Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Natural Treatment Guide

13 Nov 2025 Canine

Understanding Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Hip dysplasia in dogs (often called CHD, or canine hip dysplasia) is a developmental joint condition in which the femoral head and the acetabulum don’t form a stable, congruent ball-and-socket joint. Over time, that laxity causes abnormal wear, inflammation, and osteoarthritis. Clinical signs range from subtle exercise intolerance to obvious lameness. Early identification and a tailored plan make the biggest difference to long-term comfort and mobility.

Signs to Watch For

  • Stiffness, especially after rest
  • “Bunny-hopping” gait
  • Reluctance to climb stairs or jump
  • Muscle loss in the hind limbs
  • Difficulty getting up

Early diagnosis is vital. Vets use physical exams, gait assessment, and imaging (X-rays or CT) to confirm the condition.

What Natural Treatment for Hip Dysplasia Really Means

When owners ask about natural treatment for hip dysplasia, they usually mean therapies that reduce or avoid invasive surgery and focus on restoring comfort and mobility through conservative care. For many dogs — particularly those with mild laxity or early osteoarthritis — a multimodal, natural approach can maintain function and reduce pain for years.

It’s important to remember that these treatments don’t fix the joint structure. Instead, they manage inflammation, support muscle strength, and help slow the degenerative process.

Weight and Nutrition: The Foundation of Every Plan

Excess weight is one of the most significant risk factors in hip dysplasia treatment in dogs. Extra load accelerates cartilage wear and increases inflammation. Keeping your dog lean is essential.

  • Maintain an ideal body condition score — you should be able to feel ribs but not see them.
  • Use a balanced, veterinary-approved diet that supports joint and muscle health.
  • Include anti-inflammatory nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA), which have strong evidence for reducing joint inflammation.

Exercise and Rehabilitation for Hip Dysplasia Without Surgery

For many dogs, hip dysplasia without surgery can be managed successfully through structured exercise and rehabilitation. Controlled, low-impact movement helps strengthen the muscles that stabilise the hip joint.

  • Avoid repetitive jumping, sprinting, or rough play on hard surfaces.
  • Focus on regular leash walks, gentle inclines, and hydrotherapy.
  • Underwater treadmill therapy is particularly effective for maintaining muscle tone without overloading the hips.

A tailored rehabilitation plan — developed by a veterinary physiotherapist or canine rehabilitation specialist — can dramatically improve comfort and movement.

When Non-Surgical Treatment Works Best

  • Dogs with mild to moderate joint laxity
  • Puppies showing early signs
  • Older dogs who are poor surgical candidates

Veterinary management often includes:

  • Weight control to reduce joint load
  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Joint supplements (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine)
  • Controlled exercise and hydrotherapy

Pain Management and Supportive Therapies

“Natural” care doesn’t mean avoiding all medication. NSAIDs prescribed by your veterinarian remain key tools in controlling inflammation and pain when needed. The goal of canine hip dysplasia natural treatment is to reduce long-term drug reliance by combining medication with other therapies — not to exclude medical management entirely.

Other adjunctive options include:

  • Laser therapy and acupuncture: which may improve pain control.
  • Shockwave or ultrasound therapy: used in some veterinary rehab settings to support healing.
  • Therapeutic exercise and stretching: which maintain flexibility and prevent compensatory strain.

Supplements and Diet Adjustments

Diet plays a central role in managing hip dysplasia. Overnutrition during growth can worsen joint instability, while certain nutrients support joint health.

  • Omega-3 fatty acids from marine sources have the strongest veterinary evidence for joint support.
  • Glucosamine and chondroitin show mixed but promising results in maintaining cartilage health.
  • Green-lipped mussel extract and curcumin are being studied for their anti-inflammatory effects.

Always consult your vet before starting supplements, especially if your dog is on other medications.

Puppy Hip Dysplasia: Early Screening and Prevention

Puppy hip dysplasia can develop silently during growth. Early screening for hip laxity in large or at-risk breeds can guide prevention. While some surgical procedures (like juvenile pubic symphysiodesis) can alter hip development, conservative care is also vital.

