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Rehabilitation Therapy for Dogs

Christine Hibbard, CTC, CPDT-KA

Dr. Kari Johnson, DVM

Many of the medical treatments that have been available to human patients are more commonly becoming available for our pets. In fact, some research being done at veterinary schools like Purdue and research centers in veterinary oncology are furthering human research and treatments. When I got curious about water therapy and physical rehabilitation, I reached out to my referring veterinarians. I was lucky enough to meet and interview Dr. Kari Johnson, DVM. Dr. Johnson is on her way to becoming Certified as a Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner. I met with her in her office at Animal Surgical Clinic of Seattle and she explained her work while I observed her working with a Boerboel Mastiff client whose owner brought her dog for underwater treadmill rehab post knee surgery but was continuing with the therapy because of the ongoing benefits.

When Dr. Johnson introduced herself to me, I noticed two things: her calm, warm demeanor when she introduced herself and that she was wearing a bait/treat bag. Any of you familiar with our work at Companion Animal Solutions know how much we love seeing positive reinforcement being used with pets! While Dr. Johnson filled the treadmill tank with warm water with her client dog inside the tank, she began educating me about veterinary rehabilitation therapy:

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Do You Dread Going to the Veterinarian?

Christine Hibbard, CPDT-KA and Anna Baxter, LVT

Do you dread trips to the veterinarian with your dog or cat? Do you wonder if the veterinarians and vet techs dread your visit as much as you do? The veterinary staff needs to be able to perform thorough examinations, provide treatments and perform procedures. How can they be expected to do their best work if they’re fighting your pet every step of the way? It’s stressful for everyone but it’s also unfortunate because it doesn’t have to be this way. With some preparation and training time, you can dramatically lower the stress experienced by your pet, you and the veterinary staff.

Cats

Most dogs love riding in the car but most cats only ride in the car when they’re going one place, the veterinarian. Since safely transporting a cat in the car involves putting them in a carrier, preparing some cats for a trip to the veterinarian can require a bit more preparation. [Read more...]

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Western Veterinary Conference 2011

Guest Blogger: Anna Baxter, BA, LVT

Recently I attended the Western Veterinary Conference, one of the largest gatherings of veterinary practitioners in the world, for some continuing education. My focus was Behavior, where I went to all 20 hours of scientific programming by some of the best in the industry. Some of the speakers (DVMs) talked about therapeutic behavioral drugs and self-traumatic or neurological disorders while others focused on canine aggression issues. I will touch on a few of the more interesting and applicable sessions.
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Don’t Touch Me There!

Louisa Beal, DVM

Mario, a West Highland White Terrier had snapped at a two year old girl.  If Mario couldn’t be trusted around children, his owners would have to get rid of him.

The knee jerk response to this would be to try to modify the behavior of the dog.  Mario’s behavior is definitely unacceptable.  A traditional trainer might punish Mario if he growled or snapped at the girl.  A trainer versed in learning theory might pair the presence of the child with things that Mario loves.  Each of these methods might make a small difference in the short run.  Neither of these methods addresses the underlying cause of Mario’s aggression.  Mario had an ear infection that not only made him grumpy, but hurt intensely when his ear was grabbed.  Even the slightest possibility that his ear might be grabbed sent Mario into his defense mode.   That slight possibility included a toddler coming happily toward him. [Read more...]

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National Veterinary Technician Week

Louisa Beal, DVMiStock_3170536XSmall

This is National Veterinary Technician Week. NVTW has been an annual tradition beginning in June of 1993 when the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America passed a resolution declaring the third week in October as NVTW.

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) was formed in East Lansing, Michigan in 1981 with the goal of allowing Veterinary Technicians to have input on national issues.  Since then, NAVTA has grown and seen many successes, including the declaration of National Veterinary Technician Week, the formation of the Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties, development of a scholarship program, and much more.
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Tricky Treats: Avoiding a toxic food scare

Christine Hibbard, CTC, CPDTDog with Pumpkin Bucket.

When Halloween rolls around, informed pet owners know to keep chocolate far from the reach of inquiring muzzles.  Less commonly understood, however, are the dangers associated with different forms of chocolate, or the many other poisonous foods that may be lurking, disguised as common human treats!

While the size, weight, and individual sensitivity of your dog or cat will determine exactly how they react to chocolate consumption, the formula of the confection is also important.  Milk chocolate, while still unsafe, has a lower concentration of the toxic substance, theobromine.  Dark chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate are definitely to be avoided, with unsweetened baker’s chocolate posing the greatest risk.  If Fluffy manages to get her paws on chocolate this Halloween, contact your vet:  The more information you can provide about the quantity and type of chocolate immediately after it is consumed, the better. [Read more...]

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Educational Brush with Addison’s Disease

Greta Kaplan, CPDT, CDBCVet examining dog

As part of Companion Animal Solutions, I’m lucky enough to work with Dr. James Ha, Ph.D., CAAB, an ethologist with the University of Washington.  This means I can run tricky or unusual cases by his experienced eyes to see what I might be missing in terms of assessment or treatment.  Occasionally, Jim mentions the cryptic term:  “Addison’s Disease.”  Addison’s has always been on my mental list as one of those diseases that can certainly cause behavioral effects; but, as with so many things in life, it took direct personal experience to really bring this home.

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It’s Summer! Hot Dog! (and Cooked Cat??!)

The dangers of heatstroke for those that can’t sweat.

Louisa Beal, DVMshih tzu

If you have ever seen a dog or cat with heat stroke, you won’t forget it.  But what if you have never seen it?  What do you look for?  The signs of heatstroke are listed below, however, in an emergency, lists tend to slip away from our memory.  Is it red gums or gray gums?  Lots of salivation or dry mouth?  Thumping heart or thready pulse?

Whatever time you take to go thumbing through a first aid book or googling ‘heat stroke’ means another minute that you pet’s brain and other vital organs are being cooked.

Just remember this:

Don’t panic. [Read more...]

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AVMA Conference: The Controversy

Louisa Beal, DVMImageShack

Few of the regular attendees of the AVMA conference were aware of what was happening with Merial, a veterinary pharmaceutical company. Quite a controversy was created when a few weeks before the conference, it was brought to light that the company was using Cesar Millan in promotion of their Frontline and Heartguard products. As you may know, Mr. Millan’s show The Dog Whisperer is broadcast on the National Geographic channel. Mr Millan’s methods have come under intense scrutiny by the veterinary behavior community.

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Introduction to the AVMA Conference

Louisa Beal, DVMImageShack

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) held its 146h annual conference in Seattle, Washington from July 11th to July 14th this year. The conference hosted over 200 sessions a day on topics including companion animal medicine, food animal medicine practice management, public health, wildlife, alternative therapies and much more. There was far more than any one person could take in. The other part of the conference was the exhibit hall, with about 300 exhibitors and special interest groups. The exhibit hall is always a big draw for information on the latest developments and cool freebies. So, my point of view is a mere blip on the big picture. I’ll be writing a short series of commentaries on various aspects of the AVMA convention. [Read more...]

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