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Case Study | Physiotherapy following canine intervertebral disc disease of the spine

Meet Cocoa. She is an adorable 11 year 7- month-old chocolate Shih Tzu who came to see the specialist team at Queensland Veterinary Specialists in November 2021 after she developed progressive loss of walking and ability to use all four limbs. Cocoa underwent a spinal CT myelogram and was diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease, affecting the cervical spine at C6 – C7 and compressing the spinal cord. Cocoa was taken to surgery where a ventral slot procedure was performed to remove the extru...

Five Facts about Cruciate Disease in Dogs

Cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD) is the leading cause of hindlimb lameness in the dog (Powers et al, 2005). The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is the canine-equivalent of the human anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The CCL is the primary passive stabiliser of the canine stifle joint, it’s craniomedial band taut during flexion, while the caudolateral band and lateral collateral ligament relax to allow for tibial internal rotation (de Rooster et al, 2006). In addition to stifle joint st...

Canine Hip Dysplasia: Causes, Consequences, and Management

Canine hip dysplasia is a common and progressive orthopedic condition affecting the development and function of the hip joint, primarily in large-breed dogs. It is characterised by joint laxity in young animals and, due to abnormal joint wear, progresses over time to osteoarthritis. While the condition can be painful and debilitating, early intervention and a multimodal treatment plan can significantly improve a dog's comfort and mobility....

OPTIMA Canine Fitness & Wellbeing Classes

At Optima Animal Physio, we are deeply passionate about dog fitness and overall well-being. We believe baseline fitness is essential for all dogs, especially those involved in dog sports. Fitness should be fun and accessible to all dogs, regardless of age, fitness level, ability, or strength....

Crate resting and Confinement after Surgery or Injury

Following injury or surgery your animal will require a period of convalescence and restricted activity. This necessitates the setting up of a crate, playpen or combination of both. Planning ahead and being prepared will significantly reduce the stress involved with creating a safe place within the home for your animal to rest and rehabilitate optimally.The purpose of confinement is to prevent exuberant activity that would impede your animal’s recovery. A period of six weeks is typically alloca...

PDF Guide: Intervertebral Disc Disease & Physiotherapy

What is Intervertebral Disc Disease?How does physiotherapy help?IVDD Physiotherapy ManagementCrate resting and Confinement after Surgery or InjuryBladder and Bowel ManagementHarnesses and Wheelchairs Prevention...

Physiotherapy for Cruciate Injury in Dogs

Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury is the leading cause of hindlimb lameness in the dog with a prevalence of approximately 11% in the canine population (1). Injury to the cruciate ligament can result from a high-load traumatic event, however for dogs, in most cases: It is the result of normal forces placed on an abnormal, degenerative ligamentIt is progressive, beginning with gradual degeneration and progressing from partial ligament injury to complete ruptureThe same disease process often ...

Acupuncture for Animals

Acupuncture is becoming an increasingly popular modality for pain management in veterinary medicine (1). Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into acupuncture points on the skin to restore balance, relieve pain and encourage the body to heal.Acupuncture’s roots date back approximately 3000 years ago to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) where the philosophy of acupuncture centres on an energy source termed, “Qi”. Illness is believed to occur when there is an interruption...

Canine Enrichment

Canine enrichment is about providing activities and environments that address your dog's physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing by allowing opportunities for your dog to sniff, chew, hunt, and dig! This can prevent behaviour problems, build confidence, reduce anxiety, reinforce socialization practices, creating a deeper bond with your dog...

How I Entered the World of Animal Physio

From a young age, animals have been an integral part of my life. I was the child that always had pets - be it birds, mice, cats and horses. Even sheep - which my father had on his horticultural research station.I initially chose a career in Occupational Therapy, and after graduating from the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) I worked for two years in tertiary teaching hospitals in Auckland. My areas of practice included orthopaedic wards, burns, plastic surgery, and hand and upper limb reh...