“Whether your pet is a valuable family member recovering from an injury, a lap dog or an elite athlete, a field trial champion or a senior with arthritis, Thera-Vet Acres can help. If you and your horse compete in three-day eventing, barrel racing, dressage, hunter jumper or you just enjoy each other’s company for pleasure riding as I do, Thera-Vet Acres can make your lives better. In either case, we are committed to providing your companion with the best possible conditioning, pain management, injury diagnostics, and physical rehabilitation.”
– Dr. Kristin Browne
Some Canine Conditions we can help with:
Degenerative Myelopathy
Similar to Multiple Sclerosis in Humans; occurs mostly in German Shepherds 5-14 yrs old, signs include progressive spinal weakness and reduction of rear limb musculature.
Discospondylosis
This is a calcification of the ligament that lies directly under the spinal column, thus affecting the stability of the spinal canal. Clinical signs include pain during manipulation of the back, pain on motion of the spinal column, and spasms in the back muscles.
Fibrocartilaginous Emboli
This condition is caused by a small fragment of intervertebral disc material entering the spinal cord´s vascular system and causing a blockage, similar to a stroke being caused by a blockage in the brain. Clinical signs vary depending upon the area of the spinal cord that is affected and may involve acute onset paralysis in one or more limbs.
Hip Dysplasia
Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a disorder of the hip that begins when the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue in the hip joint develop abnormally. This allows the ball and socket of the affected joint to subluxate (pull apart), which causes the problems normally associated with CHD. Generally, CHD progresses to arthritis over a period of several months to years. It is one of the more common skeletal diseases in large breed dogs, but it can be seen in any breed. Symptoms include walking or running with an altered gait, resisting movements that require full extension or flexion of the rear legs, running with a “bunny hopping” gait, pain and stiffness in the rear legs after exercise or first thing in the morning, limping, and decrease in level of activity. As the condition progresses, the dogs will lose muscle tone and may even need assistance in getting up.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
IVDD is caused by a premature hardening of the center of the intervertebral disc material, in conjunction with the weakening of the outer layer of the disc. As the outer layer of the disc ruptures, the inner material is displaced upwards against the spinal cord. This herniated disc material injures the spinal cord and results in cord swelling and compression. The nerves within the spinal cord traveling to the legs and urinary bladder become damaged, which in turn results in pain or loss of limb function that can range from weakness to paralysis, and loss of bladder control. IVDD is genetically predisposed in some breeds including the Pekingese, French Bulldog, Beagle, Basset Hound, American Cocker Spaniel, and Dachshund.
Muscle Tears, Strains, & Sprains
These injuries occur when a muscle or tendon is stretched beyond its typical working length. Pain, heat, swelling, and sometimes muscle spasms can usually be seen at the sight of the injury and in many cases these injuries are near joints, but do not involve the joint itself.
Obesity
Animals who are over their ideal weight can begin to develop numerous problems similar to those in humans, such as diabetes, heart conditions, and musculoskeletal problems. Excessive weight will also aggravate existing conditions such as Hip Dysplasia.
Osteoarthritis
This disease is commonly known as Degenerative Joint Disease and it is one of the most common conditions found in dogs. It occurs when cartilage is lost or destroyed. Without this protective cartilage covering, bone wears on bone creating inflammation and subsequent thinning of the cushioning fluid in the joint. With thinner fluid there is more bone on bone grinding, which results in more pain.
Pain Management
Alternate methods of pain management include Acupuncture, PST, Heat and Cryo therapies, Chiropractic, and Laser therapy. These treatment modalities are ideal for animals that cannot tolerate conventional pain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories due to gastro-intestinal upset or other contraindications.
Post-Surgical Conditions
Post-surgical rehabilitation is important because it not only helps in relieving pain, but also can help in re-educating the patient to walk with a normal gait (ambulation). Without rehab your pet may develop poor gait habits that may cause further injury. Complications can develop after surgery such as non-weight bearing, not having full use of a limb, or paresis (weakness) or paralysis following back or neck surgery. All of these complications can be addressed via one or more modalities.
Preventative Care for Healthy Pets
Preventative care should be an integral part of your pet´s life from their first visit to a Veterinarian. One of the main areas to watch, which is often overlooked, is weight and body condition. Along with diet and exercise, a comprehensive maintenance program can be designed based upon your and your pet´s needs and lifestyle.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis in dogs is very uncommon; it predominantly occurs in small and toy breed dogs. Canine rheumatoid arthritis is a noninfectious, inflammatory, immune-mediated disease that can affect multiple joints. Rheumatoid arthritis has been reported to occur in dogs from 8 months to 8 years of age, with the most common occurrence being at 2 to 6 years of age. This condition is a chronic problem that can result in joint deformity if not treated early. Clinical signs are discomfort or pain in joints, which can manifest as alternating leg lameness, difficulty rising, problems walking up steps, and/or altered gait (stride). The joints that are most commonly affected are the wrist and ankle. Affected joints may display signs of inflammation such as excessive warmth and/or swelling. The dog also may display a persistent fever.
Tendonopathy
Tendonopathy (sometimes called tendonitis) is caused by chronic overuse and irritation of a particular tendon. The pain is caused by a combination of mechanical and biochemical factors, but is not due to inflammation, as previously thought. Various types of degeneration may be seen within the tendon(s) and some sites may see accompanying calcium deposits. A very common complaint is shoulder lameness, which is due to aggravation of the biceps tendon. Diagnosis is made by checking for pain when extending the shoulder and placing pressure on the biceps tendon. Since the pain is not due to inflammation, prescription anti-inflammatories will be of little benefit. A proper rehabilitation, exercise, and stretching program should be developed and employed along with various healing modalities.
Wobblers Syndrome
This condition is found primarily in Dobermans and Great Danes but other breeds can be affected as well. It is caused by a malformation of the neck vertebrae, which causes pressure on the spinal cord. Clinical signs can include ataxia (uncoordinated movements) usually starting with the hind limbs, pain, and neurologic deficits that can advance to non-ambulatory multi-limb weakness. Gait change is usually more pronounced in the rear limbs. Radiographs and/or a myelogram (dye injected around the spinal cord) are needed for a definitive diagnosis.
Equine Conditions:
Thera-Vet Acres can address any of these commonly found condition in our equine patients, including many more:
• Lameness
• Stiffness
• Lack of impulsion or power
• Difficulty in obtaining or maintaining collection
• Poor attitude
• Gait abnormalities
• Being cold-backed or cinchy
• Muscle Atrophy
• Back pain
• Shortened stride
• Lameness
• Founder
• Tendon Issues
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Respiratory disorders
• Reproductive disorders
• Kissing Spine
• Navicular Syndrome
