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ISSUE 30 - Published March 2024Elevating education in animal health & welfare THE BASICS OF RAW FEEDING WITH DR NICK THOMPSONplus£4.95Giraffes at a disco the challenges of taking your thoroughbred to a competition?Alpha 2 Macroglobulins Is this the new, risk free treatment for horsesMicrobiomes! they are not just in the gutTo Throw or not to Throw is there really any benefit to throwing a ball for your dog

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ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 3Contents 5 WOOZELBEARS Canine Conditioning for Beginners 9 MCTIMONEY CHIROPRACTIC The Mystery of the Soggy Moggy and the Wobbly 12 THERAPÉVO Navigating the Complex Terrain of Technology Purchases 18 NUPSALA MUSCULOSKELETAL CLINIC Osteoarthritis in Dogs - Rethinking the Approach 21 PHOTIZO An Integrated Natural Healthcare Solution to Re-balance Ruby, the Cockapoo 24 OSTEOPATHY Why Osteopathy? 27 HARTPURY UNIVERSITY Back to Basics, Training the Bargy Horse 58243840ISSUE 30 - Published March 202432 RETRAINING RACEHORSES Giraffes in a Disco 36 EQUICANTIS The Business and Rehab System for Animal Physical Therapists 38 THE EQUISHOX SHOE Is This The New Sport Shoe For Horses 40 RAW FEEDING: THE BASICS By Dr Nick Thompsons 44 TOPICAL PROBIOTICS What are they? and What do they do for your Pet? 47 TO THROW OR NOT TO THROW Ball Throwing Explained 51 CHOOSING A BED It’s a Minefield 52 CAM Sleep and Pain in Canine Arthritis 56 CHELTENHAM EQUINE VETS Alpha 2 macroglobulins 58 LEVI HUNT Going a Little Sideways can take you a Long Way Forward…

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 4GET INTOUCH Hannah Ashton Editor hannah@animaltherapymedia.co.uk Georgina Bashforth Graphics Editor georgina@animaltherapymedia.co.uk Beth Lorraine Sales Manager info@animaltherapymedia.co.uk Tony Nevin Podcasts & Research tony@animaltherapymedia.co.uk Operations Team Ruth Milner ruth@animaltherapymedia.co.uk Sophie Milner sophie@animaltherapymedia.co.uk To subscribe with us or join our mailing list please visit our website www.animaltherapymedia.co.ukWelcome to issue A warm welcome to you all. In this edition we are throwing light on the effects of ball throwing, throwing devices and the short as well as long term effects this can have on your dog’s musculoskeletal system. Then we are looking at canine conditioning for beginners, where simple exercises can develop your dog’s muscle strength, posture, and balance, and thus joint health. The emphasis here is on dynamic exercise as your essential conditioning program. We are also opening the can on raw feeding with an article on how to get started. There is a superb case study on Ruby the cockerpoo on how changes to her diet really helped her. We are also looking at sleep and pain in canine arthritis and the importance of a good night’s sleep, as well as the right kind of sleep. For all of our equine professionals we have a fascinating article on a new type of rubber coated shoe, and the impact this will hopefully have on welfare. Alpha 2 macroglobulins are explained and how they can benefit joints by slowing down disease processes of the articular cartilage surfaces in osteoarthritis. Then we are looking at positive and negative reinforcement techniques in equine behaviour, as well as an intriguing look at thoroughbreds and whether it’s a case of conformation or the brain, in the case of dressage where some turn on “giraffe mode” when turning down the centre line to supposedly halt relaxed and square! We are blessed in this issue with two extremely interesting feline case studies where chiropractic treatment helped with sudden onset movement dysfunction. Microbiomes are not just found in the gut. We look at the fascinating world of the skin microbiomes and how they are essential for your pets short and long term health. Finally we have an article on osteopathy where the question of “why choose this form of therapy” is used to look at the realisation that osteopaths treat more than backs and joints. All in all a festive board of thought provoking articles to accompany you over the next few weeks. As ever we want to thank all of our contributors, advertisers, and you our readers for helping us to support you. Don’t forget to mention ATM to your colleagues and clients and if you are at any of the shows we attend please come and say hello to the team. Until the next issue, stay safe, work happy. Huge thanks Tea m AT M While every effort 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 upon the information contained in this publication or website. The publishers or authors do not give any warrenty for the completeness or accuracy for this publication’s content, explanation or opinion. No part of this publication and/ or website maybe reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form withour 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: Clyde the Mustang Curtesy of: Nicola Ravensford30

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 5WOOZELBEARSby Charlotte Jarman, DipHydro DipVetPhys, CAVA, MIRVAP, ICH, Veterinary Physiotherapist, Small Animal Hydrotherapist, Lead Clinical Assessor and Hannah Johnson, K9PT, Small Animal Hydrotherapist and Professional Dog Trainer www.woozelbears.co.uk CANINE CONDITIONING FOR BEGINNERSCanine conditioning is an important aspect of a dog's health and well-being. Conditioning exercises help dogs develop and maintain strong muscles, improve flexibility and coordination, improve body awareness and balance, and reduce the risk of injury. Whether you have a high-performance sporting or working dog or even a family pet, incorporating conditioning exercises into your dog's routine can have numerous benefits. In this article we will discuss why specific conditioning exercises are an important part of helping your dog be as fit and healthy as they can be. We will also look at why static exercises are crucial for stabiliser muscles which are often overlooked, and why dynamic exercises are also essential for a well-rounded conditioning program. The Importance of specific conditioning exercises for muscle buildingMuscle building is a crucial aspect of canine conditioning. Strong muscles help dogs perform better in all activities, from agility and flyball to obedience training to gun dogs and step work. Additionally, specific muscle strengthening can help reduce the risk of injuries to your dog and, in the unlucky event that an injury does happen, help to reduce the recovery time from injuries. When it comes to muscle building, specific exercises that target different muscle groups are necessary. Often we look at dogs with a lot of muscle bulk and think “Wow that dog is super fit!”, but so often I find these dogs have great muscles in some places, but really lacking in others. Different muscles play different roles in a dog's movements, and specific exercises help develop those muscles. For example, a rock back sit and step to stand primarily target the major muscle groups in a dogs back legs. Whereas a duration stand targets the stabiliser muscles in the dog's front and back legs as well as their core.

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 6WOOZELBEARSImportance of Static Exercises Static exercises are essential for developing stabiliser muscles. Stabiliser muscles are small muscles that help support the joints and keep the body stable during movement. Strong stabiliser muscles can help reduce the risk of injury by providing support to the joints. Two great static exercises for dogs are the sit and stand, specifically holding them for a set duration of time. Here’s a super crucial part though! If your dog isn’t performing these exercises with good form then holding them for a long duration can do more damage than good. You need to know what good form looks like for each of these exercises. Correct Form in a Stand All 4 feet should be under each corner of the dog's body Front paws should be in line with their shoulders Topline level Head and neck in neutral position with muzzle parallel to the ground - looking straight ahead, not up or down or to either side Forearms and rear pastern should be perpendicular to the ground Correct Form in a Sit Hips, knees (stifles) & hocks should be aligned All paws facing forwards, nice and straight Back legs should be tucked under & kept close to the body, not falling out to one side or the other Not leaning onto their hips or rocking back onto their tail set or rump Front paws should be in line with their shoulders, straight underneath Topline should be level (as appropriate for breed) Head and neck in a neutral position looking forwards Muzzle parallel to the ground Troubleshooting Please be aware that this may look slightly different for certain breeds such as the German shepherd who’ll often need to stand with their back legs staggered and the Bedlington terrier and whippet for another example who will have a slight arch to their spine as a breed feature.

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 7WOOZELBEARSA good starting place with these exercises is to perform 2 reps holding the position for 3 seconds, have 60 seconds of rest, then perform another set of 3 reps. From there you can gradually increase the duration that the dog holds the positions for. Importance of Dynamic EXERCISES Dynamic exercises for dogs are an essential part of a well-rounded conditioning program. There are so many dynamic exercises you can choose from to target specific muscle groups, the two basic exercises that we will focus on are the rock back sit and step to stand and the down to stand. The rock back sit and step to stand is an exercise that targets your dog's rear end. It focuses on the quadriceps and glutes, but also targets the hip and stifle flexors (such as iliopsoas) and the hip extensors (such as the bicep femoris). This can also help increase a dog's range of motion in their hips, stifles and hocks. When moving correctly the dog should also engage their core to help keep their topline level. To perform this exercise, start with your dog in a square stand, then use a treat to lure them to step their forelimbs backwards to end in a sit. You will want to lift your hand up and back simultaneously to help prevent any movement from the back paws. Their back paws should not move so the key initially is to move slowly and not use a verbal cue so that they gradually step their forelimbs backwards into the sit. Then using a treat lure them to step forwards into a stand again. Their back paws should remain stationary! The down to stand exercise targets primarily the gastrocnemius, quads and glutes in the rear, the core, and then in the front we’ll be focusing on triceps, deltoids, biceps, lats and trapezius. This also helps improve the range of movement in the shoulders, elbows, hips, stifles and hocks. To perform this exercise, start with your dog in a down position. Using a treat, lure your dog into a stand position with a smooth diagonal movement. Once your dog is in the stand position, reward them. Then, using another treat, lure your dog back down into a down position.

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 8WOOZELBEARSIt is important to note that all exercises should be performed in a controlled and safe environment. All exercises should be practiced as groundwork first before you introduce any equipment. Always ensure that your dog is warmed up before performing any exercises, and that they are performing the exercises correctly to reduce the risk of injury. As with any exercise program, it is important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of the exercises over time.Praise and reward your dog again Key points here are to ensure your dog achieves correct form in both the down and stand positions before starting the movements to make sure they are engaging their muscles correctly. Their paws should not move throughout the exercise, if they are moving their paws it is usually because the handlers hand movement is not correct. Their topline should remain level throughout this exercise. A good starting place with these exercises is to perform 3 reps, have 60 seconds of rest, then perform another set of 3 reps. From there you can gradually increase the number of reps and sets, though it’s best to consult a professional on this, as you will want the plan to be specific to your sport or activity. For example, with power and strength the reps will need to be low but high intensity, whereas for endurance the reps will be high with low intensity. There are a number of ways in which we can alter the intensity to make an exercise harder or more difficult that isn’t just focussing on reps or sets! canine conditioning is an important part of keeping your dog healthy and happy, whether they are a pet dog, an active dog, or a working/sporting dog. Specific conditioning exercises are essential for muscle building, and we need to target the right muscles to ensure our dog is as fit as they can be! A fitness plan should be tailored to your dog, depending on their strengths and weaknesses, as well as their sports, activities and lifestyle. While static exercises are important for developing stabiliser muscles, dynamic exercises are important for building larger muscle groups. By incorporating a well-rounded conditioning program into your dog's routine, you can help them live a longer, happier, healthier and more active life. If you want to get going with this ASAP contact us for 1-2-1 sessions or check out the Canine Fitness App! Also available on Android In conclusion,

By Cat Ferguson MSc PGCert MMAA McTimoney Animal ChiropractorWhat is McTimoney?ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 9MCTIMONEY CHIROPRACTIC& The Mystery of the Soggy Moggy the Wobbly Cat How McTimoney Animal Chiropractic has helped with the Most Unusual Feline Cases! The McTimoney treatment is a form of chiropractic developed by John McTimoney in the 1950s, with human techniques later modified for specific use on animals. It is a holistic approach which treats the body as a whole in order to realign and balance the musculoskeletal system. It has a particular focus on the spine and pelvis, and looks at the cause and not just the symptoms of dysfunction. This helps to restore and maintain health, movement, soundness and performance. It is a non-invasive, gentle physical therapy and treatment is readily accepted by most animals.

