What to Expect

The 3 T's

Feet 1

Feet 2

Examination

Physiology

Symptoms your dog might exhibit include:

• Lameness
• Unexpected behaviour and temperament change
• Reluctance to play
• Less active when exercised
• Crying/yelping on movement
• Difficulty jumping up or down
• A reduction in performance, jumping ability or speed

Your dog might be a domestic pet or a working animal; both are prone to injury - different causes but the same outcome - joints and muscles stretched to the limit of their normal range.

Injuries might range from the repetitive strains of agility, racing or working ( eg police and guide dogs) to those caused by playing (tug, frisbee), by a choke chain, or even by a cramped sleeping position. All can cause neck, back, or pelvic problems which can be detected by taking a history and performing a full examination.

If your dog is older and has arthritis he may well adopt a posture that stresses his musculo-skeletal system, causing pain and discomfort. Treatment will help, but it is important not to upset a longstanding compensation and I will take this into account when treating him/her.