ANIMAL OSTEOPATHY
Why and when to call a manual therapist ?
Cats
following a trauma or a surgery, itchy skin, ear or eye infections, digestive pain and associated clinical signs, difficulties in grooming, anxiety, mobility disorders ...
Dogs
supervise youngs's growth, arthritis, gait irregularities, difficulties going up & down stairs, sofa or car, aggression, stress, depression, weight loss or obesity, incontinence...
Horses & Donkeys
defence with strapping, rejects aids, lack of pace, asymmetry at work, stiffness, decrease in performance, gait dissonance, limps &
lameness,migraines difficulties jumping, digestive disorder, heavy seasons...
Small animals
sudden behaviour modification, neurological disorder, posture or balance default, paralysis, nasal and occular discharge...
Cows
irregular oestrus, gestation, difficult calving, lying cow syndrome, decrease in milk production, sciatic pain, suckling issues (calfs), balled calf, tongue coming out of the mouth, deformation of the skull after birth...
Osteopathic tecnics are beneficial for any type of patient and will vary depending on the situation and context. A session is usually recommended for non-veterinary structural or functional disorders.
What happen during a session?
For all animals whatever the species, the session takes place in a calm and familiar environment with the owner near by or a helper. The first approach is called an anamnesis where the therapist takes note of important informations about the animal, its name and age, health and veterinary history, activities, the reasons for the appointment. The first contact with the animal is also informative. The palpation corresponds to the full body assessment to detect muscle tensions, heat or cold zones, areas of tissue adhesions, scars, and other indications of possible dysfunctions.Then the therapist proceeds to a succession of testings which make it possible to evaluate the quality and the range of motion of the joints, the organ's mobility and motility, but also the proper functioning of primary respiratory movement.Depending on the results obtained, the therapist performs an analysis and put in place an appropriate treatment plan. Rest may be recommended for a few days following the session as well as small mobilisation or flexibility exercises.
CERTAIN ALLOPATIC TREATMENTS ARE LIKELY TO MASK CERTAIN INFORMATIONS ABOUT PAIN, TENSIONS OR INFLAMMATIONS, AND FOR THIS REASON IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO INFORM THE THERAPIST WHEN MAKING AN APPOINTMENT.
OSTEOPATHY IS ALSO VERY BENEFICIAL AS PREVENTIVE CARE, PREPARATION FOR COMPETITION, OPTIMISING FLEXIBILITY, BALANCE AND TONE, OR SIMPLY AS A GREAT ACTOR IN ANIMAL WELFARE.
Beware, however, a manual therapy consultation does not exempt from a veterinary care who is the only one who can prescribe medication, diagnose a disease, perform X-rays, blood tests, coprological or urine tests, perform stitches etc. In the same way a follow-up in marshalry/podology and dentistry is also essential, osteopathy is part of a large team work between many different professionals.