The gentle yet effective nature of the McTimoney chiropractic technique made it ideal for PandaHe was given a conservative, light initial treatment to rebalance his musculoskeletal system10MCTIMONEY CHIROPRACTICwas first contacted by Panda’s owner three weeks after a rather unusual incident. Panda, a 16-year old Domestic Shorthair, had appeared in his house soaking wet during a dry day in October 2022. He then had what his owner described as a ‘funny turn’, during which he was reversing for a few steps at a time and looked like he may fall over. He was taken to the emergency vet who confirmed that there were no broken bones or neurological deficits, although no imaging was carried out due to Panda’s age. Since this incident, he presented with an intermittent left hindlimb lameness resembling patella luxation, which would occur several times a day and generally self-corrected after a period of rest. The first time I saw Panda, he was able to move over a variety of different surfaces and to jump on or off furniture, but showed clear signs of stiffness through the left hip and stifle. He also presented with lordosis and muscle tension through his lower back and had a tendency to carry his tail to the left. The gentle yet effective nature of the McTimoney chiropractic technique made it ideal for Panda, taking account of his age and recent trauma. He was given a conservative, light initial treatment to rebalance his musculoskeletal system. He received adjustments to the most prominent misalignments in his spine, pelvis and sacrum, alongside some massage to further reduce muscle tension and discomfort. Panda was given an initial course of four weekly treatments before moving to a maintenance programme. Treatments had a noticeable effect on his left hindlimb issue. Following the initial consultation, the owner reported that she had not seen Panda limping for four days. He also appeared less guarded with respect to being touched and had been playing more with his toys. Upon assessment, there had been significant improvements through Panda’s cervical spine and sacrum. Some sensitivity to palpation remained around the thoracolumbar junction but Panda was happier to have his pelvis assessed and rebalanced. Improvements continued between further follow-ups. Panda’s patella remained stable for longer periods, he was able to walk more quickly and freely, and he appeared more engaged in his general demeanour. The discomfort he had been experiencing through his back was also vastly reduced. Panda now only requires treatments every few months, and his owner is very attentive in spotting when he is ready for a session. As with all cats, Panda has his idiosyncrasies (he has his very own therapy room!) and treatment is adapted to what he will tolerate, but he has the most lovely nature and rewards me with a purr when I hit just the right spot! It has been a pleasure enabling him to live a comfortable and active life once again. PandaThe soggy moggy in questionI ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 11MCTIMONEY CHIROPRACTICRosie Another unusual case, this time closer to home Rosie, a one-year old Domestic Medium Hair, has been a particularly fascinating case for me as a therapist, especially as she happens to be my own cat! She and her sister were RSPCA rescues and we had owned them for less than two months when, at the end of March 2023, Rosie appeared one evening with a mild left hindlimb lameness. I assessed her immediately and found nothing of significance aside from a slight reaction to her left stifle being palpated. Within 24 hours of symptoms starting, the hindlimb lameness had progressed to bilateral patella luxation and, within 72 hours (and three vet visits), Rosie had developed a fever and neurological deficits. This signalled the start of a difficult couple of months, during which Rosie seemed determined to baffle every vet in Hampshire! Her symptoms progressed to ataxia (lack of coordination or balance), paraparesis (neurologic weakness in the hindlimbs) and hypertonicity (increased muscle tone) of the hindlimbs, to the extent that she was able only to pull herself around by her front legs. She was quickly referred to a specialist in veterinary neurology. Despite undergoing a myriad of tests – including MRI, extensive blood tests, urinalysis, and analysis of samples from her cerebrospinal fluid and lymph nodes – the cause of Rosie’s symptoms has never been found. In mid-April, once it had been established that there were no vertebral malformations or other spinal instability, I was given the go-ahead by the vet to treat Rosie with chiropractic and implement a rehabilitation programme of my own design. This included a great deal of exercises and activities intended to improve proprioception, alongside joint mobilisations and stretches to decrease muscle tension and promote normal motor function. In early May, Rosie started to show an increase in her mobility and by mid-May, she was taking her first tentative steps once again. Thankfully, it has been onwards and upwards since this point. Rosie has not quite fully recovered – and I suspect she may always be slightly ataxic – but she is able to run, play, and jump on and off furniture completely independently. She receives ad hoc chiropractic adjustments every few days to keep her body as balanced as possible, and as much soft tissue work as she will sit still for! My wonderful colleague Eirlys Green, from Aceso Animal Therapy, also treats Rosie using Class 3B laser once a month to assist with muscle tension release, muscle tone, and general comfort through her hind end. Rosie now happily explores outdoors during the daytime and entertains us with regular zoomies around the house! Cat Ferguson MSc PGCert MMAA provides McTimoney animal chiropractic therapy and soft tissue massage services to large and small animals throughout Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire. Cat is a member of the McTimoney Animal Association.

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 28 12THERAPÉVONavigating the Complex Terrain of Technology Purchases A Comprehensive Guide to Informed Decision-Making Neil Harrison Director, therapévoIntroduction The ever-expanding world of technology presents consumers with an overwhelming array of choices, each accompanied by a myriad of questions. What defines the best technology? How much should one be prepared to spend for a satisfactory purchase? Will the chosen product deliver on its promises, and is there reliable support available in case of issues? The enigma extends to the longevity of products, adding to the complexity of making sound purchasing decisions. In this editorial, we will dissect these dilemmas, exploring various perspectives to guide consumers through the intricacies of technology acquisitions. Longevity and Quality The allure of a budget-friendly product is undeniable, but the potential compromise often lies in longevity. Cheaper alternatives may not endure as long as their pricier counterparts, leading consumers to ponder the age-old adage "you get what you pay for." The durability of technology becomes a crucial factor in the decision-making process, balancing upfront savings against long-term value. Support and Assistance Beyond the initial purchase, the lack of robust support for inexpensive products in the UK becomes a noticeable concern. Accessibility to assistance is a vital aspect of any purchase, and when it's lacking, consumers may find themselves stranded when troubleshooting is needed. The value of comprehensive customer support cannot be overstated, especially in the rapidly evolving landscape of technology.

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 13THERAPÉVOPrice Disparities The puzzling discrepancy in prices across various products raises questions about the correlation between cost and quality. Does the elevated price tag indicate superior technology, or are consumers merely paying a premium for a prestigious brand name? For those less versed in technical specifications, deciphering the numerous numbers and values associated with gadgets can be a daunting task, potentially leading to misguided decisions. Brand Loyalty and Marketing Brand loyalty and shrewd marketing tactics frequently sway consumer decisions. The assumption that a higher price tag equates to superior quality may lead individuals to overlook reasonably priced, high-quality alternatives. Distinguishing between genuine product excellence and clever marketing strategies becomes essential in making sound purchasing decisions. Debunking Myths Baffling consumers with intricate scientific jargon and complex mathematical figures does not necessarily equate to a superior product. Similarly, alluring visuals and extravagant claims of miraculous properties can be red flags. A closer inspection is required to discern substance from marketing flair. Consumers should be cautious of falling for the allure of technobabble and instead focus on practical functionality. Reality Check The notion that expensive products are inherently superior needs revisiting. Price alone does not guarantee quality, and consumers should prioritise understanding the practical implications of technical specifications rather than being swayed by a hefty price tag. Expertise in various fields, be it technology or healthcare, is invaluable for informed decision-making. An educated consumer is better equipped to decipher the true value of a product beyond its price. Peace of Mind Factors A focus on trustworthy partnerships, adherence to manufacturing standards, and robust after-sales support contribute significantly to a consumer's peace of mind. Establishing long-term relationships with reliable companies ensures consistent quality and service. The reassurance that comes from a reliable support system and adherence to international standards can be as important as the product itself.

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 14THERAPÉVOConclusion In a marketplace saturated with options, the key to a successful technology purchase lies in a balanced and informed approach. Several factors should be considered to ensure both satisfaction and longevity in the rapidly evolving world of technology.Value for Money Striking the right balance between affordability and quality is essential. A product that delivers optimal performance at a reasonable cost is the ideal compromise, providing consumers with both immediate value and long-term satisfaction. Quality Components Scrutinising the materials and components used in a product ensures not only longevity but also reliability in day-to-day use. Understanding the construction of a device or gadget can reveal much about its potential to withstand the test of time. ISO Accreditations Products boasting ISO 13485 and ISO 9001 certifications signal compliance with stringent international standards. These accreditations reflect a commitment to quality and safety, offering consumers a tangible benchmark for assessing the reliability of a product. dynamic landscape technologyTrustworthy Partners Building enduring relationships with companies that prioritise research, development, and customer satisfaction fosters confidence in the longevity and reliability of their products. The history and reputation of a brand or manufacturer can serve as indicators of their commitment to delivering quality. Warranty A substantial warranty, both from the manufacturer and the dealer, not only safeguards against potential issues but also reflects the manufacturer's confidence in the product's durability. A comprehensive warranty provides consumers with the assurance that they are investing in a product that will be supported in the event of unforeseen challenges. In the dynamic landscape of technology, informed choices are paramount for user satisfaction and peace of mind. By evaluating products based on value for money, quality components, international accreditations, trustworthy partnerships, and comprehensive warranties, consumers can navigate the technological maze with confidence. The pursuit of technology need not be a minefield; with careful consideration, it can be a rewarding journey into the future. of

at therapévo, we pride ourselves in offering a multitude of modalities we are a one-stop-shop, providing the latest technological advancements in electronic therapy tools, to help restore health.the new kid on the block for more information visit www.therapevo.co.uk

Prof. Jean-MarieDenoix This year’s Equine Sports MassageAssociation conference sees the return ofinternationally renowned equine clinicianProfessor Jean-Marie Denoix. ProfessorDenoix’s particular expertise is inultrasonographic imaging, and his keynotepresentation will focus on the Equine DistalLimb: Ultrasonography, Diagnosis andRehabilitation. Professor Denoix will be joiningthe conference for two days of presentationsand contemporaneous ultrasonographicscans of live horses. Professor Denoix last joined the ESMAannual conference in 2014 at Tattersallswhere he delivered presentations involvinglive ultrasonography of the axial spine andpelvis. The event, which was attended byleading vets, physiotherapists, chiropractorsand other equine professionals wasextremely well received and this year’s eventis at full capacity. ESMA hopes to mark the 10 yearanniversary of Professor Denoix's visit with asimilar venture; this time exploring limbpathology and anatomy via ultrasonographyshown on large screens with ProfessorDenoix's live commentary on the subjecthorses.The Equine Sports Massage Association isproud to maintain its strong links withProfessor Denoix forged by the renowned lateveterinary physiotherapist Mary Bromiley,FCSP, MBE; and looks forward to welcominghim back to the UK for anothergroundbreaking conference presentationthis year. DVM, PHD, agrege

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 18NUPSALA MUSCULOSKELETAL CLINIC Osteoarthritis in Dogs - Rethinking the ApproachThe vet says, “It’s arthritis, we can try some pain relief” and there is a sinking feeling in your stomach. Arthritis! That’s it then! A lifetime of tablets, injections, and no fun.A familiar tale but the Nupsala Musculoskeletal Clinic is breaking the model through an innovative approach of objective gait analysis and regenerative therapies to slow osteoarthritis progression and permit an active and fulfilling life. Veterinary Surgeon Drew Tootal draws on 17 years’ experience as an Army Veterinary Officer, caring primarily for Military Working Dogs, where the underpinning concept is ‘Keep Healthy Dogs Healthy’ through a proactive approach. When we consider that Osteoarthritis is one of the most common conditions affecting the UK’s pets, with studies suggesting that 38% of dogs over one year of age have signs of arthritis, it is perhaps surprising that so little can apparently be done. It is either conservative management with medication and exercise moderation or, if appropriate, surgery all the way up to joint replacement.So why, when we suspect arthritis in companion animals, do we just have to wait and see how it goes? In equine medicine, where the Nupsala company has been at the forefront of regenerative medicine, there is a much more aggressive approach with this debilitating disease treated much earlier, and with better outcomes. The key here is the timing of those first interventions, and that is where the Nupsala MSK Clinic is using technology to lead the way. is simply the study of motion, and it makes sense that if something is sore you will not use it in the same way. For high drive dogs this can make identification of a problem difficult as very often they will simply power through pain (though commonly they pay for it later, being slow or stiff on rising from rest for example). With objective gait analysis, a huge amount of kinetic data is captured in just a few seconds, and this enables an in depth understanding of the individual’s mobility. In subtle cases there may be no signs at all, and while the dog is not visibly lame and is working well, the treadmill demonstrates active offloading. Once lameness is identified, it can be investigated and treated, potentially with intra-articular medication. Gait analysis

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 19NUPSALA MUSCULOSKELETAL CLINIC At the MSK Clinic, our innovative therapies, including stem cells, polyacrylamide hydrogel, and Platelet Rich Plasma, are tailored to individual needs. By establishing a baseline through an initial gait analysis, we track improvements in mobility and closely monitor for any signs of deterioration that might indicate the need for retreatment. Gait analysis can be invaluable in other ways too, from monitoring progression of osteoarthritis after orthopaedic surgery to performing an annual ‘MOT’ on working and sporting dogs to look for subtle signs of lameness that might warrant investigation. It can even be used to perform mobility measurements on behavioural cases and has demonstrated lameness and pain in dogs, associated with deteriorating behaviour such as fear aggression, reactivity, and anxiety. What we know unequivocally is that the earlier an arthritic joint is treated the better the outcome, and the longer before retreatment is required. A diagnosis of osteoarthritis used to be seen as the end of the road. We prefer to think of it as the start of a new road of multimodal management and, together with owners and their vets, we are taking the battle to arthritis – and winning! To find out more visit our website at https://nupsala-msk.co.uk/, look us up on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram, or call on 01664 778 187.

