– To reduce pain
– Improve mobility
– Improve function to do daily tasks (e.g. going for a walk)
– Optimise performance in canine sports/activities and in obedience
– Speed up recovery from injury, accident or post-operation
– Improve behavioural changes caused by pain
– Help prevent re-injury.
Signs that your dog may need to see the osteopath:
– Lameness or limping
– Stiffness or decreased mobility
– Rigid posture
– Increased difficulty with daily tasks (e.g. jumping, walking up stairs)
– Repetitive strain injuries (e.g. jumping on and off sofa)
– Post- trauma (e.g. car accident, fights)
– Post-competition injury (e.g. agility, fly ball)
– Breed specific conditions (e.g. hip dysplasia in German Shepherds, elbow dysplasia in Labradors)
– Age-related changes
– Post-operative rehabilitation.
– Social changes (they may not want to greet you)
– Increased sleep or lethargy
– Decreased Appetite
– Either more vocal, or are much quieter than usual
– Increased licking of an area (can indicate referral pain)
– Shaking
– Sensitive to touch/grooming
– Decreased performance (e.g. slower at walking)
– Obedience issues – it may be painful for them to go into sit or down position
– Post-operative issues
– Chronic conditions – improving quality of life.