Total balance

Animal Osteopathic treatment is a gentle, safe and effective form of manual therapy for your pets WHOLE BODY keeping them in TOTAL BALANCE.

Animal Osteopaths can identify areas of discomfort in you pet that maybe the reason for their symptoms. These regions of dysfunction can cause further pain and restriction of movement which can lead to further problems.

Animals are similar to humans. They can get aches and pain as we do and most of the time they will recover without the assistance from an animal chiropractor. This is due to the fact that the body has an inherent ability to heal itself. But sometimes, the same as us, the pain doesn’t subside and needs a little push in the right direction. This is where animal chiropractics can help facilitate the healing process.

Animal Osteopaths will help relieve the tension in muscles, restore joint motion and improve range of motion. This all adds up to a reduction in pain and improved function of the region causing your pet troubles.

Animal Osteopaths can also offer personal advice on stretching or strengthening exercises for your horse or dog.

Animal osteopaths treat musculoskeletal problems. This includes neck to back problems, jaw pain and tail or limb problems. Many limb problems have the potential to cause secondary back, hip or shoulder problems. This is due to compensation from your pet as they don’t want to weight bear on that limb, placing more weight on the opposite side. This is why an animal osteopaths will treat all areas of dysfunction, the primary and secondary regions to ensure your pets best recovery.

Animal osteopathic care may be used in conjunction with existing or traditional approaches such as your vet or farrier.

The musculoskeletal system of the horse and dog is very similar to humans. Any repetitive stresses/strains or sudden traumatic incidents can result in functional problems and symptoms much the same way as humans.

Many owners know when their pet is not performing as usual or seems a bit out of character. Unless there has been a specific traumatic incident, these signs only become obvious once the problem has been there for some time.

When there is a restriction in spinal or limb joints, the biomechanics of the animal changes and a cascade of events can occur. For example, you horse or dog may experience some or all of the following symptoms:

• Local inflammation around affected joints
• Local & referred pain
• Abnormal gait and movement patterns
• Some forms of lameness
• Muscle spasms and trigger points
• Secondary joint and muscle problems elsewhere as the animal tries to compensate for the original problem
• Nerve irritation sometimes leading to pins and needles
   

Signs that your dog may need animal osteopathic care include any of the following:

• Pain/discomfort (i.e. when patting/brushing)
• Gait changes or abnormalities
• Changes in posture/conformation
• Change in behavior/attitude towards exercise (ie tiring quickly)
• Loss of performance
• Low head carriage
• Difficulties getting up and getting comfortable
• Stumbling/poor co-ordination
• Difficulties climbing/jumping (ie stairs)
• Shortness in stride/step
• Difficulties jumping in/out of car
• Difficulties standing square
• Arthritis
• Stiffness or difficulty moving
• Secondary effects of hip dysphasia
• Secondary pain/discomfort due to a primary limb problem
   

Animal osteopaths tailor a treatment to your pets specific problems to ensure the best results are achieved. This is done by the use of a thorough history and examination.

On initial consultation with the animal osteopath, a detailed history of your pet’s current complaint will be discussed. This will be followed with a complete examination running through various movements and tests to determine the cause of the problem.

Your animal osteopath will discuss with you what has been found and what the recommended treatment. Treatment will then commence to finish off the consultation.
The initial consult will last for approximately 45mins. Any subsequent treatments will be for 30 minutes.

Techniques that will be used by your animal osteopath includes soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation and articulation, muscular and connective tissue stretching, specific joint manipulation, general dietary and exercise advise and specific take-home exercises for you to do with your horse or dog.

During all consultations, the animal osteopath will frequently discuss your pet’s progress and prognosis so that you are comfortable and fully understand the treatment process. At all times, you are welcome and encouraged to ask any questions that you have.

No referrals are required to visit an animal osteopath.
Animal Osteopathic treatments are NOT a substitute for veterinary care. We are happy to work in with your veterinarian to optimise your pet’s care.

To arrange an appointment, please call Bec at the clinic
9773 8085

General enquiries can also be emailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it