Stepping into the Future Unique Gait Analysis for Dogs

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 21PHOTIZOAn integrated natural healthcare solution to re-balance Ruby, the Cockapoo by Anna Webb hen Liz Turner reached out about Ruby, a 6 year old Cockapoo, she had a few issues, including recurring cystitis. She also had some digestive reflux problems and was quite anxious with respect to sounds. Ruby had begun some ‘fly-catching’ behaviour, (gasping at the air as though catching imaginary flies), which is very distressing. I advised Liz that as part of my ‘Wellness ‘consultation’, we’d look at her nutrition, including supplements, the physical frame and use training and behaviour therapy to work holistically to re-balance her. Working on the assumption that her ‘flycatching and reflux were related to a possible injury to her upper GI tract, Ruby’s vet prescribed Omeprazole in February 2023, which she was still taking this when we first spoke in April this year. I recommended transitioning from Ruby’s prescription diet to a raw, balanced and complete option, choosing low phosphorous meats including raw green tripe, turkey and duck. I explained that overtime anti-nutrients including sweet potatoes, potatoes, often included to bulk foods in lieu of using grains like barley, compromise digestion due to being pH alkaline and a dog’s digestion being highly pH acidic. WA run of blood diagnostics on May 10th revealed that Ruby’s liver readings were high, which meant re-advising onto a cooked wholefood alternative, not raw. Concerned the raised blood readings could have been triggered by a combination of Omeprazole and an initially raw food switch, Liz liaised with her vet to stop Ruby on this antacid and we explored other diets. Ruby’s medicine, Food! Working on food being Ruby’s medicine, I suggested adding a little organic brown rice, to help take some ‘load’ away from the liver function, as it hopefully restored to ’normal’ levels. Ruby’s kidney function read within normal range, but considering her previous outbreaks of cystitis, I advised on an overall boost to the immune system avoiding red meats. I suggested using a complete food which provides freshly cooked options that similarly arrive frozen to thaw and serve.

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 22PHOTIZOOn my recommendation Liz added plenty of omega rich foods, including poached duck, chicken, even quail eggs, along with steamed white fish, green beans, cooked organic chicken, goat and sheep cheeses and yoghurt, and lots of leafy greens, not least to use for interactive, enrichment toys. The gut is our second brain Working on the premise that the gut is our second brain, boosting Ruby’s gut function would in turn hopefully help re- balance her ‘Fly Catching Syndrome’. Upping the ante on a variety of protein sources served to boost and nourish the trillions of hairy bacteria residing in Ruby’s microbiome. Offering a multi-faceted approach, we discussed the importance of the vagus nerve as being key to overall wellness, but particularly its relationship with digestion and reflux. TTouch massage Photizo Vetcare Teaching Liz some simple TTouch massage techniques to reduce Ruby’s hypersensitivity, I also recommended investing in a Photizo Vetcare, LED sourced red and near- infrared light – in the silent version! Adapted for noise sensitive dogs, this silent alternative has the marker beep sounds (signifying the end of a pre-programmed dose starting and finishing) removed. I explained that the Vetcare was designed for use at home enabling owners to help their dogs, not only physically post injury or post-surgery, but emotionally. Several studies highlight the calming effects offered using the Vetcare as it triggers dopamine and endorphin release, helping balance the effects of stress on our bodies. Ruby noticeably calmed using the Photizo Vetcare, absorbing its biological effects deep at a cellular level. Promoting blood flow, it reduces inflammation and increases lymph flow to help boost cellular energy, otherwise known as ATP. The evidence based pre-programmed doses made it easy for Liz to monitor accurately, and introduce to Ruby gradually, training her that this new object was nothing to be afraid of! The approach focused on targeting her lymph nodes, and her sternam - soothing and stimulating the elusive vagus nerve. We used the Vetcare on Ruby’s liver and kidney acupressure points as well as her right kneecap and hip joint (an injury from her over enthusiastic puppyhood which could have exacerbated Ruby’s sensitivity to noise). The Vetcare’s red and near-infrared light (photobiomodulation) key mechanism is happening in the mitochondria to increase the production of ATP, the energy that drives all cellular processes to facilitate natural healing, promote blood flow and circulation, increase lymph flow, reduce inflammation and promote natural anti-oxidants such as melatonin. Energy levels, games supplements Working to balance Ruby’s energy levels through the day with some proactive play games indoors and outdoors, the aim was to increase Ruby’s focus with fun cues that could be deployed as and when she began any ‘fly catching’ behaviour. I also recommended some key supplements including Skullcap & Valerian tablets to help with calming and her noise sensitivity. Liz added species appropriate pre and probiotics, plus, my favourite tried and tested raw unpasteurised colostrum. Colostrum is known to be arguably the biggest immune system boost containing & &

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 23PHOTIZOimmunoglobins (=antibodies), growth factors, hormones, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. To focus on Ruby’s sound sensitivity, I advised on some simple sound therapy techniques and adding a diffuser into the main living area. With its clever formula of calming herbs, it offers a natural alternative to stimulate the neurotransmitters and promote calm. Keeping in touch with Liz regularly over six weeks, Ruby progressed well, gaining more vitality, responding to training, and the effects of her new diet, home massage and the Vetcare. Her bloods were taken again in mid- June with all readings back within normal range. I’m delighted to also report that her ‘Fly Catching Syndrome’ is no longer a problem and Liz has the skills to deflect and offer Ruby an alternative behaviour in the event a rare ‘flare up occurs. Ruby’s reflux is similarly managed with fewer flare ups and both Liz and Ruby are enjoying the benefits of a natural ‘holistic’ lifestyle. Liz Turner commented: “I am so grateful to Anna for helping me discover a natural path for Ruby. Her advice has changed my world with Ruby for the better and I hope helped ensure a longer, less anxious life going forwards. I’ve learnt a lot on the way too, and my Vet is also impressed. It’s a testament to learning and seeing health from a holistic perspective.”

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 24OSTEOPATHYeople often ask why choose osteopathy over other forms of therapy? Osteopathy is probably one of the least understood of the manual therapies. Its origins stem back to North American Native people and their form of healthcare, which fundamentally worked on illness prevention and maintaining good health. It was refined by Scottish emigree Dr Andrew Taylor Still and became what we know today as Osteopathy. Osteopathy works on the principle of ensuring every part of the body has a normal blood supply so that it can function as it should. It is often referred to as the “rule of the artery.” Two of the other rules of osteopathy are that the function of the body will govern its structure, and that the structure of the body will govern its function. What this means is that When we apply osteopathy to a patient we are applying these rules. In modern times, we also know that we need not just a normal blood supply, but also an uninterrupted nerve supply, and a fully functioning lymphatic system. That is the system which removes waste particles and the byproducts of infection, inflammation, and disease. Thus rendering the body, at a cellular level, as normal as possible. PMost of the time, osteopaths are asked to look at joint restrictions and muscular problems. Very few people realise that we spend most of our time normalising the entire function of an individual, regardless of what species it is, and bringing it back to normal health. We very much consider the structure of an individual, and therefore how that structure can function. We also look at what is expected of the patient whether it be a racehorse, an eventer, show jumper, or a happy hacker. If it's a dog, whether it's doing agility, a greyhound in racing, a working dog or gundog. Therefore, by understanding what the patient is required to do, we can determine whether we can support that patient or bring them back to full health. HOW WE USE OUR BODY WILL DICTATE WHAT SHAPE IT'S IN, AND WHAT SHAPE OUR BODY IS IN WILL DICTATE HOW WE CAN USE IT. Why Osteopathy By Tony Nevin, BSc (Hons) Ost, DO?

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 25OSTEOPATHYWhat we are less interested in is creating a symmetrical body. Unless someone can correct me, there are no symmetrical mammals, and even birds, reptiles, and insects have dominant patterns in their structure/function models. PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE OPERATORS Often we are not called until other more direct forms of medicine have been tried. As a result we are then acting more as firefighters than as traditionally intended preventative medicine operators. Where patients have seen the results of our work they will often employ an osteopath to act in a preventative manner. More often than not, we are working with patients that have more complicated compensatory patterns. Sometimes even metabolic issues, in the case of reptiles, where we try to maximise the best function from their compromised structures. Osteopathy is very similar in many ways to other forms of manual therapies; in that we take a full case history and want to observe our patients, before we palpate to feel the resting state of those tissues, rather than try to elicit a reaction, such as vets are trained to do. Where we differ from these other professions is in the application of our treatments. We look at supporting the entire individual rather than treating a set of symptoms. In the ideal world we treat the root cause of the problem. Sometimes this is either not possible or isn’t practical to do so. An example of the latter would be where you have a patient that is actively competing in a sport and needs to continue at a high tempo. It would be a huge mistake to try and change the entire way that animal behaves and moves. Whether we are using osteopathy to prevent a problem, or to treat a pre-existing condition the most fundamental thing is that we only apply our skills if we are going to stand a chance of improving the overall function of that individual. We must ensure that we're not going to risk harming or prolonging its pain and suffering. For this reason a lot of the techniques we use are very sympathetic to the individual. By this I mean that we work with the patient, and we listen to what the tissues are telling us. This may sound very hippie like, but what I mean is that we feel the motility of the soft tissues and the joints, as well as the interconnecting structures such as the fascia. We treat by moving these structures with the path of ease rather than trying to stretch them apart. we basically reset individual muscle spindles, and muscle chains back to their factory setting ie, how a healthy individual should be functioning.

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 26OSTEOPATHYThe reason for this is that we can alter the feedback mechanisms to the central nervous system such as those from the golgi tendon apparatus that measure tension in tendons and therefore muscular action, and we basically reset individual muscle spindles, and muscle chains back to their factory setting ie, how a healthy individual should be functioning. When performed correctly, this looks very much like you are just leaning on the patient, or in the case of dogs and sometimes horses, it almost looks like you're cuddling them or just making a fuss. It's all very slow and very relaxing for the individual. Often you will have a dog fall asleep, or a horse that is leaning on you by its own volition, and is totally working with you, so there is no need to use force such as strong stretching or high velocity, low amplitude thrusts. Once the principles of osteopathy are appreciated it doesn't come as a huge surprise that it can be beneficial for just about every species and genus of animal on this planet. So far it has been used to treat hundreds of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and also invertebrates. As mentioned in one of my previous articles, osteopathy is usually only limited by one's own self-belief or self-doubt. It is a force multiplier in the medicine cabinet and dovetails nicely with other professional inputs. I talked about glass ceilings in the same article on this subject.The fact that the laws of physics and nature dictate that all life has stemmed from one species of higher lifeform, it isn't surprising that there is a huge amount of commonality in all the different genus of life, and therefore, the way they will respond to treatment. From a practitioner’s point of view one of the hardest things to perform is that of letting a patient guide you through their treatment. We, as humans, have been brought up to believe that we are in charge, and that we should be in charge, and sometimes it's quite humbling to have a much less intelligent species show us what we need to do. Once this skill has been grasped though, it is thoroughly rewarding and possible to communicate through body language with these patients. Once this has been attained, we no longer go to work each day. We start to live our lives as osteopaths.

