About
Animal Osteopathy
Like humans, animals can develop musculoskeletal aches and pains that can interfere with their quality of life and ability to perform daily tasks.
Physically and Anatomically, animals and humans have a lot in common and therefore tend to respond well to Osteopathic treatment.
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Animal Osteopathy is a way of assessing and treating musculoskeletal dysfunction in a holistic way.
Assessment involves observing movement, passively taking the joints through their ranges of motion and palpation of muscles and joints to feel for their condition.
Treatment can involve soft tissue release like massage, stretching, joint mobilisations, joint manipulations and cranial osteopathy. The type of treatment will vary to best suit your animal and the issues it is suffering with.
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Under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, a veterinary
referral is required to legally enable Osteopathic treatment. For me to be able to work with your animal please download a copy of my referral form (next to the relevant section on this page) and send it to your vet. On receipt of the referral, I will be in touch to arrange your appointment.
Equine Osteopathy
Why would a horse need an osteopath?
Signs of discomfort in a horse that might indicate that they would benefit from Osteopathic treatment:
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Stiffness
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Intermittent lameness
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Feeling uneven when being ridden
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Difficulty striking off into canter or difficulty on one rein and not another
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Signs of discomfort when touching areas of the body
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Agitation with grooming or being tacked up
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Shifting weight often
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Laying down more
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Reluctance to lift a limb
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Many horses that work at high levels (much like human athletes) benefit from maintenance treatment to keep them in top physical condition and performing optimally.
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Aging horses also benefit from maintenance treatment to help alleviate muscle stiffness associated with wear and tear and osteoarthritis. It can be a lovely part of your horse's well deserved retirement.
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Equally, a horse that is worked moderately and still young can get a lot of benefit from osteopathic care. Sometimes you don't notice they haven't been themselves until they have had treatment and are feeling good again!
Canine Osteopathy
Why would a dog need an osteopath?
It can be harder to notice signs of discomfort in dogs than in horses, as they aren't ridden so you don't feel when they are moving more cautiously.
Signs of pain in dogs can vary but here is a list of possible pain behaviours to look out for in your dog.
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Reluctant to go for walks/ play
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Reluctant to jump in/out of car, on/off furniture
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"Bunny hopping" when running, both back legs moving at the same time
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Lameness/ Limping
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Stiffness
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Changing how they usually sit/ sleep
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Appearing uncoordinated
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Restlessness/ agitation/ pacing
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Yelping when being touched or stroked
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Ignoring calls or commands
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Appearing withdrawn, hiding away, less excitable
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Decreased appetite
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Sleeping more
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Seeking more comfort, being more ‘needy’
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Yawning
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Licking lips
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Tail tucked
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Ears back
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Aggression, snapping
