmill activity. In: Proceedings of the 2nd International Symposium on Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy in Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee: 191(Impellizeri, et al, JAVMA 2000) (Eect of weight reduction on clinical signs of lameness in gods with hip osteoarthritis, 2000 216(7):1089-1091).(Mlacnik et al, JAVMA 2006) Eects of caloric restriction and a moderate or intense physiotherapy program for treatment of lameness in overweight dogs with osteoarthritis. Am Vet Med Assoc 2006 Dec 1;229(11):1756-60.

32Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22Claw maintenance is a responsibility that all dog owners have. It is integral to regularly check the health of your dog’s claws as various complications can occur if they remain long and unkempt. How to know when they are too long:It can sometimes be dicult to tell if your dog’s claws are too long so it is important to be aware of these tell tale signs of when your pets claws may need cutting. They include:• The claw extending past the pad• When your dog is standing, the claws touch the oor• A clicking sound heard when your dog walks along hard surfaces • When standing, a piece of paper cannot be slid underneath your dogs clawsHow do they get long?Claw length is often maintained through naturally wearing down on pavements and other surfaces. In senior dogs, their reduction in mobility sometimes means that this natural wear and tear doesn’t occur. Through their younger years, your dog may have naturally maintained their own claw length, however, as your dog may spend more time sleeping in their older years, it becomes less noticeable when the claws become longer. Many dogs also do not enjoy having their paws touched or claws clipped. This means it can easily become dicult to implement into your maintenance routine and forgotten about for long periods of time. Nevertheless, it is integral that claw length is frequently maintained to avoid poor maintenance related problems.Problems associated with long claws When dogs claws continuously touch the ground, during movement and stationary, this causes force to be exerted through the claw and into the nail bed. This then begins to alter posture, weight distribution, proprioception and balance. Dogs are extremely good at compensating when something is painful or uncomfortable. If claws are continuously causing discomfort, dog’s will alter their posture. As posture is altered, this causes a compensatory shift in weight and changes the position of the toes, paws and forelimb, placing soft tissue structures under strain. This then leads to a change in gait biomechanics as the pressure placed during each step causes discomfort. This secondary soft tissue pain, spasm and tightness can potentially lead to orthopaedic conditions such as osteoarthritis which in turn causes further pain and discomfort. In even more extreme cases, if the claws become extremely overgrown, the claw can curve back and into the pad of the foot or get easily caught and tear the nail bed, causing risks of infection and further pain for your pet. Overall, the unnecessary pain caused by long claws leads to a vicious cycle of your pet avoiding claw-cutting due to pain caused by long claws, meaning maintenance is integral. HOW TO MAINTAIN THEMAvoiding the quickThe quick runs down the middle of each claw and supplies the blood and nerves. The quick grows with the claw meaning as the claw gets longer, so does the quick. This means that during maintenance of your dog’s claw length, you will have to take a small portion of claw o and begin to shrink the quick to a more suitable maintenance level. If the quick does get cut, this can cause bleeding and pain. Although it can be managed, it may cause your pet to become more anxious around claw maintenance so it is best to be avoided if possible. Get to the vets If your pet is uncomfortable with you touching their claws/paws or if you are unsure about cutting your dog’s claws comfortably, it is important to take your dog to the vets to maintain claw length safely. It is never an unnecessary visit! Start training early It is common for dogs to be unsure, wary or anxious about having their paws touched. Nevertheless, if training is introduced at an early stage, this may prevent anxiety surrounding claw clipping and allow maintenance to be easy and stress free. This may include picking up your puppies paws and mimicking claw clipping for desensitization or trimming a few claws a day over a few weeks, with constant positive reinforcement. Find the right device There are various pieces of equipment that can be used to maintain claw length. The most common is the plier style clippers that will just clip the end of the claw. Although some dogs may be ne with this piece of equipment, others may prefer a dremel that les the claw down whilst others may nd using a training method such as training to sand claws down on an emery board. Following and maintaining a simple clipping routine every few weeks can ensure that your dog can move comfortably without fear of claw related pain. Remember though, cutting your dog’s claws isn’t easy, so if you’re in doubt, or require reassurance, consult your vet. Importance of Dog Claw Maintenance by Eve Bestwick, Bsc (Hons) Veterinary Physiotherapy MNAVP Main focus in canine physiotherapy and rehabilitation, based in the West Midlands and surrounding areas. CANINE CARE32 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22

33 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 2207947790049 / Info@poolplatforms.co.ukcanine aquatherapy.Pool platforms are created to make swimming pool more shallow.Use pool platform to create a ramp, platform for animals to exercise on.Platforms come in variety of heights and lengths.Enquire today to find out more.

34Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22Water Properties and Equine HydrotherapyEQUINE HYDROTHERAPYWhat is Water?Water is colourless, odourless, and tasteless. It is made up of billions of molecules. Each molecule is V shaped and is made up of chemical elements – one oxygen and two hydrogen atoms, held together by Covalent Bonds. Water can exist in three states – Liquid (Flowing), Solid (ice), Vapour (Steam).Properties of WaterBuoyancy is an upward force on an object produced by the surrounding water. If, the downward gravity is greater than the upward force an object will sink. If, the upward force is greater, an object will oat. Density – the denser water is the heavier it feels. Objects that are less dense than water oat. Objects denser than the water sink. Density = Mass/Volume. Whether an object oats or sinks also depends on cohesiveness – the tendency of water molecules to stick together. Water is also adhesive, as well as being attracted to other molecules water can be attracted to other substances and surfaces.Each water molecule can form four hydrogen bonds with adjacent molecules, they hold onto each other. Water is a polar molecule, as the Hydrogen side of a water molecule has a small positive charge and on the other side a negative charge which are unique electrochemical properties to their structure, giving water property of attraction.This ‘cohesion’ or ‘attraction’ makes it possible to develop a ‘surface tension’, giving water an ability to withstand stress so light objects can oat on water without sinking, giving an almost elastic property to water. Pressure is also exerted by water on an immersed body or object – this is called Hydrostatic pressure. The deeper the water the greater the pressure. When the water changes from solid to liquid heat must be absorbed. When water changes from liquid to solid, heat is released. This heat transformation is called Heat of Fusion.Water is also an excellent solvent. An example would be Salt crystals, a hydrophilic, Na+ and CI- get separated and end up being dissolved in the water. One example of how water properties are utilised in equine hydrotherapy, is buoyancy in the aqua-treadmill exercise, working in three dierent ways:Assists – by decreasing axial load on the limb there is a reduction in stress and force, allowing the limb to go through a more functional range of motion with the additional benet of pain relief.Supports – buoyancy decreases the amount of pressure and weight bearing on a horse’s limbs also helping prevent contralateral limb complications. Creates resistance – increasing depth of water, increases resistance. Increasing levels of water has dierent eects on a horse’s action. At lower levels of water it is easy for the horse to step through but once the level gets to the carpus/tarsus level they can no longer reach and have to lift the leg up and out of the water to overcome the resistance, this increases the horses stride length. Recent studies have shown that increasing water depth increases stride length. Scott R, Nankervis K, Stringer C, Westcott K, Marlin D. The eect of water height on stride frequency, stride length and heart rate during water treadmill exercise. Equine Vet J 2010 42:662-4.Hydrogen Bonds. Courtesy of Equine Hydrotherapy TrainingIn horses the percentage of weightbearing is at 5-6 inches above the withers 100%, tuber coxae level 75%, point of the shoulder level 30-40% and elbow level 20%.“Buoyancy is dened as the upward thrust acting in the opposite direction of gravity”. Thein J, Brody LT. Aquatic-based rehabilitation and training for the elite athlete. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1998;29(1):32-41.Courtesy of Equine Hydrotherapy Trainingby Grainne Ni Chaba-Byrne, IEH CHAIR, CertClinEd(AccMdx), CertAT, CESMT, CKTP-E, HNDEqS, MKTAI-E, CertPPO, MRAMP, MIRVAP(VP)(MT)(IEH)