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 27HARTPURY UNIVERSITYBack to Basics TRAINING THE BARGY HORSE By Lisa Ashton, MBA PGCE BA (hons) ESI Dip Senior Lecturer in Equitation Science, Hartpury University &The more complex a reality is, the easier it becomes to assimilate something new to something we already understand. Labels help us use a lot less cognitive effort and fewer calories, resulting in horses being labelled; ‘naughty’, ‘keen’, and ‘bargy’. Labels do indeed help us use less effort when we look at something and think we already know what is going on. This article invites curiosity to embrace information that may or may not be new to you, so horses can show how they feel (pain, scared, confused) and we stay curious to assimilate this lived experience for the ‘bargy horse’. (See previous article in issue 29) Whilst horses vary in their genetic tendencies to behave in particular ways, these characteristics have significant learned components and can therefore be unlearned, suppressed, or better still avoided. Labelling behaviour saves calorific expenditure and provides no useful answers for retraining the ‘problem’ or difficult horse. Worse, labelling horses naughty, keen and stubborn leads to beliefs that place unfair expectations on the horse, creating further conflict through punishment and incorrect reinforcement strategies that are beyond the horse’s mental abilities. EQUINE INTELLIGENCE MENTAL ABILITIES Understanding the horse’s brain is important to horse handling as there are negative welfare implications in both overestimating and underestimating the horse’s mental abilities. In the past, underestimating has led to a lack of empathy with horses and punishments. More common is overestimating the mental abilities of horses. ‘He knows what I am asking for, he’s being stubborn’ often encourages delayed punishment, ‘he knows what he did wrong’. Horses have outstanding mental abilities. Importantly, horses evolved the cognitive abilities needed to survive. Think about it. With a constant supply of food and frequent watering, why would the horse have needed to evolve with a more elaborate, complex pre-frontal cortex? Planning the next meal, reflecting on decisions, or thinking forwards about friends are redundant. If a horse fails to be fast enough, or agile enough, there is a serious threat to survival and therefore reproduction. HORSES HAVE OUTSTANDING MENTAL ABILITIES

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 28HARTPURY UNIVERSITYLiving in the ‘here and now’ means the horse has an excellent memory of the physical world and associations. Remembering precise details of events is evolutionarily advantageous; it is the reason why behaviour is context specific. When training for routine preventative care - vaccinations, de-worming, teeth rasping or foot trimming - the association between the visual picture of the vet, farrier or physical therapist and the consequence (attractive or aversive) results in a new memory. This new memory is triggered the next time identical or similar visual surroundings appear. Associations between the environment (which includes physical therapists) and the consequence rapidly establish new learnt behaviours. Before long the owner calls up their vet practice explaining their horse ‘does not do vets’. With such precise memories, horses can remember these learned responses for long periods of time. The powerful ability for horses to recall memories without distortion, altering or corrupting (humans constantly trawl through memories, reliving experiences personally and by storytelling) should steer our training practices to shape behaviour. Context-specific training is a hindrance to training if the horse learns to demonstrate flight response behaviours in certain locations or with certain people. Behaviours learnt with tense and fearful responses are learnt rapidly and become more permanent. These fear memories can be suppressed and made less retrievable with correct training but, in the right circumstances, the response can return with great speed and reaction (spontaneous recovery). With the largest fear centre in the brain (the amygdala) of all domestic animals (although we don’t ride dogs or cats), it is no surprise that equine vets have the highest risk of injury of all civilian professions.

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 29HARTPURY UNIVERSITYHOW HORSES LEARN Horses are trained during every interaction we have, whether we are aware or not. This is significant because a person’s action can have long lasting consequences for the horse. If a vet or therapist handles a horse prompting fear and/or pain, the next time a vet or therapist attempts to handle the same horse they may try avoidance or escape (barging) behaviours. A barging horse is one who is simply practicing the flight response, with the release of the handler reinforcing the behaviour. Operant conditioning is the most permanent form of learning and is how pressure-release works. It is also known as trial-and-error learning and explains much of these seemingly clever behaviours in horses. When a horse moves the stable door latch and the door opens, quickly the horse repeats the same behaviours to open the door, because of the consequence – freedom first in this instance, then perhaps friends, then food. Horses are driven by their instincts to try various actions to resolve physical discomfort. The action they give that immediately results in relief is the one they will remember and try next time. In training and handling horses, we hijack this learning mechanism targeting the desirable behaviour, immediately followed by the release of pressure. Due to living in the ‘here and now’, whatever the horse did just before the release of pressure is the behaviour he remembers and associates as the solution to that pressure. Now the horse starts to increase that response whenever that pressure is presented in the future. For some, the solution to being asked to step forwards into a confined space like a trailer or horsebox could initially be running backwards. Once the horse learns that running backwards makes the pressure cease (handler ends up releasing the rope), the horse has solved the problem. For some horses the solution to being squeezed in the ribs could be to buck the pressure off, just as he would a wild predator. Perhaps the solution to constant metal and discomfort in the mouth would be to raise her head sufficiently high enough so the consequence is the removal of the bridle or preventing the fitting during the tacking up process. This ability to solve problems should not be mistaken for reasoning. By trial and error, consequences from the behaviour make the behaviour more or less likely in the future.

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 30HARTPURY UNIVERSITYNEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT Negative is not meant in the context of something bad. It is a mathematical definition explaining the removal of something aversive to reinforce a behaviour. Negative reinforcement occurs when something the horse finds unpleasant e.g. pressure is applied to motivate a specific behaviour followed by the immediate removal or release of the aversive stimulus. The removal of the aversive stimulus makes it more likely the horse will repeat the desirable behaviour in the future. Pressure on the lead rope toward the chin signals walk forward, releasing pressure when horse takes a step forward trains the go’ response from a lead signal. Pressure and release are used to train acceleration, deceleration, line (straightness) and head and neck control (position). Pressure and release from the rider’s legs is used to train the horse to go forwards. POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT Positive reinforcement occurs when a horse performs the desired behavioural response and as a consequence, the addition of a pleasant stimulus e.g. scratching or receiving food. The addition of the pleasant stimulus makes it more likely the horse will repeat the desired response in the future. The reward is given when the horse performs the behaviour but there is no signal initially given. EXPRESSIONS OF THE FLIGHT RESPONSE It is better for the welfare of horses if we can look through a lens of science, describing unwanted behaviours; barging bucking, rearing, spinning, shying, bolting, tense, cold-backed, etc. as expressions of the flight response. From short, choppy steps, rigid body, tail swishing, teeth grinding, and head tossing, to the more dangerous behaviours labelled as ‘naughty’, it is the flight response causing the release of specific hormones which override other perceptions in favour of flight. These behaviours are known as conflict behaviours and they arise because the horse is torn between at least two opposing responses. His instincts propel him to reduce the conflict and respond to only one stimulus. The flight response is usually the horse’s instinctive choice, the evolved solution for a prey animal from the open plains. Determining exactly what the horse is confused (not in pain) is not difficult. It is often (in the absence of pain) about the horse not being able to resolve pressure problems. Consistency results in a predictable environment. However, when horses are unable to resolve pressure problems, it is inevitable conflict escalates, until consistency of outcomes returns. CONCLUSION By understanding how horse's learn, we can engage in our own equestrian communities with added value to the horse and care giver. By applying the latest in evidence based knowledge, we improve horse to human or horse to rider relationships through clarity of communication, optimising our effectiveness to treat horses, provide safety (horse, care giver and therapist) and expand our own ethical practices as we update ourselves by applying learning theory and progress the horses we treat towards living a good life. trial-and-error learning

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GiraffesIN A DISCO ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 32RETRAINING RACEHORSESAdd in to the equation a competition where several ex racehorses may be in attendance in a warm up, situations are tightened and it can just look like a set of Giraffe's in a disco with riders either questioning their sanity, or just laughing it off! BUT WHY is it that we see our racehorses revert to this 'mode' (usually in SUCH beautiful moments of; extended trot or canter, trot-canter transitions, or the final halt, leaving that ever so gorgeous final impression on the judge....... Anyone retraining an ex racehorse have probably used or heard the terminology 'giraffe mode' or 'going round like a camel.'

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 33RETRAINING RACEHORSESThe majority of this is to do with their conformation, their balance, their strength and where they are at in their training. It is also a lot to do with the conversation that your ex racehorse has with the contact, or what they understand 'the contact' to be and how it has been 'communicated' with in their first career. We must remember that we, as re-trainers, are here to BRIDGE THE GAP between the 'racing world' and the 'retraining world.' We have to understand how their life has been managed, what they are used to and how they have had their first career communicated to them. In racing the bit and reins allow control. If you ever watch someone exercising a racehorse, it is all about quiet, neutral (either side of the wither) hands, allowing the horse to 'settle into the bridle'. For us as 're-trainers' this can then feel like a freight train pulling down on the reins; however, we must remember it is their conformation as to why they feel like this. Your racehorse will also find security in this frame as it’s WHAT THEY KNOW. Compared to a riding horse, the 'half halt' doesn't really exist in racing. I would consider it as more of a 'check' rather than a half halt, mainly due to the speed at which you're travelling and how quickly you need to reaction. When asking your racehorse to 'extend' or 'push on', the rein is lengthened and you're pushing the horse forward from your shoulders all the way out to your finger tips. The hand travels up the neck to encourage the length of stride. The 'extension' is an elongated, flat, ground covering stride, not one of 'uphill' and the term 'push’ has a VERY different meaning to that of a riding horse or dressage horse. ?As a riding or dressage horse, we are always looking for a; soft, elastic contact, which allows a quiet and 'giving' communication. Your racehorse is used to being able to 'pull down' into the bridle and slightly 'settle' on the bit, to then be asked to 'come up off it' and push out. HOW DO WE BRIDGE THE GAP In the early days we need to best replicate where our ex racehorses feel comfortable, which is with a steady, 'neutral' hand, similar to that of the one they have in training. This allows to best develop the conversation from a place where they understand and feel comfort, but we can start to change their way of going from this point. As dressage riders we are always taught to imagine that we have a box that sits on top of the wither and this box is where our hands should sit. The box can extend out across the wither, but never behind it. We can always extend forward from the elbow to encourage the 'draw forward' of the contact, but we have to remember, especially in the early days, that our ex racehorses won't understand this and will likely revert 'back to type' as they may feel 'lost'.

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 34RETRAINING RACEHORSES This will come from postural development, but it's not their natural 'go to.' The 'draw forward' comes from an overall connection, balance and 'giving' from the contact, which is a conversation you have to develop over time and do it slowly, rather than just 'expect it.'This is where your groundwork/lunging/long reining is ABSOLUTELY key. You need to create this new conversation. Consider it teaching your ex racehorse a new language.Your ex racehorse does not initially understand the idea of 'drawing forward' to the contact.The first thing you must do is to get your ex racehorse to understand and find confidence in the half halt. The half halt is there for softening, engagement and communication, not a moment to grab the bit and pull, but again, we can do this from a 'neutral' point where they most feel comfortable. Looking at the images, you can see where the 'ideal hand dressage box' is placed, and where your ex racehorse is used to having the security of the rein to help balance themselves. You can also see where the arms and hands go when in 'race mode' and how far away that is from the 'riding horse box.' This can, to some ex racehorses make them feel like the front door is closed, which can cause adverse behaviour if we make the jump from 'racehorse to Riding Horse' too quickly and get obsessed about the 'picture perfect' look, rather than understanding what their previous conversation has been and what we are asking of them now.You also need to EMBRACE the giraffe at the disco and understand why and how to 'keep going' through it rather than punishing them for it. Find exercises that allow them to find comfort and balance, whilst slowly developing their posture, and most importantly, confidence.