  • Feed an appropriate large-breed puppy diet to control growth rate.
  • Avoid over-exercising growing pups.
  • Keep puppies lean — rapid growth and excess weight increase risk.

Early management gives the best chance of long-term joint stability and comfort.

Risk Factors and Genetics

Puppies from predisposed breeds should be monitored closely. Responsible breeding, hip scoring, and balanced diets during growth are essential.

Safe Growth and Exercise

Avoid overfeeding or excessive exercise during rapid growth phases. Controlled movement on non-slip surfaces supports healthy joint development.

Early Intervention

If detected early, supportive care — including physiotherapy, targeted nutrition, and monitored activity — can reduce severity later in life.

Canine Osteopathy: What It Can and Cannot Do

Canine osteopathy is a gentle, manual therapy that can help reduce muscle tension, improve local mobility, and relieve compensatory strain caused by hip instability. When used appropriately, it complements veterinary and rehabilitation care.

When Osteopathy Can Help:

  • Improving soft-tissue flexibility around the hip
  • Improving comfort and range of motion
  • Supporting overall body balance during recovery

When Osteopathy Should Not Be Used:

  • Correct bone deformity or joint laxity
  • Replace surgical or veterinary medical treatment when required
  • The best results come from an integrated approach, where osteopathy supports physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and veterinary management as part of a complete plan.

    Practical Checklist for Owners

    • Confirm diagnosis through veterinary imaging (X-rays, PennHIP, or OFA screening)
    • Maintain a lean body weight and balanced nutrition
    • Combine rehabilitation, osteopathy, and exercise therapy
    • Discuss appropriate supplements with your vet
    • Schedule regular follow-ups to adjust the plan as your dog’s needs change

    Long-Term Outlook and Multidisciplinary Care

    Successful management of canine hip dysplasia relies on a team approach: vets, osteopaths, physiotherapists, hydrotherapists, and owners working together.
    A tailored plan can maintain comfort and mobility for years — even without surgery — provided that inflammation is managed and weight is controlled.

    Q&A: Common Questions About Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

    Q: Can hip dysplasia in dogs be treated without surgery?

    Yes. Mild to moderate cases often respond well to non-surgical management, including weight control, physical rehabilitation, and nutritional support. This approach manages pain and function but does not change joint structure.

    Q: What are the best natural treatments for canine hip dysplasia?

    A combination of omega-3 fatty acids, structured exercise, hydrotherapy, osteopathy, and physiotherapy can help. Always base your plan on veterinary advice.

    Q: Can puppy hip dysplasia be prevented naturally?

    You can reduce risk through balanced nutrition, controlled growth, and safe exercise — but genetics still play a major role. Early veterinary screening remains essential.

    Blog Post written by:

    By Siun Griffin

    Animal Physiotherapist and Community Manager at London College of Animal Osteopathy (LCAO).

Autumn (Fall) Laminitis: Risks Often Overlooked

10 Nov 2025 Equine & Canine Osteopathy

Autumn is sometimes thought of as a “safe” season for horses after the spring grass surge – but in many regions, it brings its own laminitis risks that are easily missed. Here we’ll take a look at why autumn can be hazardous, what usually causes laminitis at this time of year, modern veterinary treatments and hoof-management strategies, which practitioners should be involved, and a realistic, evidence-based take on when osteopathy can be appropriate during recovery.

Why autumn is risky (and which risks are often overlooked)

Non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) spikes in pasture
Grasses store carbohydrates (starch and fructans) in stems and roots. Warm, sunny days followed by cool nights – a common pattern in both spring and autumn – can raise fructan and sugar levels in pasture plants. High pasture NSC is a well-recognized trigger for pasture-associated laminitis in insulin-sensitive horses and ponies. Owners often focus on spring grass, but the same physiological plant responses make some autumn pastures risky too.

Management changes and “autumn flush” misconceptions
After hot, dry summers, a period of autumn rain and moderate temperatures can produce a sudden flush of leafy growth. Owners who relax grazing restrictions in autumn (thinking the risk is over) can inadvertently expose susceptible animals to high-NSC forage. Guidance is to monitor pasture NSC risk periods and manage turnout accordingly.