35 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22Non-ProtThe Institute of Registered Veterinary &Animal Physiotherapists IRVAP is a dynamiccommunity of qualied professionals workingin animal therapy. Our shared belief is everyanimal deserves the best available treatmentand their owners are supported and informed.Membership CategoriesMIRVAP(VP) - Veterinary PhysiotherapistsMIRVAP(MT) - Manual TherapistsMIRVAP(ICH) - Institute of Canine HydrotherapistsMIRVAP(IEH) - Institute of Equine Hydrotherapistswww.irvap.org.uk614_HR_IRVAP_HPH.indd 1 19/11/2020 14:35Water Properties and Equine HydrotherapyThe Institute of Equine Hydrotherapists (IEH) is the rst equine hydrotherapy association for this industry. Currently the educational requirements to be an equine hydrotherapist are non-existent but accredited courses are currently in development which will bring some education standards for hydrotherapists. Standards are important to ensure that an equine hydrotherapist can practice to a level of competence that a fellow professional, the veterinarians and physiotherapists would recognise like their own. Creating standards maintains public and user condence as well as Veterinary condence to refer horses for hydrotherapy.An educated and trained hydrotherapist will be able to assess a horse safely and eectively considering all physical, behavioural and welfare needs of the individual horse while also supporting the owner. They will be able to demonstrate practical and clinical competences and knowledge – the ability to undertake a musculoskeletal assessment and establish treatment goals based on critical evaluation of assessment ndings. With the development of appropriate training equine hydrotherapists will develop, safe and eective treatment plans, goals and use appropriate hydrotherapy modalities and techniques, having a good knowledge of the selection, function, and application. An equine hydrotherapist must have a complete knowledge of the modalities and their eect, their indications, and contraindications. They must have professional autonomy – judgement, reasoning, and clinical understanding.Equine practical experience is vital alongside education. Assessing and managing a horse in pain or with an injury you require critical awareness of how it will aect a horse’s behaviour. You must understand their physiological and welfare requirements. Experience in the horse’s sport gives the hydrotherapist an edge and insight into overuse injuries and process of rehabilitation for that horse. Horsemanship develops with practice and ability and theses skills are invaluable when handling a horse using hydrotherapy modalities as a horse needs to be trained to use each one. Reading the horses body language is a skill – being able to detect subtle changes in movement, discomfort, or lameness. Being a ight or ght animal, a horse will be on edge when he feels he is not physically capable of doing either, the therapist must be capable of calming a horse, so his fear subsides. Experience with dierent breeds, gender and situations all comes with experience working in the industry.The combination of practical horsemanship and education should increase competency of equine hydrotherapists. The IEH has a code of conduct and practice, that all members must adhere to. A veterinarian should refer or give permission for a horse to receive hydrotherapy, this will ensure there is no contraindication to the horse using a particular hydrotherapy modality. It is an exciting time in equine hydrotherapy – the IEH will begin to create standards and condence in this industry.Developments in the Field of Equine Hydrotherapy

36Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22THE Water Treadmill from FMBs Therapy Systems is a unique and innovative product that can be used for both rehabilitation after injury and as an important part of a training regime to improve all over suppleness, stride length, muscle tone and core strength. Our Water Treadmills can help maximise performance and reduce the risk of injury oering combined operation with horses being able to be use it dry as well as with water but also with chilled saltwater spa options. We have nearly 18 years experience in manufacturing and installing water treadmills worldwide, meaning you can rely on our extensive knowledge and experience in the eld, plus all our water treadmills are sold with full UK training, backup, support and servicing. We have the benet of having Dr Matthias Baumann (veterinarian, rehabilitation centre owner and Olympic Gold medal event rider winner) as part of our team for full onsite training post installation. Matthias’ knowledge and experience is immense - he had a water treadmill in his practise for over 20 years and has been involved with numerous studies on working horses in water treadmills. He has extensive practical and scientic experience to achieve the best results for all types of horses both during rehabilitation and as part of specic training programmes.Our water treadmills are manufactured in Germany using stainless steel construction throughout. ey can be run with either fresh water or salt water, depending on your requirements. Additional options available that can be incorporated into the treadmill are spa jets, a water chilling system, an incline function, trot (as well as walk) and a ltration system with options to suit your budget and needs whether operating privately or commercially. All our water treadmills are supplied with transparent side and doors, so that you can see the horses working from all angles, plus looking down from the user platform which is one of the more important views of how the horses are working through their backs and muscle asymmetries. e treadmills come with an ecient and easy to use full ltration system with pre-ltration (removal of solids), micro ltration (cleaning of the water), water recycling and chemical-free sterilisation. At the press of a button, the ltration will continuously run automatically cleaning, sterilising and recycling your water.e design and dimensions of the treadmills are important to allow the bigger horses room to work comfortably within their stride length through their backs. ere are numerous safety features on our machines which all help to allow horses to work correctly and safely with their head and neck lower. is is really important for the horse’s safety and comfort as well as the training benet and your results. Speed and water depth is really important to get right for the best results. Our customers nd having the experience of Dr Matthias Baumann available to draw on when required invaluable. Dr Matthias Baumann says, “At the beginning we thought the treadmills were only good on therapy – for ligaments and tendons. Now we have good experience on the training and see the eects are not just for rehabilitation of the legs but also on the back muscles, core strength and exibility through the spine when you train in the right way, on the right machines.” With regards to placement of the treadmill, they can either be placed in small pits so horses can walk on and o level to the ground, or placed on concrete with on/o ramps. We will meet with you for an initial site visit, discussing options for placement and ideas of set up based on our vast experience and knowledge, providing you with an ecient solution bespoke to your property, set up and business requirements. Serena Hickson, managing director of FMBs erapy Systems, says "On-going research and training is of utmost importance to us. We and our clients are always very happy to get involved with any new research projects to improve overall learning for the equine hydrotherapy industry as a whole. We were pleased to hear of the new organisation, the IEH (Institute of Equine Hydrotherapists), which has been set up to standardise, improve knowledge and support of this growing sector. We are looking forward to sharing knowledge, learning and extensive experience, especially with the water treadmills, to improve the industry as a whole.” FMBs Water Treadmills Why they are market leadersEQUINE HYDROTHERAPY36 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22Photos:Above: Equine Aqua Power - Hampshire.Left: MP Jump - France.Opposite page right: Tim and Jonelle Price.