AppointmentschedulingClient onboardingformsVet consent formsSession reportsoATMAG2020% off for 12 monthsooAnnotation enabledanatomical drawings Paraprofessionalsdatabaseo

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 36EQUICANTISVet Consent Forms We know that getting veterinary consent is required in many situations, but that sometimes it can be time consuming for all parties. We wanted to help make this process quick and easy for both you and the vets, so we’ve automated it as much as possible whilst also including all the necessary personalisation including the all-important relevant history text box for the vet to complete along with their details and signature. You can send these forms direct to the vet’s email at a click of a button or copy the link into an email for a more personalised approach.Introducing the all new Equicantis! The Business and Rehab System for Animal Physical Therapists By Equicantis Founder, Laura Clinton a system where you can schedule appointments, send out client onboarding forms and vet consent forms, create session reports elping to make your animal physical therapy business run more smoothly and providing that next level of customer service to your clients is why Equicantis exists. And now we’ve taken that to the next level! Equicantis has been known as an equine and canine exercise prescription app, allowing you to create bespoke, professional exercise plans for your clients, with a library now standing at over 300 exercises (and always growing, we have 50 new canine exercises being added imminently). We’ve listened to feedback and there has been an overwhelming demand asking us if we could create a business and admin system to work alongside the exercise plans. It has always been in the roadmap and the time is finally here! After months of work and testing, we have just launched the all-new Equicantis, which has evolved to become ‘Equicantis: The Business and Rehab System for Animal Physical Therapists.’ This is now all the exercise prescription features that currently exist plus a myriad of additional features to help you run your business more smoothly, to save you precious time, and to increase your professionalism and client relationships even further! These new features have been created and developed from feedback and conversations with existing users, non-users looking for a solution, and from my own bug bears of running my own business as an Equine Musculoskeletal Therapist.with anatomical drawings AND create exercise plans. Imagine the time you would save, the reduction in the mental load, and the extra professionalism you would add to your business… well, we have good news! Equicantis has evolved!Imagine Appointments You can now use Equicantis to manage your appointments! You can list them as confirmed or awaiting confirmation (effectively pencilling them in) and use your appointment scheduling to trigger a client onboarding form and to create a session report.Client Onboarding Forms A seamless way to get all your client details which then automatically updates your database. This is a huge timesaver! You won’t have to manually type in all your client details, they send all their details and those of their animals, straight to you and into Equicantis which pre-populates vet consent forms and session reports.H

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 37EQUICANTISThis update is what we’re classing as Version 2.0. We have a list of updates and tweaks that we’re working on already so Version 2.1 won’t be far behind. We had a wonderful group of therapists from different professional skillsets put the test site through its paces, and who came back with very positive feedback along with fantastic constructive feedback that has allowed us to make improvements and consider new features for the future. You can subscribe just to our exercise prescription features as per usual but I really hope that we’ve created something special with this new version that solves lots of problems for many of you. Please utilise our 14 day free trial and the special offer below and email me with your feedback, because it’s your feedback that keeps us improving the system to help make your life easier. Session Reports We are incredibly excited to be including session reports into our new package of features. We have equine and canine anatomical drawings of the skeleton and superficial muscles for you to mark up with various annotation options. You can also add images onto your report. We have different text boxes which you can choose whether to display on your report or not, and you can utilise voice to text technology if enabled on your device which is great for saving time whilst at your appointment. You can decide whether you are including an exercise plan and then choose to simply save your report or send it to your client.Paraprofessionals Database This exists to save you having to manually add other professionals’ contact details against clients and animals repeatedly which then allows you to ‘assign’ other professionals to an animal.The Dashboard The new look dashboard displays all the useful information you need to see at a glance including your upcoming appointments, appointments awaiting confirmation, outstanding forms, clients you need to send an exercise plan to, and one of my favourite features – clients needing a following up appointment scheduling. I put this feature in place to help me not lose track of follow up appointments. Too many times I’ve not scheduled the next appointment there and then for umpteen different reasons, and then lost track. This feature allows you to quickly select a month you intend the follow up to take place, and then pops it into your ‘follow up’ list. I hope other therapists will find this as handy as I do!*20% discount available on our new package for 12 months using code ATMAG20. Expires 31/05/25 Instagram: @equicantis www.equicantis.com info@equicantis.com

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 38THE EQUISHOX SHOE SPORT SHOE FOR HORSESby Hannah Ashton BSc, Animal Physiotherapistith techniques, equipment and medicine consistently evolving in the equestrian world, I have wandered for some time, whether we would ever move away from the metal horseshoe. We see new, revolutionary sports shoes in human athletes being launched year on year, but since owning horses (over 30 years) I don’t feel it’s unfair to suggest that horses haven’t had quite the same advancements in footwear. I have asked the question a few times to different farriers, but for reasons, mainly about slide on impact to the ground and jarring effects, it seemed there was no other option. Or is there? My day-to-day equine work as an equine physiotherapist takes me into several yards, mainly racing but also dressage, hunting and happy hackers. Towards the end of last year, I started to notice a new type of shoe emerge. I had to know more. The horses trialling these shoes were those known to have ongoing issues with their feet, some previously using pads, or those that suffer with joint discomfort. I was surprised to see the change in some of these horses, both in the way they move, and the positive secondary effects through their body (less holding tension to compensate from sore feet or joints and improved range of movement in their limbs). The Equishox shoe has been designed and developed by industry experts Robert ‘Choc’ Thornton and Aron Tyler Dip WCF. With the support of veterinary surgeon Paolo Guasco I think it is fair to say they are looking at this from all angles. WWho and what are they?Is This The New

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 39THE EQUISHOX SHOE Equishox are vulcanised rubber coated horseshoes specifically designed to absorb the shock and vibration forces emitted as the hoof hits the ground. Less concussion, less risk of injury and quicker recovery from various back, leg and hoof issues. The outer coating not only provides cushioning from the impact of the ground, but on those occasions where the horse strikes into itself, trauma from the shoe has shown to be greatly reduced. The unique tread pattern also reduces the risk of slips or falls making the horse and rider feeling surer footed. This all sounds great doesn’t it. My sceptical side kicks in. Is there any research? Thankfully the answer is yes. 25 years of research in fact. One study looks at the comparison between the Equishox Racing Shoe versus racing irons and aluminium racing shoes on different surfaces (2022-11-08). Using a Biomechanical Surface Tester, they looked at the impact on six different surfaces; tarmac, gravel, fibre sand, sand, turf and rubber. On hard surfaces the Equishox shoe showed to reduce the forces the horse is exposed to at the very moment that the hoof hits the ground. Similar results were seen on the other surfaces tested (lowered maximal vertical load) suggesting the impact is reduced in comparison to the other shoes. Why can hypothesise that this is important when looking to minimize the risk of orthopaedic injuries. The full study can be found on their website: https://equishox.com/scientific-analysis/ So, I guess time will tell. I have seen the Equishox shoe appear in a number of yards now with so far very promising results. Exciting for the future of equine welfare.

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 40RAW FEEDING: THE BASICSWhat is raw feedingModern raw feeding is a return to natural feeding that has evolved our dogs through millions of years. It's nothing new. Some people describe it as going back to the future! Raw feeding, when done well, allows our pets to be their healthiest selves. It provides raw, unadulterated building blocks for health. Raw provides a broad range of un-processed nutrients, allowing the body plenty of all the macro- (fats, proteins and plant materials) and micro-nutrients (e.g., calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iodine, and magnesium) they need to be healthy. Why is raw good for dogsRaw Feeding: The Basics

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 41RAW FEEDING: THE BASICSHow and when did this way of feeding come into the picture? Raw food feeding has always been the only way animals have eaten throughout evolution. It's the way most mammals on the planet eat right now. For dogs, this is 45-60 million years of scavenging carcasses, hunting available prey, eating herbivore faeces, berries in season and anything they can get their paws on. EvolutionDogs continued eating their species-appropriate diet until man began to settle into farming communities some six to ten thousand years ago. Some argue dogs have been helping primitive man hunt for up to one or two hundred thousand years. Dogs were drawn in by easy food from the early farmers, leaving them scraps and helping on hunting trips. Working with those early farmers and living semi-wild worked for dogs for thousands of years. They stayed well, hunting for themselves, while humans became increasingly dependent on grains and saw a narrowing of their once-abundant food sources and declining human health in early towns and cities. Early FarmingThe first processed pet food was created by an electrical engineer(!) from Cincinnati, James Spratt. In the late 1850s, he visited the UK and saw dogs eating ships' biscuits on the docks in Liverpool. His first 'Spratt's Meat Febrine' biscuits contained no meat! They were made from wheat, beetroot, vegetables, and beef blood. He made a fortune, and the processed pet food industry was born. It was deceptive from day one. First Pet FoodsCanned dog meat came out in the USA with Ken-L Ration in about 1922. The motor car was becoming more and more popular, leaving millions of horses redundant. Ken-L Ration made good use of the pitiful, unwanted workers until Dec 7th 1941, when the US went to war after the attack on Pearl Harbour, bringing them into the Second World War. Tinned Pet Food

During a war, meat, tin and other metals are in huge demand. Ken-L Ration suffered. In the mid-1950s, Ralston Purina developed a new production process to make 'kibbled' food, the first ultra-processed product. It required no tins for storage and allowed scarce meat supplies to be mixed with a large proportion of grain (wheat and corn/maise) to produce kibble through their new 'extrusion' process. This was the birth of big food corporations. They saw huge profits in making artificial dry pet foods. In the mid-1980s, two vets in Australia, Dr Ian Billinghurst and Dr Tom Lonsdale, saw that dogs fed raw food in the country's outback were much healthier than the kibble-fed town dogs they treated. After some research, they wrote about their findings. Billinghurst's book 'Give Your Dog A Bone' in 1993 and Tom Lonsdale's 'Raw Meaty Bones' in 2001 still sell well today. They preached returning to a varied, balanced raw food diet for dogs. People tried it, and a movement for raw feeding grew worldwide. Raw feeding for pets has grown, and now some industry experts think 10-20% of people in the USA and Europe feed some or all raw food to their pets. Raw ReturnsKibble is BornANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 42RAW FEEDING: THE BASICSWhy is it safe for my dog/cat?The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), in 2012, produced a Statement on 'Risks of Raw Meat-Based Diets'. It cited just one review article in a short 285-word statement. The WSAVA document criticised raw feeding on four points: 1. There is no evidence for the benefit of raw food 2. Bacteria in raw food pose a risk to pets and owners 3. Home-prepared raw diets are at risk of being unbalanced 4. Bones pose a risk to pets that eat them. In 2018, the newly founded Raw Feeding Veterinary Society (RFVS) countered these four WSAVA criticisms with their 'Position Statement' (still available on www.rfvs.info) entitled Benefit, Bugs, Balance and Bones. The RFVS Position Statement is a 6,182-word document which includes sixty-two reference defence of raw feeding. The RFVS have never heard any comment from the WSAVA in the six years since its publication. In the Position Statement, the RFVS claims, with many references, that: 1. There is a wealth of evidence for feeding species - appropriate pet food. 2. There is more evidence for bacterial contamination in kibble than the scant reports of problems with infection from raw pet food. 3. There is little evidence that well-made, well- planned raw pet diets cause deficiency or nutritional excess disease. 4. Raw bones can cause problems to a few pets, but compared with the sticks, chews, stones, coins, golf balls, socks, and soft toys that injure dogs, they are safe, nutritious, and and beneficial to dogs in myriad ways. Bacteria and Other Contamination in Pet Food Most people new to raw food are concerned about bacterial contamination of their pets or themselves. On April 5th 2021, safe pet food campaigner Susan Thixton wrote an article called 'Is Kibble #1' on her blog Truth About Pet Food. She compares pet food recalls (for bacterial or other contamination) relative to market share between 2012 and 2020 in the USA. She notes that kibble accounted for 67% of pet food sales in this period but a whopping 68.4% of recalls. Wet/canned food accounts for 30% of pet food sales and a consistent 30.7% of recalls for the same period. Raw food during this time was two per cent of total US sales but remarkably only represented 0.6 per cent of recalls - only a quarter of their market share. Susan Thixton's work, therefore, suggests raw food is four times safer than kibble and tinned food feeding! And that's not even talking about the many health and lifestyle benefits of feeding a well-made, raw, species-appropriate diet.

