Osteopathy for Animals
Wesley Connellan -
Animal Osteopath
Everyone can benefit from osteopathy, including animals. Animal osteopathy uses the same core principals that apply with regular osteopathy, that the well-being of an individual relies on the way that bones, muscles, ligaments and connective tissue work with each other. Osteopathy uses a non-invasive, holistic approach to identify problematic areas in an animals body and uses a combination hands on techniques to restore function and improve the overall health.
Wesley works as an animal osteopath, covering a wide area across central Scotland. After completing his Masters in Osteopathy, Wesley went on to do a further post-graduate course in Animal Osteopathy at the Osteopathic Centre for Animals (affiliated with the University College of Osteopathy). He predominantly works with horses and dogs, and treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
Almost every horse and dogs can benefit from osteopathic treatment, from elite athletes to family pets, regardless of the size, age and breed.
What Can Osteopathy Treat?
Similarly as to with humans, animal osteopathy focuses mainly on disorders of the musculoskeletal system (muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, bones, fascia). Osteopathy can be used to manage a wide range of symptoms including:
Back and Neck Problems - Head carriage issues, lameness due to back or neck problems,
Reduced Performance - Reduced or inconsistent performances can be the result of an underlying injury or musculoskeletal change, treating these areas can have a positive effect on performance.
Changes in Gait - Such as lameness, altered stride length, uneven gait or difficulty turning in one or both directions.
Behavioural Changes - Some behavioural changes can be a symptom of pain. Examples of these in horses may include head shyness, kicking, rearing and unwillingness to jump or be ridden; while in dogs it may result in unwillingness to exercise, difficulty walking/ jumping or aggression. Osteopathy may be able to help with these by treating the underlying causes.
Age Related Issues - Although we cannot fix ageing related conditions such as arthritis, osteopaths can help in maintaining mobility in older animals.
Assisting in Rehabilitation - Including from minor injuries such as trips or falls as well as more serious injuries. Osteopathy can help at the site of injury, as well as assist in maintaining mobility in horses while on box rest.
Areas Covered Include:
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Perth
Dundee
Borders
Other locations may be possible but are not guaranteed.
wHAT TO EXPECT
The location may vary depending on the animal. Typically Wesley would look to treat dogs in their own home as this allows them to be more relaxed. With horses, appointments would usually occur at their stables, both for convenience and similarly that they will be more comfortable in a familiar environment.
At the beginning of the session Wesley will take a case history which will include questions about the existing problem, any previous injuries or medical history and what sport or activities they regularly get up to. Wesley will then look to assess the animal standing as well as how they are able to move at walk, trot and while turning. Afterwards Wesley will work through the whole body, taking each joint through it’s ranges of movement and passively assessing for any areas of restriction or tightness. Usually any issues are treated as they are found before moving on.
Treatment is hands on and typically preformed standing, or lying down for dogs if they are more comfortable in this position. The actual treatment consists of a combination of stretching, massage, joint mobilisation and manipulation where appropriate.
Arrange an appointment
To arrange an appointment please contact me directly either by phone or email:
Connellan.Osteo@gmail.com
07771918652
Veterinary Permission
It is a requirement by law for all osteopaths and other manual therapists to gain veterinary consent before treating any animal. This is usually a simple process and can be done by completing the form below and sending it to your vet. Alternatively we can contact your vet on your behalf.