37 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22EQUINE REBALANCE THERAPY CENTRE  HAMPSHIRE“After extensive research from the outset & over 3 years of successful business so far, we could not be happier to have chosen FMBs to supply our water treadmill & rehab yard therapy equipment. Our experienced team led by Tonya Willingham & the range of facilities based here at Wellington Riding has established us as a leading UK water treadmill centre. We have a diverse client portfolio from miniature Shetlands to Tokyo bound Olympic horses. We are highly recommended by physios, osteopaths & vets who we work closely with to ensure a tailored approach for each equine whether for tness, performance or rehab.” Rachael Corry, Equine Bowen Therapist & Director of Equine Rebalance If you would like to nd out more about our Water Treadmills, chilled saltwater spas or any of our other extensive range of therapy and training products, please do get in touch – info@fmbs.co.uk or visit our website: www.fmbs.co.uk37 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22BROOK FARM THERAPY CENTRE  ESSEX“I just wanted to send this as a testimonial to the fantastic products and service FMBS provide. I wanted to start a rehabilitation centre and really struggled to understand the best products to use, until I was introduced to FMBS! I was guided through various products with a straight forward explanation as to their uses and benets, we decided to invest in a water treadmill. FMBS then provided plans and specications to enable the best use of our existing building, followed by a speedy delivery and superb hassle free installation, carried out by two polite, friendly and exceptionally helpful professionals. One of the main reasons I chose FMBS was not only the great product but the training and ongoing support that is given by the super experienced Matthias. I now have a successful business and that is thanks to FMBS, thank you all so much.”Hilary Westgarth, Brook Farm Therapy Centre

38Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22• Whole body Pulsed Electromagnetic fi eld(PEMF) and Massage therapy with the rug• Targeted PEMF and Light therapy with aPowerPad or handheld Cluster• Improved core strength and fl exibility withthe Water Treadmill.Medically certifi ed oxygen & salt therapy unitsPERFORMANCE & REHABILITATIONwww.fmbs.co.ukNEW • Whole body Pulsed Electromagnetic fi eld (PEMF) and Massage therapy with the rug• Targeted PEMF and Light therapy with a PowerPad or handheld Cluster• Improved core strength and fl exibility with the Water Treadmill.Medically certifi ed oxygen & salt therapy unitsPERFORMANCE & REHABILITATIONwww.fmbs.co.ukNEW A4_Ad_BritishDressage_QtrPage.indd 1 11/09/2020 13:56• Whole body Pulsed Electromagnetic fi eld(PEMF) and Massage therapy with the rug• Targeted PEMF and Light therapy with aPowerPad or handheld Cluster• Improved core strength and fl exibility withthe Water Treadmill.Medically certifi ed oxygen & salt therapy unitsPERFORMANCE & REHABILITATIONwww.fmbs.co.ukNEW • Whole body Pulsed Electromagnetic fi eld(PEMF) and Massage therapy with the rug• Targeted PEMF and Light therapy with aPowerPad or handheld Cluster• Improved core strength and fl exibility withthe Water Treadmill.Medically certifi ed oxygen & salt therapy unitsPERFORMANCE & REHABILITATIONwww.fmbs.co.ukNEW • Whole body Pulsed Electromagnetic fi eld(PEMF) and Massage therapy with the rug• Targeted PEMF and Light therapy with aPowerPad or handheld Cluster• Improved core strength and fl exibility withthe Water Treadmill.Medically certifi ed oxygen & salt therapy unitsPERFORMANCE & REHABILITATIONwww.fmbs.co.ukNEW

39 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22• Whole body Pulsed Electromagnetic fi eld(PEMF) and Massage therapy with the rug• Targeted PEMF and Light therapy with aPowerPad or handheld Cluster• Improved core strength and fl exibility withthe Water Treadmill.Medically certifi ed oxygen & salt therapy unitsPERFORMANCE & REHABILITATIONwww.fmbs.co.ukNEW This week we had a very interesting case in the oce! ‘Chouchou’ the Sheltie came to me on referral. Being full of beans even at 11 years old she jumped a small obstacle and landed badly dislocating her left shoulder. The owners love this sweet girl and had X-rays taken which conrmed the diagnosis. They were concerned as they had a road trip planned and wanted her to be as comfortable as possible throughout the journey I checked ‘Chouchou’ thouroughly. Sure enough her shoulder was dislocated and painful. Often other joints will misalign in compensation of the primary injury and sure enough her right Illium in her pelvis, and her right c7 - the seventh lowest cervical vertebra had subluxated too. After gently realigning her shoulder, adjusting those compensatory areas and massage I also applied a little dry needling which is similar to acupuncture for the inammation. During this she was very happy and patient and nally when she was ready to leave her limping was almost entirely gone! I expected her to have some soreness later that evening and asked the owners to update me the next day. I’m happy to report that the next day her movement was back to normal and she will be back to her bouncy self although with a little more caution this time! I recommended a follow up X-ray and we will continue bi monthly sessions for now. ABOUT MEI qualied from Life Chiropractic College West in California in 2006. I then took my animal chiropractic certication through the IVCA in 2007 in the U.K. I am also a qualied Veterinary Nurse.My practice is now based in France where we have a few animal osteopaths but very few animal chiropractors. To practice here involves registering with the IFEC school in Paris and attending a weekend there to familiarise international chiropractors with the French system. I can be contacted through my facebook https://www.facebook.com/chiroequilibre or email: charlotteevanschiro@yahoo.comCHIROPRACTICAnimal Chiropracticby Dr Charlotte Evans39 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22

40Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22Respiratory diseases can be challenging cases to treat and so any additional therapy and treatment should be explored. IN human medicine, physiotherapy is used routinely on critical care patients in intensive care units (ICU) and for a variety of pulmonary diseases (Pouzot-Nevoret et al., 2018). However, it is an area of veterinary medicine that is regularly underutilised, likely in part due to limited evidence available on the veterinary application of these techniques, therefore, it is important that we look to the human eld to try and improve the eectiveness of our respiratory care. e main purposes of respiratory physiotherapy are to achieve the best ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) match, mobilise and remove any secretions or blockages, either treat or help prevent pulmonary complications, maintain or improve exercise tolerance, and optimise oxygenation. If treating a patient in the ICU, they should be stabilised and the veterinary surgeon should be on board before being started on a physiotherapy protocol. Respiratory physiotherapy can help those on mechanical ventilation, receiving oxygen supplementation (see gure 1) or suering from conditions such as aspiration pneumonia, pulmonary contusions, or pulmonary oedema (Manning and Vrbanac, 2014). Assessment by a veterinary physiotherapist should include assessing the respiratory function (including respiratory muscle function), breathing pattern, and exercise capacity of the patient.e techniques used in respiratory physiotherapy can be roughly put into 3 categories; positioning and turning, exercise, and manual therapy. Postural drainage and chest manual therapy should only be used when secretions are present but positioning and exercise can also be used in a preventative manner (Sharp, 2012). Other physiotherapy techniques can be employed in Respiratory Physiotherapy for the small animal patientconjunction with respiratory techniques to prevent complications from prolonged recumbency. Additionally, electrotherapies can also be used in certain cases to assist with pain relief and prevention of musculoskeletal complications. Laser therapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can be used as additional analgesia, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can be used if muscle atrophy is a concern (Levine and Bockstahler, 2014). ere is also some positive anecdotal evidence on the use of laser therapy for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary brosis or Westie lung disease.Positioning and turningCorrect positioning and turning helps to achieve the best V/Q ratio, optimise oxygen transport, enhance mucociliary clearance, increase lung volume, reduce respiratory eort, as well as helping to reduce pressure sores (Sharp, 2012). Ideally, a recumbent patient should be turned from lateral recumbency, to sternal, and then to the opposite lateral, every 4 hours (Sharp, 2012). is can be reduced to every 2 hours if the patient is particularly at risk of respiratory infections, provided that turning this oen would not be detrimental to the patient (Sharp, 2012).Postural drainage is also an important aspect of positioning but can only be done on non-ventilated patients. In order to be eective, the exact lung segments that are aected, need to be located through auscultation and/or imaging, in order to choose the correct position to angle the body, of which there are 7 possible positions in dogs (see gure 2) (Manning and Vrbanac, 2014). e general technique of postural drainage involves raising one end of the dog by 40° with the aected lung/lung segment on top to allow gravity to assist with draining the lung or resolving any collapse, although caution should be taken in patients suering from cranial trauma (Manning and Vrbanac, 2014). Where increased intracranial pressure or continual haemorrhage is suspected in cranial trauma patients, any head-down postural drainage positions should be avoided. A minimum of 5-10 minutes per position is required to be eective, however, should not exceed 20 minutes in order to avoid atelectasis developing in any unaected lung segments (Sharp, 2012; Manning and Vrbanac, 2014). RESPIRATORY TREATMENTSby Matthew Scott, BSc (Hons) MNAVPFigure 1