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 43RAW FEEDING: THE BASICSUse a complete raw food initially. Find a responsible and reputable raw food company, talk to them, and they can send you food and guide you through the initial steps. I'd suggest you do not start with DIY raw food until a few months of experience with various formulated options. Wash your hands after feeding raw (wash your hands after feeding kibble or tinned food - there are hundreds more cases of dry and canned food causing infection in owners and dogs than from raw). Talk to your local raw store. Every town in the UK now has at least one. Do your reading to educate yourself on understanding feeding a healthy and nutritious diet. There are some fantastic books out there to help you transition. Here's a list of resources I like: i. Dr Conor Brady's book – Feeding Dogs – The Science Behind the Dry vs Raw Debate? a. Very comprehensive and scientific. It may be a little too technical for novice raw feeders, but Conor Brady is the man for you if you want detail. It's an easy read. i. Honey's Natural Feeding Handbook for Dogs by Jonathan Self. a. It is an excellent, small, easy-to-read book outlining why raw feeding makes sense. i. Real Food for Dogs and Cats: A Practical Guide to Feeding Your Pet a Balanced, Natural Diet by Clare Middle a. This is another small, easy-to-read, matter-of-fact guide to raw feeding, including many good tips for cats. 123When you get to the stage of branching into DIY food, you might find my videos a helpful place to start: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/rawfeedingthebasics and https://vimeo.com/ondemand/bonesandhowtofeedthemDo not start feeding bones until a month after you start your raw food journey. Allow your dog, its digestion, and microbiome to become acclimatised to the new regime before gradually introducing soft carcases, chicken wings/necks, ribs, and non-weight-bearing bones over several months. Only once you and your dog are well educated about feeding bones in this way should you even consider limb bones from lamb, venison or beef. Only veteran bone eaters and chewers should be offered the traditional marrow bones and similar brittle bones. 45Raw Feeding: The Basics, my video on DIY raw, suggests a basic diet should comprise of: a. About 80-90% 80:10:10 minces in each bowl. Vary the protein source (e.g. lamb, beef, chicken, venison, duck, etc.) every 3-7 days. a. Add blended green veg (e.g. broccoli, cabbage, spinach, sprouts, spring greens, kale, etc. - seasonal greens are best). In recent years I have become increasingly convinced that light steaming or fermentation (like sauerkraut, with low salt) are excellent ways to 'pre- digest' the greens before your dog eats them. Again, variety is key. a. Nuts (soaked overnight, never macadamia), Herbs (e.g. parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme, from the garden or supermarket) and seeds (these can be sprouted for extra nutrients, e.g. alfalfa, broccoli, kale and mung seeds) add extra phytonutrients, minerals and vitamins. Remember variety! a. Finally, add marine oil, e.g., krill, herring, sardine, or wild salmon oil, at a rate of about 1000mg per 10-20 kg ideal bodyweight for your dog. Variety each month is key here, too. Keep marine oils in the fridge to reduce oxidation. 6I will make suggestions here to help start your raw food journey. Conclusion We'd never put cheap diesel into a petrol car and expect it to run well. But this is exactly what we are doing when we feed our dogs on ultra-processed food (UPF). Countless human studies show how damaging UPFs are, yet we are continually encouraged to feed these convenient food-like substances. Raw feeding dogs is easy, economical, and supremely healthful. Try it with your dog and see the results for yourself.

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 44TOPICAL PROBIOTICSTopical Probiotics “”what are they and what do they do for your pet ?By Joe Flanagan of Ingenious Probiotics You are probably familiar with the fact that our gut, and the gut of every animal, has a microbiome (aka gut flora – the microorganisms that exist there) that is essential for life. And you may also be familiar with the health consequences when the gut microbiome is disturbed. (An upset stomach, fatigue, heartburn bloating…) ut did you know there is also a microbiome ON us, on your pet (and on every surface we come in to contact with) too? And that this skin microbiome is also essential to you and your pet’s short term and long-term health? The skin microbiome is made up chiefly of bacteria (‘good’ and ‘bad’), as well as yeasts, fungi, viruses, parasites and more. BUnder normal circumstances, the microbiome on your pet’s skin, in their ears and mouths etc. is very diverse with many different types of microorganisms. The more populated the microbiome is with good microorganisms, the more likely it is to be healthy (or ‘balanced’). In other words, the less chance there is of the bad bacteria or yeasts etc. gaining the upper hand and causing your pet problems. Having some bad bacteria on their skin is normal and harmless when there is a much greater quantity of good bacteria to naturally keep them in check. But pet skin issues can start if something (such as illness, contact with chemicals, environmental allergies, anxiety etc.) disrupts this balance and allows the pathogenic bad bacteria to take over. In pets, itching and scratching is often the first sign that the skin microbiome is out of balance. This is often a symptom of dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, inflammation, acne, staph infection, or yeast overgrowth. In their mouth, a disrupted oral microbiome can lead to increased plaque and tartar, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. In their ears, a disrupted microbiome can lead to repeating bacterial ear infections that may not respond to antibiotics. Many of us pet owners are unfortunately familiar with these issues, for all types of pets and working animals. An average size dog has around 20 trillion microorganisms on them and in them. There is a huge, invisible world of intricate microbial balance taking place beyond our sight. This microbial balance within the microbiome is linked to the overall health balance of the dog’s body. How to protect the microbiome of petsPets rely on us heavily for their wellbeing - so how do we protect their microbiome from disruption (called dysbiosis)? Firstly, – how does the external (skin, ears, dental) microbiome of our pets become disrupted in the first place? • Diet is a major factor, so make sure you are getting good nutritional advice. • Anything designed to kill the microorganisms in the microbiome - bacteria or yeasts etc. - can also be a factor. Using an anti-bacterial product to kill all the bacteria on your pet’s skin or in their ears can create a precarious situation where the ratio of good bacteria is too low. Destroying the good bacteria disrupts the delicate microbial balance. With fewer ‘good guys’ to

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 45TOPICAL PROBIOTICSHow do topical probiotics helpSo how do certain probiotics (i.e. live, helpful good bacteria) help with all of this? Think of topical probiotics as a “microbiome in a bottle”. Applying them regularly to your pet’s skin, teeth or ears changes the balance in the microbiome, and provides more good bacteria to compete against the pathogens. Outcompeting the bad bacteria that cause skin, ear and dental issues simply reduces the issues caused by those harmful bacteria. The right combination of probiotics is obviously important. For example, slight differences in the probiotic mix makes one product better suited for working in the inner ear, and another better at working on the skin. keep them in check the harmful bacteria – or yeast, or other pathogens – now have free rein. This can be where pet problems originate. With no competition, pathogens can soon colonise the area, causing infection. So, what is your pet regularly exposed to that can damage the microbiome of their skin, ears, and dental area? If your pet experiences skin issues, think of any products you use or that they come into contact with that are designed to kill bacteria. This could be chemical cleaning products, anti-bacterial soaps, crop sprays on walks etc. Then simply start to reduce your pets’ exposure to them. The probiotics will firstly take up so much space that the pathogens find it difficult to thrive. Secondly, by consuming organic waste (including bio allergens like pollens and dust mite poop that can be part of allergy problems), the probiotics take up the food so that the pathogens have less opportunity to multiply. But how do probiotics compete against the pathogens? Probiotics enzymes&When probiotics encounter organic waste food sources, they produce specific, targeted enzymes that are best suited to breaking down those particular organic molecules. Each type of probiotic can repeatedly produce different types of enzymes depending on what is required. Getting the mix correct, and therefore the multiple types of enzymes that can be produced, is something that has helped lead to excellent results. Why are enzymes important? Think of them as a knife and fork that break up molecules of the organic waste into particles that are small enough for the probiotics to consume. What if there is no organic waste to be cleared up? In that situation, the probiotics will remain dormant until they come into contact with a food source that is suitable for them. i.e. the various types of organic waste. ?

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 46TOPICAL PROBIOTICSIf you wish to go deeper, this excellent paper in the International Journal of Molecular Science investigates the use of probiotics on the skin to promote repair from abrasions: https://www.mdpi.com/benefitsofprobioticsoncanineskin. The link between home cleaning products and child obesity due to the disruption they cause to the gut microbiome: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-cleaning-products-may-affect-kids-microbiome-and-lead-to-obesity. The link between indoor pollution and dog skin conditions: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/canineskinconditions. Everything (including your pet!) is covered in bacteria. Introducing the right probiotics to their skin and living environment helps you control just what these bacteria are. To discover more about how topical probiotics rebalance the microbiome for your pet and within your home, visit www.ingenious-probiotics.com. Feel free to send in any questions via the email link on that site. DIGITALMARKETINGBe Seen with...OUR SERVICES:Paid AdvertisingContent CreationSocial Media MarketingBrandingWebsite developmentwww.mirageandmole.comhello@mirageandmole.comSo now we see a dual operation in action – the probiotics are out competing against bad bacteria, doing so by consuming organic waste that would feed the pathogens; and at the same time reducing the source of bio-allergens. This is also important for odour control in the home as most mal-odours originate from certain types of bad bacteria that are feeding on natural organic waste. Using probiotics to clean the home, as well as being applied directly on to the pet, has all the same benefits but with the bonus of reducing your pets’ exposure to harsh cleaning chemicals and acids, which can affect the skin and gut microbiome. Further reading:

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 47BALL THROWING EXPLAINEDTo Throw or Not to ThrowBall Throwing Explained!Many dogs get a great deal of pleasure from chasing a ball, and many owners undoubtedly get a lot of joy from throwing a ball and watching their dog having fun. What many people don’t realise is that this activity isn’t as beneficial as it may seem. Often you hear veterinary and animal rehabilitation professionals telling owners that ball throwing is not an ideal activity for their dog, particularly arthritic or injured patients. In fact, it could be said that it is not an ideal activity for any dog, whatever their age or condition. Ball throwers are an item easily purchasable at most pet shops and an easy way for owners to think their dogs are going to have a ‘good run’ or ‘burning off some excess energy’. But what are the effects physically and mentally or such a driven, high impact activity? The Throw! So, when we throw the ball for our dog – what exactly happens? • Firstly (if our dog is facing us) we ask our dog to turn on a sixpence to face a different way, often twisting and putting all their weight on their hindlimbs in an uncontrolled manner. • We then ask our dog to go from virtually standing or twisting round, to a gallop. •The dog then brakes sharply, often skidding on the underlying surface, throwing their neck back initially and then bringing all their weight forward as they reach for the ball. •Sometimes they jump to catch the ball in mid-air, often twisting at the same time. • Then we ask them to land, turn again and gallop back to us, often skidding to a halt at the end, extremely happy with themselves that the caught the ball in record time. When broken down and taking the ‘fun’ out of ball throwing, we can actually see that we’re asking our beloved dogs to be an explosive weightlifter to propel them forwards, a 100m sprinter, a sniper to be able to keep their eye on the ball, an acrobat and a ballerina all in one! In summary, chasing a ball combines sharp acceleration, high speeds, rapid and uncontrolled deceleration that includes rotatory forces on fundamentally unstable joints. In addition, this activity is usually repeated over and over again. Now for the nitty gritty… The forces on a dog’s skeleton and muscles are enormous throughout this process. If a dog increases speed through the chase, it can as much as double the forces generated at either end. It is said that the most dangerous component of ball chasing occurs during the braking process and is often responsible for shoulder and carpal (wrist) injuries. Repeated micro-trauma to muscles and cartilage is the cause of long-term damage and that the older a dog gets, the more likely it is to be carrying small injuries. by Jemma Cooper BSc RVN DipAniPhys MIAAT#chuckthechucker#chuckthechucker

