Soco Fairy Dog Mother

14/08/2026

Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome CECS
Paroxysmal Gluten Sensitive Dyskinesia PGSD

The wobble episodes are what the neurologists use to diagnose this condition which up to 50% of border terriers can suffer from (on a spectrum of severity).

Some dogs just get a wobble. Some dogs (like mine) suffer with many earlier symptoms.

If left unchecked, this does happen eventually. And when it does, we’ve either missed all the signs or not been aware.

That includes vets and specialists.

It’s thought to be genetic.

But this only happens when a certain threshold is reached internally. When their body can’t cope.

This was induced by gluten (2 recent accidental contaminations), the heat, doorbell stress and a sudden bout of exercise.

All of these things can trigger an episode in a dog. But he had them all together.

This is why control and management is so important. He is on gluten free food. And it’s not enough.

If you’d like support with this, please get in touch.

05/08/2026

Poppy’s vet recommended that Lindsey find a nutritionist to support her and her older girl with a few ‘allergies’.
Little did she know how much she would learn, how capable she’s become and how many other benefits a diet change has had on Poppy, giving her a whole new lease of life, clean bowls, the best poops she’s ever seen, and reduced reactivity.

This is their story:

https://www.socofairydogmother.com/articles/case-study-poppy-12

03/08/2026

🟢 Fascia vs Lymphatic System in Canine Health

Most people try to manage symptoms in dogs.
Very few look at the systems underneath.

Fascia isn’t just “tight tissue.”
It’s a continuous connective network linking muscles, joints, organs, nerves, posture, and movement.

The lymphatic system isn’t just about “detox.”
It plays a vital role in fluid balance, immune function, and clearing inflammation within the body.

When fascia becomes restricted, dense, or adhered,
it can compress surrounding structures — including lymphatic pathways.

When lymphatic flow is reduced,
this can have a direct impact on the nervous system.

Over time, this may present as:

• restlessness or inability to settle
• sensitivity to touch
• reduced focus or engagement
• behavioural changes
• slower recovery from injury
• chronic low-grade inflammation

This isn’t “just behaviour.”
It’s often a mechanical and neurological response.

So what’s the difference in treatment?

🟢 Myofascial Release (MFR)
Focuses on the fascial system (structure)
• slow, sustained techniques
• releases restrictions
• improves tissue glide
• restores movement and load distribution

🟢 Lymphatic Drainage
Focuses on fluid movement (flow)
• light, rhythmical techniques
• stimulates lymphatic circulation
• reduces inflammation and congestion
• supports immune function

Although different, these systems are closely connected.
⬇️⬇️⬇️
Restricted fascia ➝ can limit lymphatic flow
Reduced lymphatic flow ➝ can contribute to tissue congestion

This is why an integrated, whole-body approach matters.

In osteopathy, as described by Andrew Taylor Still,
the body functions as a unit — structure and function are interdependent.

This work isn’t about forcing change.
It’s about creating the right environment for the body to regulate and rebalance itself.

Slow. Targeted. Nervous-system aware.

This is why clinically trained myofascial release and lymphatic drainage are essential in canine bodywork therapy, yet they are not universally practiced or understood.

I’ve dedicated years to developing these skills and still consider myself a student of this work, because I believe there is more to be done within canine osteopathy and clinical massage therapy to fully embrace an integrated, system-based approach.

03/08/2026

Pain isn’t always musculoskeletal… 🐾🦷

As canine therapists, it’s easy to think muscles, joints, movement and biomechanics whenever a dog presents with pain or a change in behaviour.

But sometimes the answer lies somewhere completely different.

I was reminded of this recently with one of my favourite canine clients.

His owner told me he’d gone off his food, become much more reactive than usual and simply wasn’t himself. During my assessment, he was extremely reluctant to let me examine around his face and lower jaw.

His masseter muscle, the powerful muscle that closes the jaw was enlarged and very painful to touch.

Straight away, I felt this wasn’t a typical musculoskeletal presentation, so I recommended he see his vet to investigate possible dental pain.

The outcome?

He needed six teeth removed.

The transformation afterwards was amazing. He started eating normally again, was much more comfortable, far less reactive and, best of all, his happy personality came back.

It’s easy to forget just how sensitive the mouth is. The teeth, gums and jaw are supplied by the trigeminal nerve, one of the body’s major sensory nerves. It sends pain signals to the brain incredibly quickly, which is why dental pain can be so severe and why it can have such a profound effect on a dog’s behaviour, appetite and quality of life.

The difficult part is that dogs are masters at hiding pain. By the time we notice changes in eating, behaviour or sensitivity around the face, the problem may have been there for quite some time.

This case was a good reminder for me to stay curious and keep looking at the whole dog. As therapists, our job isn’t just to treat muscles—it’s also to recognise when something doesn’t quite fit, and to refer appropriately. Working alongside veterinary colleagues gives our patients the best possible outcome.

Not every painful dog has a musculoskeletal problem.

Sometimes the biggest improvement doesn’t come from massage, rehabilitation or exercise therapy.

Sometimes it comes from finding the real source of the pain.

Always look at the whole dog. 🐾

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you ever had a dog whose behaviour changed because of dental disease or another hidden source of pain? Or are you a veterinary professional who’s seen something similar? Share your experiences in the comments—I always enjoy learning from others.

03/08/2026

03/08/2026