41 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22Exerciseerapeutic exercise is considered superior to chest physical rehabilitation or manual therapy in reducing atelectasis, mobilising and preventing pooling of secretions (Manning and Vrbanac, 2014). Exercise also helps to increase a patient’s tidal volume, causing deep breathing that will promote coughing and with that the removal of pulmonary secretions. Not every patient may be physically able to exercise but whenever possible, exercise should be started as it can also reduce musculoskeletal complications, and improve oxygenation and circulation (Sharp, 2012).When considering exercise for intensive care patients, the ability of the patient dictates the type of exercise that they undergo. is can include assisted standing for recumbent patients, allowing them to take as much of their own weight as they can with support for 30 seconds to a minute or a slow lead walk for 5-10 minutes for ambulatory patients. Exercise should be done 3-4 times a day (Sharp, 2012). e exercise plan for intensive care patients should be kept simple so as to not interfere with treatments that are required more imminently, but can be progressed/developed if a home exercise plan is required.Manual therapyAnother aim of respiratory rehabilitation should be to wean a patient o mechanical ventilation, if possible. In human physiotherapy, this is done by encouraging a conscious patient to start taking independent breaths again by helping them to re-train/strengthen their respiratory muscles. Additionally, if a patient is producing secretions from their lungs, they will be encouraged to cough by themselves in order to try and remove them. ese techniques are obviously not possible with a veterinary patient as they will not be able to consciously follow commands on their breathing pattern or cough on command. erefore, manual therapy techniques can be used in both veterinary patients and human patients with decreased consciousness to assist with lung clearance and improve tidal volume. e most well documented chest physiotherapy techniques include chest percussions, also known as coupage, and vibrations. Overall, these chest manual therapy techniques are aimed at stimulating an eective cough, by loosening sputum and moving it towards the main stem bronchi and trachea and therefore the cough receptors. In order to be most eective, percussions and vibrations should be performed over the aected lung segment(s) as using them generally over the lungs will not be as clinically eective (Manning and Vrbanac, 2014). Additionally, treatment can be made even more eective by performing these techniques with the appropriate postural drainage position. Some reports suggest that percussion and postural drainage can lead to a reduction in arterial blood oxygen saturation in humans and so it is advisable to administer oxygen therapy before and during application of these techniques in the veterinary patient, especially those already showing signs of hypoxia (Connors et al., 1980; Manning and Vrbanac, 2014). Additionally, patients that are at risk of cardiac arrhythmias should be monitored using an electrocardiograph during application of percussion due to the possibility of this technique potentiating such arrythmias (Manning and Vrbanac, 2014).Percussions are performed with a cupped hand in a continuous motion for around 3-4 minutes and are done during both inspiration and exhalation (see gure 3) (Manning and Vrbanac, 2014). In terms of pressure and speed, this can vary slightly from therapist to therapist (Wong et al., 2003). However, realistically, pressure should be moderate, and the speed should be brisk as the aim is to dislodge sputum, and common sense should be used when treating veterinary patients based on the size of the patient/patient’s chest. It is also important that a constant rate of application is maintained (Wong et al., 2003).continued overleafFigure 2 (Book - Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy, 2013. Authors - Millis, Darryl; Levine, David. Publisher - Elsevier)Figure 3

42Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22Vibrations are performed on 4-6 consecutive breaths aer each period of percussion and are aimed at moving the dislodged secretions towards the larger airways (Manning and Vrbanac, 2014). is technique is only performed during exhalation and is done by placing the hands over the aected area of lung, locking the arms out straight and vigorously shaking the chest wall with gentle downward pressure (Manning and Vrbanac, 2014). ere are many other chest physiotherapy techniques described in literature that have been shown to be eective in patients that have decreased consciousness. erefore, as mentioned, these techniques could be benecial for veterinary patients that cannot take deep breaths on command. Some of these techniques include prolonged slow expiration (PSE) and neurophysiological facilitation. Two eective neurophysiological facilitation techniques include perioral stimulation (gentle pressure to the philtrum/nose with the therapists’ ngers) and intercostal muscle stretching (caudal pressure between individual ribs during expiration) (Chang et al. 2002; Edge-Hughes and Nicholson, 2007). Perioral stimulation should be performed for 10 seconds, followed by 20 seconds of intercostal stretching, this cycle is repeated for 3 minutes (Chang et al., 2002). In anxious patients, perioral stimulation is dicult to perform as the patient’s head must be relatively still in order to maintain moderate pressure and perform the technique eectively (Edge-Hughes and Nicholson, 2007). Chang et al. (2002) describe the intercostal stretching technique as being eective when performed over the anterior/ventral aspect of ribs 2-3 in the human patients studied. However, advice from Edge-Hughes and Nicholson (2007) for application in the canine/feline patient would be to use the dorsolateral aspect of middle-lower ribs e.g. ribs 7-8 (see gure 4). Intercostal stretching should be performed on every other breath in patients that have a high respiratory rate, but they do have the potential to slow the respiratory rate of dyspnoeic dogs (Edge-Hughes and Nicholson, 2007).PSE has been studied in human infants as it is thought to have a lower risk of adverse eects when compared to percussions and vibrations (Mishra and Samuel, 2018; Postiaux et al., 2011). is technique has been shown to be eective at lung clearance whilst having a calming eect on the patient and requiring less cooperation from the patient (Postiaux et al., 2011). erefore, it also lends itself well to veterinary patients, especially those that are nervous and/or have smaller chests. Pouzot-Nevoret et al. (2018) adapted this technique to the veterinary patient and found it to be eective at lung clearance. PSE can be performed in lateral recumbency or in standing if the patient is physically able. PSE involves the generation of synchronized thoracic‐abdominal movement by the hands starting at the beginning of expiration with gentle pressure continued until the end of exhalation (Pouzot-Nevoret et al., 2018). To perform in lateral recumbency, one hand is placed on the thorax (5th–6th intercostal spaces) to provide compression and help to promote clearance of uid, the other hand is placed on the abdomen, behind the diaphragm in order to apply an abdominal counter pressure (see gure 5). e technique will vary slightly if standing as both hands will be placed on one side of the dog’s thorax, with the body of the physiotherapist blocking the other side of the thorax. is is repeated for 5–10 successive forced expirations, followed by a break of 5 normal respiratory cycles. is cycle is repeated for a 5‐minute period; the dog should then be given a 1‐minute break Figure 4RESPIRATORY TREATMENTSFigure 5