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 48BALL THROWING EXPLAINEDThe Physical Effects: To understand why dogs should not chase balls, it’s necessary to understand a little about the musculoskeletal system of the dog as well as the mechanics behind their movements. Muscles and joints are prone to trauma during high energy activities. The explosive action that the dog undertakes to chase in a sudden moment uses powerful propulsive forces. The same forces used to initiate this high-speed activity are experienced in reverse when suddenly breaking and landing is necessary. Unpredictable actions involved in these strenuous actions can result in muscles and joints being put under great stress for which they aren’t designed or weren’t prepared. The dogs fore and hind limbs are developed to fulfil specific functions as a quadruped. The hind limbs act as the power house, propelling them forward. Power is transmitted from the back legs along the spine to obtain the forwards motion, which ranges anywhere from the dog stepping underneath themselves to go from stand to walk, to both hindlimbs flexing underneath the body as far forwards as physically possible for the dog to them push backwards to explosively drive forwards. This is also the same situation when jumping, increasing their flexion through the hindlimb to push themselves up and reach with their forelimbs. The forelimbs act predominantly as the braking and shock absorbing system for the dog when performing high impact exercise. To allow dogs to move efficiently by taking long strides, they have sacrificed the same stability that we have through their shoulder joints. A dogs’ front limbs have no bony attachment to the skeleton. The thoracic sling is the group of muscles that attach to the forelimb, but at the same time of being responsible for the movement and stability of the forelimbs and bearing most of the dog’s weight. Dogs carry about 60% of their weight through their front legs and 40% through their hind legs, with their centre of gravity being just behind the forelimb (girth area). Therefore, when chasing a ball, jumping, biting the ball, and then landing, with quick turns and uneven movements, the pressure and weight exuded through the forelimbs is huge and has the potential to be detrimental. The Physical Effects on Dogs with Ailments: A common problem in dogs is that they lose hindlimb strength through many reasons – general aging process, arthritis, or injury, meaning more weight is taken onto the forelimbs in compensation for the ailment. This again adds even extra force to the forelimbs before beginning any high energy activities. Dogs have a fantastic ability to subtly offload weight, which means they can easily compensate when first dealing with a minor injury. Dog owners don’t typically notice this subtle transfer of bodyweight and the development of muscular imbalance, so the ball throwing continues, as does the opportunities for further damage. Once the dog has started to compensate, those overworking tissues are more likely to get damaged in these high impact activities. Sadly, we often find that the owners can misinterpret their dogs compensated overdeveloped muscles as a sign of health, not realizing that other areas of the dog’s body have correspondingly decreased in mass, mobility, strength, and function. Eventually this ability to compensate so well fails. The compensatory areas themselves become tense and painful but by this stage, we have multiple areas of concern.

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 49BALL THROWING EXPLAINEDThe Behavioural Effects: Ball throwing is an activity that many dogs and owners engage in on a regular basis. In recent years, concerns have been raised about not only the physical effects but the mental impact this can have on dogs. Many dogs get overly excited during ball games. This increased arousal can lead to an increased heart rate and adrenaline levels, causing an increase in cortisol levels, and can lead to ‘erratic’ behaviours as a result of reduced impulse control and frustration tolerance (Canine Arthritis Management, 2024). Adrenaline is designed to be released in short bursts, as a one-off (such as a wild dog chasing prey) to kick start the flight or fight response. By repeatedly throwing the ball and initiating a chase, this means adrenaline is released for much longer periods. Cortisol levels take several days to return to normal after peaking, and studies have found that prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels can be damaging to long-term health. Adrenaline and cortisol both play a role in the expression and regulation of behaviour. Living with increased levels over a long period of time can be responsible for a few problematic and dangerous behaviours, including your dog’s inability to ‘switch off’, cope with challenging situations and even show more aggressive behaviour. Considering one of the main reasons people throw balls for their dogs is to tire them out, it can be hugely counterproductive when their adrenaline and cortisol stay high following the exercise, meaning they can’t settle or relax. Due to this, it can increase the likelihood of them chasing after another dog in the moment or after ball play, and can increase reactivity in some cases. So, is it never safe to throw a ball? It’s very difficult when presented with this question as usually associated with this, is a ball loving dog who’s just waiting for it to be thrown. It is always recommended that if your dog has an injury or ailment that ball throwing shouldn’t be performed. However, if you do want to throw a ball, here are some suggestions to consider: • Never throw a ball for a dog who is injured or has arthritis – this will only exacerbate the problem. • Only throw a ball once the dog is warmed up. • Use a frisbee instead of a ball as these glide down and dogs tend to slow with the speed of the frisbee • Never throw balls on slippery floors or where it can bounce off items. • Do not throw balls on wet surfaces, mud or unstable surfaces such as gravel. • Throw straight and low down. • Do not throw downhill. • Do not throw repeatedly and keep the duration down. • Do not throw for more than one dog at the same time – two dogs colliding while trying to jump for the same ball is a definite way to end up in the vets! Warm up It is sadly very normal for a dog not to be given the chance to “warm-up” correctly prior to playing ball. Warming up or low impact exercising prior to high-stress activities “prepares” them for the more explosive work and results in less damage. However, often dogs are thrown a ball as soon as they reach a field or immediately upon getting out of the car. Unfortunately, it is common sight that owners toss a ball with a ball thrower twenty times and immediately after the dog is put straight back in the car without a cooldown either. It’s always advised

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 50BALL THROWING EXPLAINEDto perform at least 5-10 minutes of warm up before performing high impacts tasks – this can be a walk, some off lead work, leading to some scent work, recall work and then introducing ball play. So, what’s the alternative? Tug of war: • Playing tug with your dog is a great interactive game, and it helps them to build a much stronger bond with you compared with throwing balls. It can be performed in a controlled manor, and lots of reward (and wins) allows them to demonstrate their predatory nature and harks back to them catching and tearing apart their prey. Scent games: • Toss some treats in the grass and let your dog sniff them out. • Teach them to find their favourite toy (can be a fabulous way to put the beloved ball to use). • Scent work like ‘Man Trailing’ is very mentally stimulating and great fun for both owner and dog. Running tricks: • Teach your dog to run around a tree and grab a toy out of your hand on his way back towards you. • A great running alternative is practising recalls from a stay! Training Activities: • Practice some recall skills, obedience skills, teach your dog new tricks or behaviours that will enrich your time spent together. Spend some quality time also doing a couple of fitness exercises during your walk outside and help with improving overall body condition. In summary, there are many reasons why ball throwing for dogs can be detrimental. The negative physical and mental impact, both long and short term, far outweigh the positive; most of which are only experienced by the dog in the “high” of the moment. It is never the wish of the vet, rehabilitation specialist or behaviourist to deprive dogs of a fun-filled life. The goal is to make people more educated and aware about activities that can be detrimental to their dogs. www.jcbanimalphysio.com References: Bockstahler, B., Levine, D., and Millis, D.L., (2004) Essential Facts of Physiotherapy in Dogs and Cats, Babenhausen, Germany Canine Arthritis Management, 2024. www.caninearthritis.co.uk Millis, D.L., and Levine, D., (2014). Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy – Second Edition, Elsevier Inc, UK Polite Paws Dog Training, 2024. www.politepawsdogtraining.co.uk

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 51CHOOSING A BED Your dog needs a new bed - what do you do? It is a bit of a nightmare, all the more so if your dog has mobility or joint issues. Then the hunt is on for an ‘orthopaedic’ bed. But really, is there any such thing? Different health issues need different beds, whether those conditions are joint related or neurological and given that the label ‘orthopaedic’ is an unregulated term, any bed can be called orthopaedic. Here are few tips on what to think about. Weight: the cushioning provided by a bed must be sufficient to support their weight. Foam will always out-perform a polyester wadding filled bed for all but the very smallest of dogs. Labradors typically weight 30-35kgs which is around 5 stone or equivalent to a 10 year old child, and needs the same level of support. If your dog weighs more than 15kgs and you can feel the floor through their bed when you kneel on it, it is not providing the correct support. Size: even if your dog likes to curl, they should be able to stretch out without falling off the sides. BEDBy Dru Ross, Founder Big Dog Bed CompanyForcing your dog to curl due to bed shape and size is like expecting someone to sleep in an armchair. The flat area of the bed inside any bolsters, etc should be large enough to accommodate your dog lying on their sides with their legs straight or on their backs with their legs in the air. As a guide, 10cm larger than the dog on all sides should be the minimum. Check whether quoted dimensions are outside on inside bolster sides. Height and depth: Avoid beds that make access difficult for older dogs, whether because they are excessively deep or because they have raised edges all round. When a dog has compromised mobility, they will avoid a bed that is difficult to get into or turn round on. A good quality filling does not need to be deep to be supportive and a very thick bed is generally a sign that the filling is going to collapse over time. Materials: Many dog beds include memory foam, but there is nothing special about memory foam. It has thermal properties, retaining heat, which is fine if your dog needs that, but will drive them off their bed if they do not, especially larger and heavy coated dogs. When cold, it is hard and when warm it flattens, so no medium to large dogs should be on a 100% memory foam bed. Make sure there is a support foam included too. A waterproof bed is a good idea as your dog will dry faster if moisture doesn’t penetrate into the cushion. It also reduces dog bed odours. If claims are made that a bed is waterproof, make sure you see the figures as you would on a raincoat. Any genuinely waterproof fabric will have stated test figures for waterproofing. A fit for purpose bed is part of keeping your dog healthy for longer and hence is fundamental to their wellbeing. Invest in a good quality bed from the outset. Do not leave it until they are getting on in years. Children aren’t expected to sleep on thin, hard beds because they are fit and young, so neither should your dog. Choosing a it’s a minefield

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 52CAMSleep Pain Sleep Pain & &

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 53CAMHow Dog’s sleep There are some really important differences between canine and human sleep that can help us to understand our pets sleeping habits better. The first is that dogs are polyphasic sleepers. This means that they naturally sleep in short bursts throughout a 24 hour period - this is in contrast to humans who are monophasic sleepers. Dogs also require more sleep than us - around 10-12 hours per day - more in very young puppies. Many pet dogs will take a large chunk of their sleep during the night when their owners sleep, but also need opportunities to sleep during the day. It is important to distinguish sleep from just resting - as well as laying down with eyes closed, dogs that are truly sleeping will have periods of complete stillness and slow shallow breathing interspersed with periods of twitching and eye flicking that correspond with REM sleep. Dogs are naturally social sleepers [4]. They sleep longer and more deeply when in close vicinity to their “pack” which for domestic dogs is often their owners - putting into question the common practice of insisting our dogs sleep downstairs or in a separate room from us. Another common but incorrect assumption is that dogs like a small, enclosed space or den to sleep in. Whilst this may be true for some individuals, on the whole dogs prefer to be able to lie stretched out in a larger space, preferably slightly elevated off the floor - hence why sofas and their owners' beds are often so appealing. The relationship between chronic pain and sleep Most of us are well aware of how disruptive pain can be to our sleep patterns and research shows that our canine companions aren’t any different [1]. What is becoming increasingly clear however is that sleep, or rather lack of, can cause widespread deleterious effects [3]. A lack of sleep affects perception of and tolerance to pain; pain receptors become sensitised, and pain inhibitory circuits are switched off. It’s also worth noting however that inactivity can increase stiffness and contribute to weight gain - some dogs appear to sleep for 16 hours or more - although this is often resting rather than true sleep.&Sleep Pain in Canine ArthritisSleep is something we often take for granted until there is a problem with it, especially when it comes to our pets. However, research studies are starting to show what an important role it plays in many areas including pain. There is a two way relationship - pain affects sleep and sleep affects pain - making it an important consideration in our canine arthritis patients [1,2].by Sarah Cooper BVetMed(Hons) GPCertSAM MRCVS Freelance Writer for Canine Arthritis Management & Veterinary surgeon at Highcliff Veterinary Practice in Suffolk.