Endocrine causes remain the dominant factor
Across seasons, most laminitis cases in many populations are linked to insulin dysregulation (equine metabolic syndrome and PPID/Cushing’s). Autumn does not change that biology, but seasonal weight changes, feed changes, and grazing behaviour can interact with existing insulin dysregulation to precipitate an episode. In other words, autumn acts as a trigger on top of metabolic susceptibility.

Owners miss subtle early signs
Autumn laminitis is sometimes less dramatic than an acute overload case (eg, grain overload). Instead, owners may see mild foot soreness, changes in gait, short-stridedness on hard ground, or a “not quite right” attitude. Because the classic rocking-back laminitic stance or bounding digital pulses are not always present early, early cases may be missed or misinterpreted. Early veterinary assessment matters.

Common autumn precipitating mechanisms

  • Pasture-associated (forage high in fructans/NSC) – sudden exposure to high-NSC grass.
  • Insulin dysregulation (EMS) and PPID – chronic endocrine predisposition; autumn can be the season where management changes reveal the problem.
  • Obesity/weight gain through summer – autumn – more weight increases lamellar loading and risk.
  • Systemic disease/sepsis / grain overload/steroid administration – less season-specific but always important to consider.

Modern veterinary treatment: principles and evidence

Laminitis is a veterinary emergency. Once clinical signs appear, damage to the lamellae is already underway; treatment focuses on stopping progression, controlling pain, protecting the foot, and addressing the underlying cause. Key components:

Immediate veterinary assessment and triage
Rapid evaluation by a veterinarian determines severity, likely cause (endocrine vs inflammatory), and immediate steps (analgesia, stall rest, feeding management). Radiographs (podiatry views) are often taken early to document rotation/sinking and guide farriery.

Analgesia and anti-inflammatory management
NSAIDs (eg, phenylbutazone or flunixin) are commonly used to control pain; more severe pain may require multimodal analgesia under veterinary guidance. Acepromazine has historically been used in some protocols, but treatment must be individualized.

Dietary and management changes
For pasture-associated or endocrine cases: immediate removal from dangerous pasture, provision of low-NSC forage (soaked or tested hay, haylage with known low NSC), and strict weight management. For endocrine disease, long-term medical management (eg, pergolide for PPID) is indicated when diagnosed.

Foot protection and mechanical support (farriery)
Farriery is central to limit mechanical trauma to the lamellae: deep, supportive bedding; frog/sole support (eg, impression material, pads); therapeutic trimming and specialized shoes (eg, heart bar, aluminium or foam supports) in subacute/chronic cases. Close vet–farrier cooperation is critical: radiographs guide trimming/shoeing plans and the timing of interventions.

Cryotherapy (digital hypothermia) — evolving, promising evidence
Experimental and clinical studies indicate that continuous, prolonged cooling of the distal limb (ice-water immersion or specialized cryotherapy devices) can markedly reduce lamellar injury if applied early. The strongest experimental evidence shows substantial protective effects when applied promptly; systematic reviews conclude the evidence is encouraging but call for further randomized clinical trials. Recent device developments (commercial cryotherapy systems and dry cryotherapy sleeves) improve feasibility in clinical practice. Cryotherapy is best directed by a veterinarian who understands timing, duration, and logistics.

Supportive medical care for systemic causes
If laminitis follows sepsis, endotoxaemia, or grain overload, treating the primary disease (fluids, antimicrobials where indicated, anti-endotoxin measures) is essential to reduce further lamellar injury.

