Paw Problems (Part 1 of 4): Paw Pad Injuries, Cracked Pads, Paw Licking
If you have a dog, then download, print, file this article. Why? Because chances are high that your dog will injure their paw at some point and when that happens, here's what you need to know. Why are paws so important? Because dogs use them for almost everything: to get around - Walk, run, jump. Paw pads provide traction on slippery surfaces and steer pups away from trouble when sensing sharp objects on the ground. ...
Saying Goodbye to Our Feathered Friend
Enrique, a 30 year-old Rockhopper penguin from the St. Louis Zoo, went over the Rainbow Bridge on December 3rd. He became famous when a zoo visitor snapped a picture of him wearing a pair of funky boots. It turned out that Enrique had arthritic feet were quite painful. The padded therapeutic boots, made by Thera-Paw, were just the ticket to get him back to living his best life. Here's Enrique with his padded...
Help Animals with Maximum Impact
Like you, we love helping animals. Donating to rescues is awesome, and we do this as often as possible. But there are so many animals that need help. So how do we maximize our efforts and make the biggest impact to help the MOST number of animals? By partnering with Veterinarians International (VI) ... because helping to fund veterinarians from VI helps THOUSANDS of animals. Donating to VI helps animals in countless ways because funding even ONE veterinarian helps...
Boots are for the Birds! Or at Least for Penguins and Ducks!
We've seen shoes on people, dogs, and horses. But can you believe that there are also special shoes for webbed feet? Yup, companies like Thera-Paw, Inc. make booties for our feathered friends who are in desperate need of special footwear. Meet "Enrique"! Photo courtesy Kimberly Washington Enrique is a Southern Rockhopper Penguin who lives at the St Louis Zoo with 19 other penguins, including his special lady friend, Paris. He's a very unusual penguin because the typical...
Shoulder Injuries in Dogs
Dogs can contort their bodies in incredible ways; they are amazing athletes! It's no wonder that injuries happen when their shoulders get bent or turned the wrong way. The Shoulder Joint Shoulder joints in humans are easy to find and palpate (feel) since they lie on the outer sides of the body. The shoulder joint of the dog is more elusive; it lies against their front chest and can be hard to feel, especially in...
Nose Work & Target Training - Useful and Fun For All Dogs
Last week, we saw a Facebook post that really caught our attention - a Corgi named Daisy competing in K9 Nose Work. What jumped out was that this Corgi had degenerative myelopathy (DM) and was in a wheelchair, and her mom wheeled her around in a wagon, going from station to station to compete. In their last competition a few weeks ago, this dynamic duo came in 9th overall! This is Daisy, in...
Dog Harnesses - VITAL VET REVIEW
I must admit, I don't like dog collars. I've had healthy dogs and dogs with orthopedic and neurologic issues and none of them appreciated being tugged around by their neck. I don't blame them! In general, harnesses provide better support and control, and definitely help ouchy dogs get around better. For dogs with injuries or who have trouble getting around, harnesses are indispensable. For hyperactive dogs who want nothing more than to chase...
Nerve Pain After Injury or Amputation
Dogs with sensory loss, abnormal sensation, or hypersensitivity can benefit from a sensory re-education and/or desensitization plan (see Vital Vet Sensory Protocol below). The plan should be integrated as part of an overall rehabilitation program including therapeutic exercises, functional activities, pain management, and limb or stump protection. What causes sensory loss, abnormal sensation, or hypersensitivity? Neurological injuries - like brachial plexus and sciatic nerve injuries Physical trauma - like large cuts, crush injuries,...