43 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22in sternal recumbency before repeating the 5‐minute treatment in the opposite recumbency (Pouzot-Nevoret et al., 2018). To avoid regurgitation or vomiting, this should be done an hour aer feeding and can be done every 6 hours depending on the needs of the patient. Coughing is the most important factor in removing lung secretions and an eective cough can remove secretions from the fourth-generation bronchi up to the trachea. However, if a patient is critically injured, they may not be able to initiate a cough themselves. erefore, if no spontaneous coughing has occurred during exercise or the previously mentioned manual therapy techniques, assisted coughing (AC) can be induced by brief digital compression of the trachea, at the level of the third tracheal ring, at the end of each manual therapy session or before switching positions (Manning and Vrbanac, 2014; Pouzot-Nevoret et al., 2018). Every time AC is applied, the patient should be placed in sternal recumbency (Pouzot-Nevoret et al., 2018).Other manual therapy techniques such as massage and passive range of motion may be required to help to prevent musculoskeletal complications and provide additional comfort for the patient (Sutton and Whitlock, 2014).Stable pulmonary diseaseFor patients with stable pulmonary, and even some cardiac, diseases that are able to be managed at home, the techniques mentioned here can be taught to owners by a qualied person as part of a treatment programme. is programme should also include an exercise plan that should be directed towards improving cardiorespiratory function and exercise tolerance, and maintaining a healthy body weight. It should be controlled and graduated based on the individual and should be adhered to alongside their prescribed medications. However, there is the potential that the inclusion of physiotherapy can lead to a decreased dependency on medication and overall increase the patient’s quality of life as well. e inclusion of hydrotherapy within an exercise plan for a respiratory patient should be avoided as the hydrostatic pressure placed on the chest during swimming or deep water treadmill will signicantly increase the respiratory eort (Levine et al., 2014).REFERENCESChang, A., Paratz, J. and Rollston, J. 2002. Ventilatory eects of neurophysiological facilitation and passive movement in patients with neurological injury. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 48 (4), pp. 305-310.Connors, A.F., Hammon, W.E. and Martin, R.J. 1980. Chest physical therapy: the immediate eect on oxygenation in acutely ill patients. Chest, 78 (4), pp. 559-564.Levine, D. and Bockstahler, B. 2014. Electrical Stimulation. In: Millis, D.L. and Levine, D. ed. Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier Inc. pp. 342-358.Levine, D., Millis, D.L., Flocker, J. and MacGuire, L. 2014. Aquatic Therapy. In: Millis, D.L. and Levine, D. ed. Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier Inc. pp. 526-542.Manning, A.M. and Vrbanac, Z. 2014. Physical Rehabilitation of the Critically Injured Veterinary Patient. In: Millis, D.L. and Levine, D. ed. Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier Inc. pp. 652-658.Mishra, R. and Samuel, A.J. 2018. Prolonged Slow Expiratory Technique: A Lung Clearance Technique for Neonates Admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Journal of Clinical Neonatology, 7 (4), pp. 282-283.Edge-Hughes, L. and Nicholson, H. 2007. Canine treatment and rehabilitation: Respiratory physiotherapy. In: McGowan, C., Go, L. and Stubbs, N. ed. Animal Physiotherapy: Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation. Oxford: Blackwell. pp. 224-227.Postiaux, G., Louis, J., Labasse, H.C., Gerroldt, J., Kotik, A.C., Lemuhot, A. and Patte, C. 2011. Evaluation of an Alternative Chest Physiotherapy Method in Infants With Respiratory Syncytial Virus Bronchiolitis. Respiratory Care, 56 (7), pp. 989-994.Pouzot-Nevoret, C., Goy-Thollot, I., Billet, D., Barthélemy, A., Blesch, M., Pin, A. and Hopper, K. 2018. Evaluation of a new chest physiotherapy technique in dogs with airway fluid accumulation hospitalized in an intensive care unit. Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 28 (3), pp. 213-220.Sharp, B. 2012. Feline Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation 2. Clinical application. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 14 (9), pp. 633-645.Sutton, A. and Whitlock, D. 2014. Massage. In: Millis, D.L. and Levine, D. ed. Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier Inc. pp. 464-483.Wong, W.P., Paratz, J.D., Wilson, K. and Burns, Y.R. 2003. Hemodynamic and ventilatory eects of manual respiratory physiotherapy techniques of chest clapping, vibration, and shaking in an animal model. Journal of Applied Physiology, 95 (3) pp. 991-998.Matthew Scott BSc (Hons) MNAVP Matthew graduated from Harper Adams University in 2017 as part of the rst cohort undergoing undergraduate training for veterinary physiotherapy. After graduation he worked as the in house physiotherapist at the Animal Health Trust’s small animal referral centre, assisting services throughout the hospital including neurology and hydrotherapy. Recently, Matthew co-founded Synergy Small Animal Rehabilitation in Suolk and is running the physiotherapy service there. He is also undertaking additional training to become a Certied Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through the University of Tennessee programme.ContraindicationsIn addition to the cautions mentioned previously, contraindications of respiratory manual therapy and postural drainage also include ail chest or rib fractures, untreated pneumothorax, thrombocytopaenia, open wounds, subcutaneous emphysema of the neck or thorax, pain, low bone density, and unstable cardiovascular conditions (Manning and Vrbanac, 2014). Conclusione most important aspect to consider with respiratory physiotherapy in the critical care patient is assessing the risk to benet ratio for each individual carefully before starting any physical rehabilitation, as some of these techniques will not be suitable for every animal. It is also important not to overload the nursing care plan for that patient and to take time away from procedures and treatments that the patient requires more urgently. However, even if it is not possible for all of these techniques to be employed due to time restraints or knowledge of sta, prioritising some simple techniques mentioned in this article can still be eective, and should be considered once a patient is stable. Although, many of the techniques mentioned here should only be performed by a qualied veterinary physiotherapist or a vet or veterinary nurse that has received additional training. erefore, it stands to reason that veterinary hospitals with ICU’s should employ the services of a qualied veterinary physiotherapist in order to prescribe the most suitable and eective physiotherapy treatment plan for critically ill respiratory patients.

44Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22International Association of Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physio Therapy (IAVRPT)After a fantastic virtual conference delivered by Online Pet Health, and with the event concluding with ‘The Veterinary Rehabilitation Therapist of the Year Award 2020’ Animal Therapy Magazine caught up with May Römer-Bartels, President elect of the IAVRPT to nd out more.Please tell us about IAVRPT. How long has it been going and who created it and what does it stand for?In 1999 the rst International Symposium on Veterinary rehabilitation and Physical erapy was held in Corvallis, Oregon. It was attended by a very enthusiastic mix of people, many of them were already pioneering in veterinary rehab and physiotherapy. Two more symposiums followed, each attended by more and more experienced professionals. In 2006 at the 4th symposium held in Arnhem, in the Netherlands we had a plenary meeting where we discussed the future of veterinary rehabilitation. We all agreed that we needed an association to develop veterinary rehab and the professions involved. A committee was formed, bylaws created and what such a committee would stand for was established. Unlike today we had no Zoom and no easy international communications, we just had emails, and a lot of them! IAVRPT is dedicated to the practice, teaching, and research of veterinary rehabilitation and physical therapy, furthering scientic investigation, and providing better patient care based on sound scientic study. To achieve this, the IAVRPT wants to include all the professions involved in veterinary rehabilitation and in doing so, it serves as an umbrella organisation.Who can become a member and what qualications / training do you need?e IAVRPT has three dierent kinds of memberships: full membership, associate membership and student membership. Full members are veterinarians, physical therapists and veterinary technicians with a university or equivalent degree. Associate members are other professionals involved or interested in veterinary rehabilitation. Student members are veterinary, physiotherapists and veterinary technician students with a pertinent student ID. What are the benets of being a member?Membership gives you discountsfor IAVRPT conferences and conferences delivered by associations IAVRPT liaises with. Every two years we organise a state-of-the-art symposium and our members are the rst to hear about it and get involved. ere are also non-nancial benets to membership. By joining us you become part of a worldwide community of like-minded professionals and gain access to excellent networking opportunities. e IAVRPT has a monthly newsletter and you can attend our monthly online Coee & Cases. Here you can discuss a case you nd interesting, or need help with, or where a research article is presented. e IAVRPT connects with members through the website and a facebook page.You have a conference that has unfortunately been delayed due to COVID-19. Tell us more about that?At the beginning of 2020 the program for the IAVRPT symposium was nalised, the speakers booked, the halls and the rooms conrmed. We were ready to go. Some people had even booked their ights. And then came Covid-19. It soon became clear that a real life symposium was not possible under the circumstances. So the board decided to postpone the symposium for one year. A few months later we began to fear that it could also be a challenge to have the symposium in 2021. ere were nancial issues because of the restrictions many colleagues were faced with, there were universities who wouldn’t let their people travel, or wouldn’t fund a visit to a symposium and there was the concern of quarantine, availability of a vaccine and many more challenges. We asked our members and approximately 80 % of them voted for postponing the symposium to 2022. e IAVRPT’s next face to face symposium will be in 2022 in Cambridge (UK). In the mean time we will oer our monthly Coee and Cases and we are planning a virtual event for 2021. It makes us really sad not to be able to see all our colleagues for so long, but we are also very pleased with the many possibilities the internet provides us with. We had, for instance, an online discussion with our members regarding what to do with your practice under the circumstances. We talked about hygiene, personal safety, what to do when you cannot work, how to handle telehealth and much more. It was great to be able to help each other in these new and challenging situations, but we also hope never to face a situation like this again.There are awards for Veterinary Professionals but until now there hasn’t been one to recognise therapists. What made you decide to create one?For the IAVRPT it is obvious that the professionals in veterinary physiotherapy and rehabilitation are important and that they need to be recognised as such. In many countries though, veterinary rehabilitation and physical therapy is relatively new, or even non-existent. ere are also legal issues that complicate the work of rehab professionals. e IAVRPT feels that recognising these professionals and putting them in the spotlight, empowers them and makes their work more visible to the public. is IAVRPT Veterinary Professional of the Year Award hopefully creates awareness. IAVRPT44 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22

45 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22What was the nomination and decision process for the award?First we asked the vet rehab community to nominate people and we asked them why they nominated this person. From these nominations the board chose 8 nalists. We did this by objectively giving points for certain achievements. When that process was nished, we asked our members to vote for the winner. It was very interesting to see why people were nominated, but it was also very clear that they were all worthy of the nomination. We are looking forward to see who will be nominated next year!Can you tell us about this year’s winner?Let me rst say that all nalists deserved to be a winner. Many of them had done a lot for vet rehab in their country and/or internationally. I had the honor of interviewing each of them and it was very inspiring to meet them and talk to them.Laurie Edge-Hughes, this years’ winner, is a veterinary physiotherapist from Canada. She has her own clinic, she teaches and lectures internationally. She shares her knowledge through her online platform fourleg.com and she is the advocacy lead for the Animal Rehab Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. She has been involved in veterinary physiotherapy for years and she has inspired and helped many colleagues along the way. e IAVRPT is delighted to put her in the spotlights and we are sure that she is a great advocate for our profession now and in the future.Veterinary rehabilitation is an interesting eld because it involves so many professions. It is the goal of the IAVRPT to unite these professions. We think that collaboration makes the rehab community stronger and better and we are convinced that collaboration is in the interest of the animals, our patients.45 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22Ronnie Longford MBERonnie Longford MBE, passed away peacefully on the 24th November in Newcastle with his family by his side. He had reached the grand age of 100 years and what a marvellous life he led. He was from a farming family in Pebworth in Warwickshire, then joined the Vet Corps to serve in WW11. He had many tales to tell about his war years. The most poignant related to when he was travelling across France. In order not to get frost bite he travelled all the way in the horse truck with his hands under the horse’s blankets. A reminder of what our young men had to endure before even getting to the battleeld. When he returned from the war, he went home to the farm in Pebworth and continued with farming life. He was always a keen horseman regularly seen on the local point to point circuit and crossing country with the Warwickshire Hunt. It was an accident whilst point to pointing that led him to a meeting with John McTimoney that was to shape his future. He visited John as a client with a shoulder injury and John McTimoney took him under his wing and the rest, they say, is history. In 2006 Ronnie was awarded the Bet Fair Pride of Racing Award at the age of 86. He was given an outstanding nomination for how much he selessly gave to racing and to horse welfare throughout his career. He was again recognised for his services to animal welfare when he was awarded the MBE in 2010. At this point Ronnie was still working from his base in Pebworth with me as his assistant. Ronnie was a pioneer for Chiropractic and Physiotherapy treatment for animals. He took his craft to veterinary surgeons and paved the way for the industry we know today. He was a man born before his time and his knowledge was extensive. He was a true horseman and had a natural gift which he never lost. He was the most humble of men and never changed or became ego driven. I was honoured when he took me under his wing in his latter years. We had such fun and he loved a little tipple. He always had a twinkle in his eye and people, dogs, horses all loved him. There will never be another as talented or gifted. A life well lived.by Andrea Pole, human and animal therapist qualied in physiotherapy, massage and spinal manipulation and has over 20 years’ experience.

46Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22WHEN Virginia checked on her beloved Dressage horse in March this year, she found him acutely lame with a huge swelling on the medial splint bone on his fore limb.With fears that his dressage career could be over, the Vet was called and x rays taken to reveal the extent of the damage on what was obviously an active Splint. It had appeared very quickly and Manor was in a lot of pain. He wasn’t weight bearing so the heat and inammation were immediately dealt with by a prescription of anti inammatories , box rest and lots of cold hosing. As we know, splints can either be quiet and painless or like this one, hot, angry, inamed and very painful.Blow number two soon followed with the Covid 19 pandemic forcing the country into lockdown. Vets were restricted to attend absolute emergencies only and we Physiotherapists had to stop working. Sadly, now several weeks aer the splint had appeared, it hadn’t responded to cryotherapy, topical applications or anti-inammatory medication. He remained lame and was at risk of becoming an unnecessary Veterinary emergency. I was given permission from the attending Vet at Hawick Veterinary Practice in e Scottish Borders to treat the Splint with my INDIBA radiofrequency machine in order to manage his spiralling pain and stimulate a healing response. Aer rigorous risk assessments and following government guidelines to keep myself and the Yard safe, I attended twice weekly for three weeks. Followed by 3 more sessions in the next month, totalling 9 treatments. e rst few sessions were dicult as the applicator made direct contact with the area and he was extremely sensitive. Aer three applications the inammation had dramatically reduced and the splint visibly shrunk in size. e most impressive outcome for me was the almost immediate eect on pain reduction. Each treatment lasted for 10 minutes.Dealing wth the Equine Splint by Sarah E. Robinson, Phys Dip Dist (IAAT, IRVAP)e pictures here show the comparison X Rays of the splint in March when the Vet rst attended and then in May aer the course of INDIBA treatments had nished. My photographs show my rst visit in April and then in May.In week three/four Manor was walked out in hand in the arena for 5 minutes of exercise several times daily, which increased in time over the course of the treatment. He is now back to full work and as his Physio am happy to say he continues on his dressage journey as a completely sound horse and has recently won his rst Elementary test. Its true to say that INDIBA got this lumpdown in Lockdown … Sarah E Robinson Phys Dip Dist (IAAT, IRVAP)Founder of Equine Physio UK Scottish BordersINDIBAMARCH MAYAPRIL MAY

