Holistic Therapies for Animals

22/10/2025

🚨 Stairs add A LOT of stress to the canine body!!

In this sketch, we can see a large-breed dog descending relatively low, wide steps, and we can clearly see

🔎 The front weight-bearing paw is splayed and flattened, the carpus has dropped, and the thoracic sling is collapsing into a deep “V” at the cervicothoracic junction. All of this shows us just how much force is being transmitted through the limb - and that the limb and thoracic sling isn’t strong enough to support it!

📉 The lumbar spine is kyphotic, the pelvis is flexed and rotated, and the dog is rotating through the spine to achieve the high degrees of limb flexion required for stair descent. These are classic compensation patterns - and they are not what we want to see. Yet, this is how many dogs navigate stairs every single day in their homes.

💡 Research backs this up.
Two key studies demonstrate how stair navigation dramatically changes musculoskeletal demands compared with ramps or slopes:

👉Carr et al., 2013, Exercises in canine physical rehabilitation: Range of motion of the forelimb during stair and ramp ascent. Journal of Small Animal Practice 54(8):409–413.

👉Millard et al., 2010, Kinematic analysis of the pelvic limbs of healthy dogs during stair and decline slope walking. American Journal of Veterinary Research 71(7):734–740.

These studies show that stairs require significantly greater joint flexion and ROM - and therefore greater muscular effort - than incline walking. That increased demand can overload the thoracic sling, carpal stabilisers, lumbar spine, and cervicothoracic junction, especially in dogs with existing pathology or insufficient strength.

👩‍⚕️ How we help as Vetrehabbers:
1. ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES:
🚪Restrict access to stairs for vulnerable dogs - especially large-breed puppies, those with elbow or hip dysplasia, cruciate disease, IVDD, spondylosis, or LS stenosis.
2. EXERCISE
💪 Incorporate targeted strengthening and conditioning before dogs navigate stairs.
🏋️‍♂️ Teach correct technique and posture to reduce compensations and repetitive micro-trauma.

🦴And if this much load is being placed on a large dog, imagine what a small dog experiences as they jump up and down each step. Supervision, strength, and control are not optional - they’re essential for preventing injury.

📆 At the Vet Rehab Summit on 8 November, experts like Anna Lee Sanders, Jana Gams, and Arielle Pechette Markley will dive deep into how we prepare our patients for these real-world challenges - using movement itself as medicine.

01/10/2025

Send a message to learn more

19/09/2025

Five greyhounds from the same litter, all killed following racing injuries.

Their owner, Christine Pollard — twice fined for using prohibited substances, including arsenic and procaine — continues in the industry, while the dogs continue to pay the price.

It must end.

15/09/2025

Twisted stomachs, broken hearts🐾💔
Most people think “bloat” just means gas buildup, but gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is much more serious. In GDV, the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood flow and putting dangerous pressure on vital organs. Without immediate treatment, it can be fatal.

🐾 What dogs are highest risk? Large, deep-chested breeds are the most vulnerable. Neutered males are at slightly higher risk.

📌 What Research Shows:
-Dogs that eat quickly or swallow a lot of air face a significantly higher risk
-Split daily calories into two meals instead of one large meal for at-risk dogs — it lowers GDV risk.
Diet matters:
– Dogs fed ultra-processed kibble, especially those with seed oils listed among the first four ingredients, face a higher risk.
– Kibble pieces smaller than 30mm also increase risk.
– Feeding meat-based diets with larger chunks (>30mm) can lower risk.
-Avoid exercise and large amounts of water immediately before or after meals.
-Dogs with anxious, fearful, or high-stress temperaments have a higher likelihood of GDV.

⏱️ Every Second Counts
If you suspect GDV, go to the vet immediately. With rapid surgical intervention, survival rates reach up to 80%, but waiting can be deadly.
Your awareness and quick action can save your dog’s life. ❤️

💬 I just posted my latest free article, including my top tips for preventing GDV, comment ⬇️ and I’ll send you a direct link to keep reading.

06/09/2025

21/08/2025

We all agree on the importance of preventing unwanted litters, but it may be time to rethink how it’s done. Hysterectomies and vasectomies can be performed safely as early as 8 weeks, providing sterilization without disrupting a dog’s natural hormones.

“Removal of the go**ds with surgical sterilization results in a loss of negative feedback to the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary. The sustained supraphysiologic luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations in g***dectomized dogs can significantly alter organ function and even induce neoplastic changes. For example, g***d removal has a profound effect on thyroid function and is reported to be the most significant cause for the development of hypothyroidism in dogs. Thirty percent more g***dectomized dogs develop hypothyroidism compared with intact dogs. Within the canine thyroid, LH receptors are co-localized with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors.

Continuous LH receptor activation in g***dectomized dogs may interfere TSH receptor function by consuming second messengers involved in G-protein receptor cell signaling, preventing the action of TSH when it binds to its receptor in the thyroid, resulting in hypothyroidism. The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament ruptures is significantly increased following g***d removal independent of breed, s*x, weight or body condition. Luteinizing hormone receptors are expressed in the cruciate ligament and continuous LH receptor activation may increase laxity in these ligaments, resulting in joint instability. Both male and female g***dectomized dogs are at a significantly increased risk for lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma. Luteinizing hormone receptors are also abundant in these tissues. Research in four canine hemangiosarcoma cell lines found that LH receptor activation induces cell proliferation. In addition, research in three canine T-cell lymphoma cell lines found that LH receptor activation induces cell proliferation, adhesion, and invasion as well as increases LH receptor expression. Research is needed to determine if LH reducing strategies using g***dotropin releasing hormone agonists will increase remission times in g***dectomized dogs with LH receptor-positive tumors. In conclusion, among the non-reproductive functions of go**ds, suppression of LH secretion and resulting LH receptor overexpression appear necessary in maintaining endocrine, musculoskeletal, and anti-neoplastic health.”

11/08/2025

🐾 We’ve been chosen! 🐾

We’re so excited to be one of the three rescues supported by at this year’s Ekka!



🎪 From August 9–17, you’ll find The Treatery in the Canine Pavilion with their much-loved Ekka Showbags.



Here’s the best part:

💛 $2 from every bag sold goes directly to rescue.
🐶 Inside each bag are two $1 tokens – drop yours in the donation jar.
➕ You can even purchase extra tokens to give more support if you like!



It’s a fun, easy way to treat your pup and support us at the same time.



We’re beyond grateful to be included alongside Qld Staffy and AmStaff Rescue, and to have The Treatery in our corner.



📍Come visit them in the Canine Pavilion, grab a showbag, and donate your tokens – your support means the world to us.

09/08/2025