Summary Diagnostic imaging is an important component of evaluating the sports medicine and rehabilitation patient for injuries to the musculoskeletal system. While the physical examination is the first step, appropriate…

Summary Rehabilitation assessment of orthopedic conditions involves capturing subjective data including history of present condition, client’s goals for their animal, thorough medical history, and objective data including posture, gait, functional…

Summary Canine rehabilitation requires advanced knowledge and understanding of physical rehabilitation and the science behind it. Rehabilitation professionals must be able to process information related to how the musculoskeletal and…

Summary Specialized manual skills are used extensively in both evaluating and treating the canine patient. Manual techniques are used in an assessment to identify soft tissue abnormalities, muscle length tightness,…

Summary A comprehensive evaluation from a physical therapy perspective requires keen observational and manual skills. Assessment of the pelvic limb entails careful examination of the toes, tarsus, stifle, and hip…

Summary Nutrition plays an integral role in sports performance and rehabilitation. Sporting dogs have a multitude of different activities that likely require dietary modifications for optimal performance that revolve around…

Summary Undermanaged acute and chronic pain can lead to a cascade of negative physiological, medical, and emotional consequences. Fortunately, there are many pain-management tools available to the veterinarian to mitigate…

Summary Acupuncture is defined as the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points, based on anatomical structures, which leads to a physiologic response. These physiologic responses are due to…

Summary Peak performance in the canine athlete requires a level of health that is quite different from the sedate dog. For there to be success, many physiologic parameters have to…