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 54CAMFirstly, we need to consider pain management, other concurrent illnesses (comorbidities) and medications that they may be currently taking; 1) Optimise pain management Pain disrupts sleep and reducing that pain will help improve sleep [2]. Multimodal therapy should be considered including home management strategies, multidisciplinary team input (physiotherapy, laser therapy, hydrotherapy) and medications 2) Work with the owner and their veterinary surgeon to manage comorbidities that may affect sleep. For example, canine dementia can disrupt sleep cycles, and diseases such as kidney disease or diabetes that cause increased frequency of urination can cause frequent waking 3) Consider medications that may affect sleep and encourage owners to discuss this with their vet Certain pain medications can affect the quality of sleep and even those that apparently cause drowsiness may not result in good quality sleep. Other medications may cause difficulty in getting to sleep or may cause disturbed sleep eg diuretics/water tablets that increase urination We also need to look at where our patients sleep - the home environment. This can be evaluated under the four C’s that describe the ideal sleeping arrangement. C - Choice C - Calm C - Comfort C - Confidence What we can do to optimise sleep in our patients

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 55CAMCanine Arthritis Management produce an excellent Home Assessment Tool [5] that can help assess sleeping areas as well as other aspects of a home to make sure they are suitable and safe. It is also important to consider the actual bed that the patient sleeps on. The ideal sleeping area / bed for an arthritic dog would ideally incorporate the following features [5]; ● A thick memory foam mattress makes an ideal sleeping surface ○ This might be custom made for the available space and as large as practicable ○ It could have a slope or chamfer cut in the leading edge to make stepping onto it easier ○ Consider bolstered sides for them to lean on ● Non-slip tape can be used under the bed to prevent it from slipping around ● Non slip mats used around the bed to prevent slips and falls as they are often stiff and vulnerable when rising from sleep ● Avoid loose bedding or ensure it is well secured and not a trip hazard ● Allow a choice of sleeping places ● In the case of raised beds ○ If they use a sofa considering lowering the surface by removing base cushions or castors ○ Steps and ramps may be useful but need training to help dogs learn to use them and gain confidence ○ Human beds can sometimes be lowered or even use a mattress placed on the floor ■ Position the bed against a wall and use head and foot boards ■ Consider using a child’s bed rail ○ Where possible, and if safe for owners to do so, lift the dog on and off the surfaces Improving the sleep of our canine arthritis patients is a really effective and inexpensive way to reduce their pain levels and improve the quality of life for both them and their owners. Understanding a little about what is normal and how we can make small adjustments can make a real difference to their care. Factor ConsiderationsChoiceCalmComfortConfidenceAre there a variety of sleeping areas available to your dog? Are they able to access them easily and without risk of pain or injury? Can they sleep close to their family, or if not can they have a worn item of clothing nearby that smells of the owner? Are they able to access a quiet area, especially during the day? Is the bed comfortable, and not too soft or firm? Can they stretch out and move around easily? Is the area too hot or too cold? Is the bed easy to get in and out of? Is the surrounding floor slippery or uneven? Is the bed secure or does it move around when they get in and out? Is there loose bedding that they can get caught up in? Are they likely to fall from the bed and injure themselves? References [1] Kňazovický, D., Tomas, A., Motsinger‐Reif, A. A., & Lascelles, B. D. X. (2015). Initial evaluation of nighttime restlessness in a naturally occurring canine model of osteoarthritis pain. PeerJ, 3, e772. [2] Gruen, M. E., Samson, D. R., & Lascelles, B. D. X. (2019). Functional linear modeling of activity data shows analgesic-mediated improved sleep in dogs with spontaneous osteoarthritis pain. Scientific Reports, 9(1). [3] Smith, M. (2019). The effects of chronic pain from spontaneous canine osteoarthritis on working memory and sleep (Doctoral dissertation, University of Bristol). [4] Hetts, S., Clark, J. D., Calpin, J. P., Arnold, C. E., & Mateo, J. M. (1992). Influence of housing conditions on beagle behaviour. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 34(1–2), 137–155. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0168-1591(05)80063-2 [5] Canine Arthritis Management. (n.d.). Canine arthritis Management – Arthritis in dogs. https://caninearthritis.co.uk/

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 56CHELTENHAM EQUINE VETS2 Alpha macroglobulinsBy Alice Scott BVMSci (Hons) MRCVS, Cheltenham Equine VetsThere is constant research into novel drugs and therapies for the medication of joints and soft tissue structures in horses. In recent years, the focus has been on developing new orthobiologic medications. These medications are derived from natural substances in the body that are used to treat orthopaedic conditions such as osteoarthritis. Some examples of these medications are stem cells, or platelet rich plasma (PrP) therapy. Why use Alpha 2s? The choice of treatment for joint and soft tissue medication in horses can be a bit of a minefield, from the good old faithful steroids to newer therapies such as stem cells. Deciding what is best for your horse can be difficult. The pros of Alpha 2s compared to some of the other options are: • No risk of steroid induced laminitis, so very good for overweight horses and ponies, and EMS positive cases. As there is no steroid risk, you can medicate multiple areas in one go. • There is no drug withdrawal so good for all competition horses. • Large volumes of the medication can be frozen for up to 12 months, to be used as repeat treatments, or for other conditions found in the next 12 months. • Can be spun stable side and then medicated all in one session. • Can be used in joints, soft tissues structures such as tendons, backs and sacroiliacs to name a few. • Steroid joint medication can contribute to cartilage degeneration, alpha 2s do not contribute to degeneration, and may have protective properties. • Rapid onset of action (within 48hours) so minimal need for rest before starting rehabilitation. Alpha 2 macroglobulins (α2M) are a novel orthobiologic therapy that can be processed stable side and used to medicate joints, tendons, ligaments, backs, sacroiliacs and other areas as needed. They are a large glycoprotein that is part of the innate immune system and are used to promote healing. When an injury occurs to a joint or soft tissue structure, it triggers the inflammatory cascade which stimulates the release of protease enzymes and pro-inflammatory cytokines. If this is left unchecked it can cause more tissue damage. Alpha 2 macroglobulins have a unique multimodal mechanism of action that reduces and blocks the effect of these harmful enzymes to protect against further damage and improve healing. Alpha 2 macroglobulins are naturally produced by different cells across the body, including in the synovium and articular cartilage. In the face of overwhelming acute or chronic inflammation caused by injury, these cells cannot produce enough alpha 2s to mitigate this inflammation naturally, which is where medication comes in useful.

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 57CHELTENHAM EQUINE VETSAppropriate use examples Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is a continuous process of joint injury and inflammation driven by multiple inflammatory mediators. If you do not reduce the inflammation in the joint, it can lead to extra cellular breakdown and loss of articular cartilage, which in turn can lead to bone-on-bone grinding. In horses there are multiple options for treatment however, none of these are curative. In humans, in severe cases of osteoarthritis, doctors can opt to replace the whole joint with a total joint replacement to remove the issue, which is not an option in horses. Instead, we must try to manage the disease as best we can. In horses, the aim of our treatment is to mitigate the effects of inflammation in the joint and therefore reduce pain and improve range of motion and functionality, whilst also protecting articular cartilage. The Alpha 2 macroglobulins will reduce the inflammation in the joint which will inherently reduce the level of pain. They also inhibit proteases that chew up articular cartilage and upregulate the production of collagen in the joint, promoting healthy joint cartilage. In some chronic cases, or with high workload athletes, horses may benefit from a series of injections 2-4 weeks apart for the initial treatment. Tendon and ligament core lesions In damaged soft tissue, initially in the acute phase, inflammation is necessary for initial debridement of the injury. But persisting inflammation can cause scaring, fibrosis, and loss of elasticity, reducing the function of the tendon or ligament. In soft tissues, the main damage is caused by collagenase which breaks down the collagen fibres that creates tendons. Alpha 2 macroglobulins bind to these collagenases and remove them, thus reducing the destruction of collagen fibres. It also has the same anti-inflammatory effects in soft tissue as joints, working to remove pro-inflammatory mediators. The process Alpha 2 macroglobulins can be processed stable side on your yard. The horse must have a 5 day wash out of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, such as ‘bute’, to ensure we are not reducing the quantity of naturally occurring α2M molecules in the blood. Other medications such as antibiotics or pergolide will not affect the levels of alpha 2 in the blood, so can be used as normal before the procedure. The jugular vein is prepped sterile, and then blood is drawn. The blood is then processed through a centrifuge and filtration system that takes roughly 30-40 minutes to complete. Once this is complete, you will have a large volume of medication for your horse, that can be used immediately, or stored in a freezer. The α2M can be safely stored in a normal freezer for up to a year without losing any efficacy. In summary, Alpha 2 macroglobulins are a fantastic novel treatment option for a wide variety of cases, from EMS positive ponies to high level competition horses. The large volume of medication you can process, and the absent laminitis risk, means you can medicate multiple areas in one go, or freeze a few millilitres for repeat medications down the line. It is not only a strong anti-inflammatory, but evidence shows it may have chondroprotective properties, helping slow progression of disease, increasing the level and time of soundness in our equine partners. Cheltenham Equine Vets is an independent ambulatory practice covering Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds. We pride ourselves on a superior level of client service.

ANIMAL THERAPY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 58LEVI HUNT’S TRAINING TIPSOne of the most consistent revelations I have as a rider and trainer is just how much every horse (and rider) can benefit from lateral training or “lateral flexions”. What is a lateral flexion? Lateral movements or lateral flexions within equestrianism refers to movements made by a horse where they are traveling sideways, either forwards or backwards. This opens up a whole new world of engagement, coordination, suppleness, connection to the bridle and it is brilliant for getting your horses attention. This is vital to proceed up the levels in dressage whilst enabling your horse to stay as supple through the body as possible. There are many types of lateral movements required in dressage, such as the leg yield, shoulder in, half pass, travers and renvers. These requirements start appearing at Elementary level tests which are the fourth of eleven levels in total, (starting at Walk and trot, finishing at Grand Prix). But lateral work is not exclusive to dressage horses. Many riders train horses in a whole range of disciplines using lateral work, from the early stages of training. Here are some examples; A young showjumping horse being ridden in the arena “falls in” through corners, making it difficult for a rider to stay on their preferred entry line to a fence. The rider trains the walk, trot and canter to push sideways away from the inside aides to the outside of the arena. In essence a leg yield. All of a sudden the horse and rider get that line to the fence and there is less risk of a run out, refusal or pole down. A racehorse is hacking down to the gallops and passes a sheepdog jumping up and down in excitement at a farmhouse gate (it’s always a collie, convince me otherwise!) The horse is unsettled and wants to rush past in a straight line. The rider turns their body towards the commotion and flexes the horses head in the same direction. The horse is still travelling forward but now with a bend that asks their body to travel not parallel to the dog but brings one hind-leg underneath their body. In essence, a shoulder in. Control and hopefully calmness resumes. Lateral movements are mostly known as a dressage competition requirement, but every horse and rider can benefit mentally and physically from incorporating sideways into their training. You don’t need to fancy school to work in either, you use the curb to encourage shoulder in or the centre line of the road to leg yield to (providing no cars are coming). So, the next time you see somebody doing a version of the cha cha slide out on a hack, don’t assume they’re hacking back from the pub after one too many. Maybe they’re working on one of the most important things that we always need, engagement. Going a little sideways can take you a long way forward…www.dressagewithlevihunt.com fb: Levi Hunt Dressage Insta: Dressage with Levi Hunt

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