Category: Health

Osteoarthritis (OA), commonly known as arthritis, is the inflammation of a joint that leads to pain and reduced mobility. Over time, the smooth cartilage that covers the surface of joints wears down, causing the exposed bones to rub together, which worsens the condition.

Several factors can predispose a dog to developing OA, including:

• Genetics, breed, and body structure – such as developmental disorders like hip or elbow dysplasia
• Age-related wear and tear
• Obesity – excessive weight puts extra strain on joints
• Previous injuries – including joint trauma or surgeries

What Are the Main Symptoms of Osteoarthritis?

Symptoms of OA can vary depending on the severity of the disease. However, the most common signs include:

• Stiffness, difficulty getting up or lying down
• Slower movement or reluctance to exercise
• Limping or lameness
• Muscle wasting/atrophy
• Changes in personality – increased irritability, anxiety, or withdrawal
• Licking of affected joints

Early detection is critical for maintaining your dog’s quality of life. Studies show that 40% of dogs under the age of four have radiographic evidence of OA, although only half of these cases can be identified through a physical exam. This means many cases go unnoticed, making it essential for both pet owners and vets to stay vigilant.

Prevention is key. If your dog belongs to a predisposed breed or is overweight, it’s time to consult one of our vets to explore preventive measures.

How Is Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?

If you notice any of the symptoms listed above in your dog, it’s important to consult a vet. At The Canine Fitness Centre, we offer full assessments to evaluate your dog’s mobility and identify subtle signs of discomfort.

X-rays may be recommended to assess the severity of the joint disease, and blood tests can help rule out other medical conditions that could impact treatment. Additionally, we may suggest a “pain trial” with a Vet using a specific medication to observe its effect on your dog’s mobility and comfort.

How Can We Treat Joint Pain?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for OA, but treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, improving mobility, and slowing disease progression. Treatment options may include:

• Exercise management – regular short walks on flat terrain
• Weight loss – weight control and special joint diets can be helpful
• Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy – maintaining muscle mass and enhancing joint flexibility
• Laser therapy
• Myotherapy
• Acupuncture
• Nutraceuticals – joint supplements may help slow the disease’s progression
• Environmental modifications – using orthopaedic bedding, ramps, non-slip mats, or carpeting
• Medication – Various medications are available to manage pain and inflammation. Some dogs respond well to a single medication, while others may need a combination of treatments. Options include:
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Monoclonal antibody injections
  • Pain relievers
  • Joint injections

In some cases, surgery may be considered to stabilise the joint, such as arthroplasty or total hip replacements for severe OA.

During a Canine Fitness consultation, our veterinary Physiotherapists can help you navigate the available treatment options and create a long-term pain management plan tailored to your dog’s needs.

Don’t wait—book an appointment today for a mobility assessment, and let’s discuss how to ensure your dog’s comfort for the future.

Just like humans, dogs need proper rehabilitation after surgery to ensure a full and healthy recovery. Whether your furry friend has undergone orthopaedic surgery, soft tissue repair, or neurological procedures, physiotherapy can make a world of difference in speeding up recovery, improving mobility, and restoring quality of life. Let’s dive into how physiotherapy can help your dog after surgery and why it’s a crucial part of the healing process.

1. Promotes Faster Healing

One of the main goals of post-surgical physiotherapy is to encourage the healing of tissues, muscles, and joints. By using controlled and gentle movements, physiotherapy helps improve blood circulation, which delivers vital oxygen and nutrients to the injured area. This boost in circulation helps reduce swelling and inflammation, which are common after surgery, and accelerates the body’s natural healing processes.

Key Techniques:

• Massage therapy: Increases blood flow and reduces muscle tension.
• Cold and heat therapy: Reduces swelling (cold therapy) and stimulates blood flow (heat therapy).

