Physical therapy

Canine Massage–Every Dog ‘Kneads’ It.’ Benefits and Techniques of Dog Massage

Massage has always been a “cornerstone” treatment for physical therapists. The benefits of massage to human beings having various medical conditions has a proven record. Dogs can now benefit as well. Dog massage physiological benefits The benefits dogs receive from massage are many of the same benefits that humans do, The benefits include: reduced tension decreased pain reduced inflammation increased…

by Susan E. Davis PT

Canine Functional Strengthening Exercises: The What, Why and How

Have you ever heard the term “functional strengthening exercises” and wondered what it means? Not only are functional strengthening exercises helpful to human beings in physical rehabilitation or sports enhancement programs, but they are also used in canine recovery and fitness. So, what are they? What is a functional exercise? For an exercise to be considered functional, it utilizes the…

by Susan E. Davis PT

Injury and Compensation in Dogs: An Attempt To Restore Harmony

Aren’t harmony and balance what everyone desires? Your beloved canine companion gives you a measure of that every day. They also need it in a physical sense in the way they stand, walk, and function. What you see in the normal canine posture and gait is like a symphony orchestra where all parts blend into a harmonious sound. For the…

by Susan E. Davis PT

Canine Femoral Head Osteotomy: Great (Or Not So Great) Expectations with (FHO)

Femoral head osteotomy (FHO) is the surgical removal of the ball and neck of the femur, in the hip joint. It is used in cases of advanced hip dysplasia where the hip joint has also become arthritic in complex fractures cases of avascular necrosis (lack of blood supply to the bone–a genetic condition called Legg Calve-Perthes, seen mostly in toy…

by Susan E. Davis PT

Dog Knee Injuries: Why The Second CCL Often Goes Too

Have you ever wondered about the impact of improper use of an injured limb on the rest of the body and how other areas are affected? Dog knee injuries are no exception. The canine knee or “stifle” is the most problematic joint in the dog. Source: The Dog Health Handbook The stifle is a complex joint starting with the rounded…

by Susan E. Davis PT

Jana Rade

I am a graphic designer by day, dog health advocate, dog writer, member of the Dog Writers Association of America, and an award-winning author in my spare time. Jasmine, the Rottweiler of my life, was the largest female from her litter. We thought we were getting a healthy dog. Getting a puppy from a backyard breeder was our first mistake. Endless veterinary visits without a diagnosis or useful treatment later, I realized that I had to take Jasmine's health care into my own hands. I learned the hard way that simply seeing a vet is not always enough. There is more to finding a good vet than finding the closest clinic down the street. And, sadly, there is more to advocating for your dog's health than visiting a veterinarian. It should be enough, but it often is not. With Jasmine, it took five years to finally get a diagnosis for her initial issue. Unfortunately, other problems had snowballed for that in the meantime. Jasmine's health challenges became a crash course in understanding dog health issues and how to go about getting a proper diagnosis and treatment. I had to learn, and I had to learn fast. Helping others through my challenges and experience has become my mission and Jasmine's legacy. I now try to help people recognize and understand signs of illness in their dogs, how to work with their veterinarian, and when to seek a second opinion. My goal is to use 20 years of hard-earned experience to save others from the steep curve of having to learn things the hard way, as I did.

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