47 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22www.indibaanimalhealth.com• Rehabilitation• Pain management• Faster recovery• Injury prevention• Improve performanceNew era ofAnimal Rehabilitationwww.indibaanimalhealth.com• Rehabilitation• Pain management• Faster recovery• Injury prevention• Improve quality of lifeNew era of Animal Rehabilitation

48Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22The many problems associated with Obesity in Dogsby Lynsey Tindall, AVNDIPMED RVNOBESITY is a one health problem in the Western World, with the World Health Organisation claiming it to be the most important health concern in these populations. In the UK, statistics show approximately 65% of dogs are overweight, if not obese. What is even more concerning is that 40% of juvenile dogs are at least overweight and 21% of dogs under 6 months are overweight. Sadly, as a dog loving nation, we have become unable to judge what is a suitable bodyweight for our dogs. A recent study showed that 97% of owners struggle to identify a healthy body shape and with so many overweight dogs in the park, we have lost sight of what is normal. In 2019, Vet Compass TM recognised obesity as one of the top three welfare concerns for companion animals, predisposing these pets to conditions like cardiovascular disease, cancers, diabetes and orthopaedic diseases; with arthritis being the focus of this article. In a recent CAM live talk, Dr Ernie Ward describes obesity as a disease state that is a pathophysiological storm. Fat is a biologically active tissue, releasing compounds, hormones and chemicals that are all having an unseen damaging eect on organs like the brain, liver, kidneys and joints. As owners, we alone are responsible for our dog’s daily intake of food. We must be aware of the damage excess weight can do to our pets and be able to recognise when they are overweight.When we look at the relationship between obesity and osteoarthritis (OA), there are many factors at dierent stages of the disease to be considered. First and foremost is how bodyweight aects even a healthy joints biomechanics. Excess forces through a joint have been shown to increase the range of motion and the OSTEOARTHRITISground reaction forces in the gait of obese dogs; these may lead to greater compressive forces within joints and thus inuence the development of OA. In particular, for dogs with a genetic disposition towards OA, (for example those with hip or elbow dysplasia in the breeding line), allowing them to be overweight is steering them directly on course for developing arthritis at a far earlier stage in life than that of their lean counterparts. To depict this, a study by Kealy, Lawler et al took 48 Labradors from 7 dierent litters and paired them into two groups based on bodyweight and sex. The control group was fed ad-lib and then at three years old had their food set to a dened kcal per kg amount. The second group were fed 75% of what the control group were allowed. The rate and dierence in weight gain were signicantly greater in the control group over the rst 2 years of age and at this stage, 10 of the 24 dogs in the control group showed radiographical changes of OA, compared to 1 of the 24 dogs in the limit-fed group. At 8 years old both groups had lost dogs to death, but 15 of 22 from the control group had radiographical changes of OA and of a greater severity than that of the other group where just 3 of the remaining 21 dogs had evidence of hip OA. These results lean towards the fact that calorie intake is an environmental factor that may have a profound eect on the development of OA in dogs. Obese humans propensity to develop OA in non-weight bearing joints, such as phalanges and other joints in the hand suggest a metabolic association between excess adipose (fat) tissue and arthritis. Adipocytes release hormones and pro-inammatory mediators that play a role in the inammatory process and immunological function. Because of this, the presence of excess fatty tissues mean that inammatory processes are taking place within the joints and may contribute towards the onset of arthritis. Once the changes within the joint aected by OA are underway, obesity continues to be a concern that will exacerbate both the speed of the disease process and the level of pain experienced by the dog. Simply, fat can be thought as fuel on the re to a painful arthritic joint. In further information extrapolated from human reports, losing just 10% of bodyweight can result in an individual experiencing a reduction in pain of around 50%. It would be judicious to apply this school of thought to our pets suering with the chronic pain of arthritis. In more measurable terms, studies using stance analysis showed that a loss of 6.1% - 8.85% reduced lameness. For a 30kg dog, this is just 1.83kg – 2.65kg.48 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22

49 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22So how can you tell if your dog is overweight? Instead of concentrating on breed “ideals” and the number on the scales, we recommend understanding how to measure Body Condition Scores (BCS), a subjective visual and palpable assessment of the fat and muscle covering the dog’s skeleton.BCS can be scored out of 5 or 9, but at CAM we prefer to use 9 to allow for a more accurate score. The ideal body weight for a dog would score them at around 4 to 5. For every score above 5, this translates to the dog carrying 10% more body fat than the ideal. For example, a dog with a BCS of 7/9 would be considered to be 20% overweight.Many factors lead to weight gain in dogs, although an inappropriate daily intake is one of the leading reasons. Body fat storage is aected by age, reproductive status, activity, diet type, lifestyle and underlying disease. For example an average sized 7-year-old dog can require up to 20% less energy than it did in its younger years and a neutered dog’s energy needs drop by around 30% with the net loss of circulating hormones post-operatively. Genetics also play a role and in animals there are breeds that appear genetically predisposed to easy weight gain, such as Dachshunds, Pugs and Basset Hounds and Labradors; all of whom have a signicantly high proportion of individuals with weight issues. Despite genetics, owning a breed with a disposition to weight gain does not make it acceptable to allow them to become obese. In fact, it is our duty as owners to avoid it and maintain a healthy bodyweight.As caregivers, we are responsible for the amount of food and calories that our dogs consume. Although some appear to be able to self-regulate, most will eat however much they are oered. Knowing how much you are feeding your dog, being able to recognise a healthy body shape and adjust food intake accordingly is one of the best skills you can possess to help your dog. Pets are likely to gain weight if they continue to eat the same number of calories with signicantly less exercise, and with a disease like arthritis then a reduction in activity is inevitable. However, do not be tempted to push your dog beyond their capabilities to try and exercise the weight o as this will be detrimental to the progression of the arthritic changes and the dog’s pain state. Although fat is not an inherently heavy tissue, it is an inammatory source that impregnates and potentially weakens other tissues within the body, such as ligaments and tendons. This combination means that increasing exercise substantially for your pet while they are still overweight could be harmful. Undertaking, changing or increasing exercise has to be undertaken strategically in obese pets and especially when considering arthritic dogs. You may need to appraise several factors including continued overleafWhen assessing the dog in person, you should see and feel for the following:• Ribs. We should be able to feel every rib, but not actually see them. (This is dierent for sighthounds, of whom we should expect to see the last 2-3 ribs). There should be a small layering of fat over the ribs. A good analogy is that you should be able to feel a blanket over the ribs, a sheet would be too thin, and a duvet too fat!• Waist. Looking directly down on the dog from above, there should be an hourglass shape clearly visible. The dog should tuck in behind their ribcage and then widen out again over the top of their hind legs to achieve this shape. Any signs of the waistline being lost, or appearing as a straight line, will probably indicate that the dog is overweight.• Abdominal tuck. This is where the abdomen runs up between the back legs, and you should be able to feel that this is tight, with just a small pad of fat palpable under your hand. Looking at the dog directly side on, you should see the abdominal wall run up diagonally, from the bottom of the ribcage, or sternum up to between the hind legs. Any roundness, excess palpable fat or a lack of the diagonal will probably indicate that the dog is overweight.• Fat often sits over the neck and above the dog’s tail, on top of their bottom. A dog who is of an ideal weight will not carry any fat in these areas.Here are some top tips to help prevent over feeding:• Check the guidelines on the back of the packet/tin, start o by feeding within these guidelines, but remember that they are exactly that – a guide. Every dog is dierent, having dierent needs and energy requirements. Assess your dogs BCS and bodyweight regularly to ensure you aren’t over or under feeding. • Weigh the food to avoid accidental over-feeding. Studies have shown that measuring your pet’s daily requirement with a “scoop” is very inaccurate. The University of Liverpool showed that one cup could provide a variation of -18% to +80% compared to the planned measure. This means we are likely unknowingly over feeding our pets. The use of digital weighing scales is more accurate for measuring your pet’s food and can prevent providing extra unwanted calories. • Many owners feed treats and look upon this as a way of being kind to their pet. 27% of us feed daily treats, and 26% of us give our own meal leftovers. It is really hard to not give in to those pleading eyes. Giving those treats can signicantly increase your pet’s calorie intake and high fat content human foods may result in serious illness such as pancreatitis when fed to your pet. 50% of a dog’s calorie intake can easily come from simple scraps. This is especially important in smaller breeds where the dogs can, with ease, eat an additional 20-25% of their daily intake as small amounts of human table scraps.49 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22

50Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22the dog’s pain relief management if it means exercise can be better tolerated. Don’t be shy to ask for assistance from your vet or therapist when looking into a staged increase in exercise. In summary, obesity is a disease that is a serious health concern for our companion animals and yet is one we can have control of. Recognising that your pet is overweight is vital before they tip over into obesity, will have a positive eect on their overall health both now and in the future, improving quality and longevity of life. CAM oers a free visual BCS service, please email lynsey@caninearthritis.co.uk for more information. OSTEOARTHRITISREFERENCESCanine Arthritis Management; Obesity and Arthritis with Dr. Ernie Ward https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26b_AnpUpFo accessed 20.11.2020https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass/news/new-evidence-for-health-related-welfare-prioritisation-of-canine-disorders accessed 19.11.2020Marshall, William & Bockstahler, Barbara & Hulse, Donald & Carmichael, Stuart. (2009). A review of osteoarthritis and obesity: Current understanding of the relationship and benet of obesity treatment and prevention in the dog. Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology Kealy RD, Lawler DF, Ballam JM, Lust G, Biery DN, Smith GK, Mantz SL. Evaluation of the eect of limited food consumption on radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2000 Dec 1;217(11):1678-80. doi: 10.2460/javma.2000.217.1678. PMID: 11110459.Robert B.Brady,MS;Alexis N.Sidiropoulos,MS;Hunter J.Bennett,BS;Patrick M.Rider,MS;Denis J.Marcellin-Little,DEDV;PaulDeVita,PhD Evaluation of gait-related variables in lean and obese dogs at a trot https://avmajournals.avma.org/doi/abs/10.2460/ajvr.74.5.757 accessed 20.11.2020Carina Salt, Penelope J. Morris, Derek Wilson, Elizabeth M. Lund, Alexander J. German. 2018. Association between life span and body condition in neutered clientowned dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. German, A. J., Woods, G. T., Holden, S. L. Brennan, L., Burke, C. (2018) Dangerous trends in pet obesity. Veterinary Record; 182 (1)PDSA (2012). The People’sDispensary for Sick Animals: Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report 2012- the state of our pet nationSatiety consumer study (11-21-14), IPSOS2014German, A. J., Holden, S.L., Mason, S.L., Bryner, C. Bouldoires, C., Morris, P. J., Deboise, M., Biourge, V. (2011) Imprecision when using measuring cups to weigh out extruded dry kibbled food. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr; 95 (3): 368-373Coucier, E. A., Thomson, R. M., Mellor, D. J., Yam, P. S. (2010) An epidemiological study of environmental factors associated with canine obesity. Journal of Small Animal Practice 51(7) 362-369Compare, D., Rocco, A., Sanduzzi Zamparelli, M., and Nardone, G. (2016). The gut bacteria-driven obesity development. Digestive disease 34(3) 221-229Gaylord, L. B. and Remilliard, R. L. (2017) Risk of nutritional decient in dogs with progressive calorie restriction of commercial adult maintenance and weight management diets (abstract), 17th Annual American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Clinical Nutrition and Research Symposium, National Harbour, Maryland. Kennel Club: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health/for-owners/dog-obesity/Burkholder WJ, Bauer JE. Foods and techniques for managing obesity in companion animals. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1998;212:658-662.Much can be done for the arthritic dog, beyond just daily pain relief. Please see www.caninearthritis.co.uk for more in-depth information. Weight loss plans are never easy so set realistic targets and check in on them. The whole family needs to be involved, as if one member is slipping the odd scrap you will not see the weight shift and will quickly become despondent. Have a team meeting and make it everyone’s goal. Once you start hitting the targets the momentum and enthusiasm will ow.• If your pet is already overweight, it is helpful to use weight loss/weight management diets specically for weight management as they contain a special balance of nutrients that help them lose fat whilst ensuring they do not lose any muscle mass whilst doing so. Light diets are not always eective as they also reduce the nutrient content along with the calorie content.• It is important to consider the use of prescription weight management diets, as this is more eective than considering reducing portion size alone. If portion size is reduced from the normal amount of the diet your pet is fed, this may lead to nutrient deciencies and muscle loss. Knowing the diet is balanced, complete and meets satiety needs should also help you not give in to begging. Many of these special diets contain increased bre/protein and that will reduce the feeling of hunger by aecting gastric volume.• Slow feeding bowls and activity/puzzle feeders can help with enrichment and mental stimulation and also slow down our pets feeding time. This may allow our pets to realise that they are full and help prevent overeating.• Keep a food diary that all the family and anyone involved in feeding the dog must be involved with. You may well be shocked about how much extra your dog is getting on top of their daily allowance.• Come and see a nurse at your local veterinary practice. They have a wealth of experience in helping owners manage their dog’s weight and advising on which weight management diet is best for your pet whilst meeting their specic needs. Weight clinics are usually a free service.50 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22

51 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22

52Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 2227 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22Mad about a Dog are the only suppliers in the UK of the The Original Pet Mat, with the latest PTC Technology.This Pet-Mat with PTC Technology will keep your pets warm throughout the year. Great for convalescing, arthritic and whelping pets.Mad about a Dog are the only suppliers in the UK of the The Original Pet Mat, with the latest PTC Technology.This Pet-Mat with PTC Technology will keep your pets warm throughout the year. Great for convalescing, arthritic and whelping pets.Mad about a Dog are the only suppliers in the UK of the The Original Pet Mat, with the latest PTC Technology.This Pet-Mat with PTC Technology will keep your pets warm throughout the year. Great for convalescing, arthritic and whelping pets.27 Animal Therapy Magazine | ISSUE 22Mad about a Dog are the only suppliers in the UK of the The Original Pet Mat, with the latest PTC Technology.This Pet-Mat with PTC Technology will keep your pets warm throughout the year. Great for convalescing, arthritic and whelping pets.Mad about a Dog are the only suppliers in the UK of the The Original Pet Mat, with the latest PTC Technology.This Pet-Mat with PTC Technology will keep your pets warm throughout the year. Great for convalescing, arthritic and whelping pets.Mad about a Dog are the only suppliers in the UK of the The Original Pet Mat, with the latest PTC Technology.This Pet-Mat with PTC Technology will keep your pets warm throughout the year. Great for convalescing, arthritic and whelping pets.