2. Reduces Pain and Discomfort

Surgery can leave your dog in significant pain, limiting their ability to move and affecting their overall well-being. Physiotherapy provides several pain-relief methods that are gentle and non-invasive. These techniques, such as laser therapy, ultrasound, and acupuncture, help to reduce post-operative pain without relying solely on medications, which can have side effects when used long-term.

Key Techniques:

• Laser therapy: Reduces pain and inflammation at a cellular level.
• TENS units (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation): Provides electrical stimulation to relieve pain.

3. Improves Mobility and Flexibility

After surgery, scar tissue can develop, and muscles can stiffen due to inactivity, which leads to a limited range of motion. Physiotherapy focuses on gradually increasing your dog’s mobility and flexibility through controlled exercises. Stretching, range-of-motion exercises, and hydrotherapy can help prevent joint stiffness and muscle wasting, while also restoring your dog’s natural movements.

Key Techniques:

• Passive range-of-motion exercises: Gently moving the dog’s limbs to maintain flexibility.
• Hydrotherapy: Water-based exercises that support weight and encourage movement without stressing the joints.

4. Prevents Muscle Atrophy

When dogs are recovering from surgery, they often spend a lot of time resting, which can lead to muscle atrophy or loss of muscle mass. This is particularly concerning in dogs with orthopedic issues, as strong muscles are needed to support healing bones and joints. Physiotherapy combats muscle atrophy by engaging the muscles in therapeutic exercises that keep them active without putting excessive strain on healing areas.

Key Techniques:

• Therapeutic exercises: Balance boards, controlled walking, and strength-building activities.
• Treadmill therapy: Gentle walking on a treadmill to build strength and endurance.

5. Supports Mental Well-being

Surgery can be stressful for dogs, not only physically but also mentally. A prolonged recovery period can lead to boredom, anxiety, and depression. Physiotherapy sessions are not just about physical recovery; they also provide mental stimulation. The attention and care during therapy, along with gradually getting your dog moving again, help reduce stress and encourage a more positive attitude during recovery.

6. Customised Recovery Plans

Every dog’s surgery and recovery needs are different, and physiotherapy provides a tailored approach to rehabilitation. A trained canine physiotherapist will assess your dog’s condition, identify specific areas that need attention, and design a personalised recovery plan. This ensures that your dog gets the right combination of techniques and exercises suited to their individual needs, whether they’re recovering from a torn ligament, hip surgery, or a spinal injury.

7. Improves Long-term Outcomes

Proper physiotherapy after surgery not only helps your dog recover in the short term but also ensures better long-term health. Without therapy, dogs are more likely to develop complications like joint stiffness, chronic pain, and reduced mobility. Physiotherapy reduces the risk of these complications by encouraging proper healing and promoting strong, healthy muscles and joints.

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How to Get Started with Canine Physiotherapy

If your dog has recently had surgery, it’s important to consult your veterinarian about physiotherapy. Your dog’s rehabilitation journey will be carefully guided, ensuring they recover at a safe pace and reach their full potential for mobility and comfort.

Final Thoughts

Physiotherapy can make a tremendous difference in helping your dog recover after surgery. From reducing pain to restoring mobility and strength, this specialised care ensures that your beloved pet can enjoy a quicker and more comfortable recovery. By investing in physiotherapy, you are not only supporting their physical healing but also giving them the best chance at a healthy and active future.

If you’re a pet owner, navigating the world of veterinary care can sometimes be confusing, especially when it comes to referrals for specialist treatments. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has recently updated its guidance on how veterinary referrals should be handled, aiming to make the process clearer and more transparent for both vets and pet owners. This updated guidance ensures you, as a pet owner, are well-informed about the expertise of the professionals treating your pet.

Here’s what you need to know to make the best decisions for your pet’s health when it comes to referrals:

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1. Understanding the Expertise of Referral Vets

One of the key updates is the clarification around how vets should explain the expertise of the professionals they refer you to. If your pet needs treatment beyond what your regular vet can provide, they might suggest seeing another vet with more specialized skills.