Who should be involved — the full practitioner team

Effective laminitis care is multidisciplinary. The core team typically includes:

  • Veterinarian (primary clinician) — diagnosis, analgesia, metabolic testing (insulin, ACTH), medical management, radiographs, directing cryotherapy, and overall care plan.
  • Farrier/hoof care specialist — therapeutic trimming and shoeing, sole/frog support, regular podiatry follow-up. Their timing and technique must align with the veterinarian’s assessment and radiographic findings.
  • Veterinary nurse/technician — monitoring, bandage/ice boot application, medication administration, owner education.
  • Equine physiotherapist/rehabilitation specialist — once the horse is stable and weight-bearing, formal rehabilitation (controlled exercise, strengthening, balance work) can be implemented under veterinary guidance. Evidence is growing for structured rehab, but protocols must be individualized.
  • Nutritionist / veterinary nutrition advisor — for testing and planning low-NSC diets and long-term weight management.

Communication between these professionals and with the owner is repeatedly emphasised in the veterinary literature as a major determinant of outcome. Early engagement of a farrier and clear role-sharing with the veterinarian improve decision-making and owner compliance.

Osteopathy: when and when not to use it

Short answer: Osteopathic or other manual therapy can have a place as an adjunct in recovery, but only after the veterinary team has stabilised the laminitic foot and given clearance. There is limited direct, high-quality evidence for osteopathy specifically in laminitis, but there is veterinary literature supporting manual therapies for musculoskeletal dysfunction and gait issues more broadly. Use the following practical rules:

Do not use manual/osteopathic treatments in the acute, unstable phase.
While the foot is inflamed, painful, and at risk of ongoing lamellar failure, manipulation that encourages movement or weight-bearing changes (or that distracts from necessary stall rest and controlled support) is inappropriate. Acute management must be veterinary-led (analgesia, cryotherapy, mechanical support).

Once the horse is stable, weight-bearing, and cleared by the vet, osteopathy may help with secondary musculoskeletal issues.
After the laminitic event has been contained and mechanical hoof support established, many horses develop compensatory tension, altered posture, gait asymmetries, and back, sacro-iliac, or cervical dysfunction. Veterinary peer-reviewed articles show that spinal manipulation/osteopathic techniques can alter gait and address somatic dysfunction in horses. Manual therapies are a component of rehabilitation programs used by equine physiotherapists and osteopaths to restore functional symmetry, range of motion, and comfort. However, the evidence base is still small and mostly supportive rather than definitive.

Coordinate care: osteopaths must work under veterinary direction and in partnership with the farrier.
Any manual therapy plan should be integrated with ongoing farriery and veterinary monitoring (radiographs, lameness assessment). For example, changes in hoof mechanics after trimming or shoeing can alter the loading of limb segments; osteopathic work should reflect those mechanical realities. Communication and shared records are essential.

Be conservative with techniques that change limb loading or encourage early return to intense activity.
Rehabilitation after laminitis prioritises a gradual return to controlled exercise only after radiographic and clinical signs permit. Osteopathic treatment should support that goal — relieve compensatory muscle tension, encourage normal movement patterns in a carefully staged program — not shortcut it.

Practical autumn prevention checklist

  • Test hay/pasture NSC if possible, or follow local extension/veterinary advice about risky times. Restrict turnout when pastures are likely high in sugars (often late morning to afternoon; avoid flushes after rain following drought).
  • Identify at-risk animals (obese, cresty neck, history of laminitis, PPID/EMS) and implement stricter grazing control year-round.
  • Maintain a weight-management plan and consult a nutritionist/veterinarian for low-NSC forage options.
  • Build a veterinary–farrier relationship before problems occur; podiatry radiographs and a pre-agreed emergency plan save crucial time.

Bottom line

Autumn carries real laminitis hazards that are sometimes underestimated. The pathophysiology is usually endocrine (insulin dysregulation) with pasture or management changes acting as the trigger; pasture NSC/fructan spikes in cool nights/warmer days are a key mechanism. Prompt veterinary assessment, coordinated farriery, diet and weight control, and (where indicated) targeted treatments such as distal limb cryotherapy and medical management are the evidence-based pillars of care. Osteopathy and other manual therapies can be useful later in recovery to address compensatory musculoskeletal problems — but only as part of a coordinated, vet-led rehabilitation plan and not as a substitute for veterinary or farrier interventions.

Q1: Why is autumn considered a risky season for laminitis in horses?