Your vet is now required to clearly explain the qualifications of the vet they are referring you to. There are specific titles such as “RCVS Specialist” or “Advanced Practitioner” that carry defined levels of expertise. For example:

It’s essential your vet explains these differences and offers you options. If your vet recommends an Advanced Practitioner, they should also let you know that a referral to an RCVS Specialist is another option, depending on your pet’s needs.

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2. Accurate Terminology Matters

Another important point in the updated guidance is that only recognized titles like “RCVS Specialist” or “Advanced Practitioner” should be used to describe the person who will treat your pet. Terms like “consultant” or “referral surgeon” are considered misleading and could give the impression of a level of expertise that may not be accurate.

Always ask about the specific qualifications of the vet your pet is being referred to, and make sure they match these recognized titles.

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3. Referrals to Veterinary Centres

If your pet is being referred to a veterinary centre rather than an individual vet, it’s important to understand that not all vets in the centre may have the same qualifications. The new RCVS guidance highlights that your referring vet should inform you about the varying levels of experience among the vets at the referral centre. For example, you might assume your pet will be seen by a Specialist when, in reality, they could be treated by a vet in training (such as a resident) who may not yet have specialist qualifications.

To avoid confusion, ask about the specific vet who will be responsible for your pet’s care at the centre.

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4. Conflicts of Interest Must Be Disclosed

Transparency is key when it comes to veterinary care, and the RCVS has emphasized that vets must disclose any potential conflicts of interest when making referrals. This means your vet should tell you if they have a financial or professional link to the practice they are referring you to, such as:

• Referring you to a centre owned by the same group as their practice
• Referring to a peripatetic surgeon (a freelance specialist) who works out of their practice and whose services financially benefit the practice

Being informed about these connections allows you to make a fully informed decision and ensures that your pet’s care is always in their best interest.

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Why Is This Update Important?

The RCVS has made these changes because there were concerns that previous guidelines were not always followed or fully understood by vets. These updates aim to ensure that pet owners, like you, have all the information needed to make the best decisions for your pet.

In the past, there have been cases where pet owners were unaware that their pet was being treated by a non-specialist vet, which led to complications or even serious health risks. This updated guidance places responsibility on the referring vet to be clear about the qualifications of the professionals they are recommending.

The differences between an Advanced Practitioner and a Specialist are significant, especially when it comes to complex procedures like surgery. Specialists undergo rigorous training, including years of hands-on experience and exams, which means they are better equipped to handle highly specialised or complex cases.

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What Should You Do When Your Pet Needs a Referral?

When your vet recommends a referral, here are some steps you can take to ensure your pet gets the best care possible:

• Ask about qualifications: Make sure you understand whether your pet is being referred to an Advanced Practitioner or an RCVS Specialist.
• Get a clear explanation: Ask your vet to explain the difference between the two and why they are recommending a particular option for your pet.
• Inquire about the vet who will treat your pet: If you are being referred to a veterinary centre, make sure you know who will be treating your pet and what their qualifications are.
• Check for conflicts of interest: If your vet has a connection to the referral practice or the vet they are recommending, make sure this is disclosed to you.

By staying informed and asking the right questions, you can be confident in the care your pet will receive.

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Conclusion

The updated RCVS guidance on veterinary referrals is designed to promote transparency and ensure pet owners can make informed decisions about their pet’s care. Understanding the qualifications of the vets involved, asking the right questions, and being aware of any potential conflicts of interest will help you choose the best referral option for your pet.

Your vet should be your partner in this process, providing you with clear and accurate information to support your decisions. Ultimately, this update is a positive step forward for the veterinary profession, pet owners, and—most importantly—your pets.

Does your home promote your dog’s healing and health? Or does it perhaps predispose your dog to further injury, or delay their healing from injury? Let’s discuss the simple adaptations you can make to your home to help your dog heal and live their best, pain-free lives. 

Continue reading Environmental Hacks For Your Dogs Optimal Health and Recovery 

One of our standard questions we ask all clients is whether your dog is taking any supplements. Whilst there is some good evidence of real added value to a variety of supplements it is also a £50,000,000 industry in the UK known as Nutraceuticals – with that comes some big bucks in advertising spend which can make it difficult to pick through the fact from the fiction. In this article we’ve done our best to unpick, on a very broad and consumer focussed level, the detail behind supplements and reviewed some of the top recommended brands.

LAST UPDATED: 11TH JULY 2023

Continue reading Unpicking the world of joint supplements

Our crazy Managing Director, along with his wife, has taken to throwing himself in cold water for ‘fun’ under the guise of Wild Swimming. However, recently on a trip to Durdle Door cold water shock started to set in and muscle tightness was a real issue. With this in mind, and being mid-winter at the time of writing, we thought we should cover just what happens when your dog jumps in a river, stream, sea or lake this winter!

Continue reading The effects of cold water on your dog

We are constantly talking about muscles with our dog owners, in this article we have tried to simplify the complexities of what your dogs muscles do and explore which major muscles are used during different types of exercises.

Any dog owner that has run playfully through their local park with their beloved pet has no doubt marvelled at the speed and graceful manoeuvrability a dog possesses. The muscular anatomy of a dog, while serving the same purpose in a dog, differs in structure and function from the muscular system in a human body. Just as the human muscular system is composed of units of tissue connected to the skeletal system, skin, and other muscles, a dog’s muscle anatomy is arranged in a similar fashion. Additionally, both muscular systems use the power of contraction to produce movement.

The muscle anatomy of a dog serves two important purposes. The first, and most obvious, is to facilitate movement of the limbs, head, neck, and joints. An equally important function for muscles is to provide stability to the joints of the body, making it easier for them to function under pressure.

Continue reading Muscles dogs use during exercise

There are very few reports discussing the effectiveness of physical rehabilitation strategies for dogs. As a consequence, rehabilitation decisions are typically made by extrapolating information from the scientific evidence available in human clinical trials and by following universal rules of rehabilitation.

Continue reading What science has told us about rehabilitation

So, you’re hitting the gym, cutting the carbs and starting your journey to become the new you – well it is January after all! But what about your dog, have they over indulged or maybe this horrible weather (we’re being battered by Storm Brendan as I write this) is making those walks a little shorter than they normally would be?

It’s thought that around 55% of dogs are overweight. With this in mind, there are likely to be over 60,000 overweight dogs within the catchment area of the Canine Fitness Centre!

Even though we know that 55% of dogs are overweight, 93% of dog owners think their dog is a healthy weight. And even though 93% of dog owners think their dog is a healthy weight, 43% of dog owners actually admit that they don’t know what a normal weight dog looks like. We can’t help are dog lose weight if we don’t know they need to lose it.

In this blog we hope to help you identify healthy dog weights and how to help it get there.

Continue reading Weight loss for dogs

Properly conditioned dogs perform better, are less likely to suffer injuries, when injury does occur they are less severe, and recovery is faster. Fit dogs also suffer less stress which translates to greater stamina and longevity, creating a win–win situation for both dog and handler.

In human athletics and sports, athletes will spend a large proportion of their time training in the gym and exercising appropriately for their chosen sport.  In human sports, the exercises and conditioning we do should be appropriate for the activity we plan to do, for example a marathon runner will do very different training from that of a 100m sprint athlete. Just like humans, the ways we exercise and agility dogs is very different to what we should do with a cani-cross dogs.

By undertaking an appropriate fitness and conditioning programme, you can better prepare the dog’s body to undertake the tasks we ask of it. If your dog has the right strength, balance and flexibility it will be able to adjust itself better, handle more difficult tasks easier both of which may lead to better performance but more importantly reduce the risk of injury should things not go according to plan.

Continue reading Conditioning the Canine Athlete