Autumn pastures can be deceptively dangerous. During warm days followed by cool nights, grasses accumulate sugars and fructans (non-structural carbohydrates) that predispose insulin-dysregulated horses to laminitis. Owners sometimes assume the risk ends after spring, but the “autumn flush” of new grass and relaxed grazing restrictions can be just as hazardous. Horses with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), PPID, or excess weight are particularly vulnerable.

Q2: What is the recommended modern treatment approach for a horse with acute laminitis?

Laminitis is a veterinary emergency. Current best practice includes immediate veterinary assessment, pain relief (usually NSAIDs), strict stall rest, and mechanical hoof support guided by radiographs. In suitable cases, cryotherapy (continuous digital hypothermia) can reduce lamellar injury if applied early. Long-term care involves weight and diet management (low-NSC forage), treatment of underlying endocrine disease (eg, pergolide for PPID), and close collaboration between vet and farrier for therapeutic trimming or shoeing.

Q3: Can osteopathy or manual therapy be used to help horses recovering from laminitis?

Not during the acute phase — when the foot is unstable and painful, only veterinary and farriery treatments are appropriate. However, once the horse is stable, weight-bearing, and cleared by a veterinarian, osteopathy may help address compensatory back or limb tension caused by altered posture and movement. It should always be integrated into a vet-led rehabilitation plan and coordinated with ongoing farriery adjustments.

Blog Post written by:

By Siun Griffin

Animal Physiotherapist and Community Manager at London College of Animal Osteopathy (LCAO).

Dealing With the Loss of an Animal as an Owner or Practitioner

7 Nov 2025 Equine

Chris Bates Registered Osteopath and Animal Osteopath

This article will be a little different and sit apart from the more academic ones. I will be including my personal experience here and opening up about the impact of grief for an animal loved one. I warn anyone who is suffering grief at the time of reading this that it may trigger emotions; however, you may even find it cathartic and validating. And so we delve into the unfortunate inevitability of the death of our animal companions.

I have heard it said once by a very experienced horse woman I had the honour to work with, “When purchasing an animal, we buy into inevitable grief”. The vast majority of animals that we bring into our family won’t outlive us. There are, of course, exceptions, such as long-lived reptiles like the tortoise or some breeds of bird; some people may also have animal companions in their older age, and so then the animal may outlive the owner.

The unfortunate truth is that many of us, as animal owners and keepers, will be touched by loss at some point. We may even be the ones responsible for making a decision to put an animal asleep in the interest of the animal and to avoid suffering.

The conscientious owners (the only ones who should have animals) will endeavour to keep their animals fit and healthy for their whole lifespan, investing in the right diet, activities, therapeutics, and environment. Of course, even the most well-cared-for animals may fall foul of injury or systemic illness of some kind.

One important thing to accept is that sometimes these illnesses and injuries are not any fault of ours, and although we can feel guilt and obsess over “what could I have done?”, that kind of thinking and worry really isn’t serving the animal, and the focus should just be on recovery.

My Recent Loss

This is difficult to write, but in some way, I think it could be therapeutic. 4 weeks ago from me writing, I lost my horse, Shandy. He was 30 years old and had been in really very good health for almost his entire life.

30 is a pretty good age for horses, and people often mentioned how he really didn’t look old; I, however, could see the age changes as I knew him inside and out. He had developed grey patches around his face (he was skewbald with a brown face), showed a few areas of age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia), took a little longer to loosen up when getting out into the field, and I felt he had a somewhat more mellow demeanour.

Shandy was loving his retirement. I had always told him that he would have a lovely retirement and live the life of luxury, and be a horse. Shandy had given me the most wonderful experiences, and we shared so many treasured memories; it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Shandy shaped who I am today.

I have owned Shandy since he was three years old, so I was just a teenager when we got him. With the help of some great trainers, I trained him myself and built the strongest bond possible. When I then attended college to train in horse management, Shandy came with me, and we gained even more support and development. Staff and teachers at the college all fell in love with his calm and loving personality, as did all my student colleagues. These were, of course, really formative times in my life and discovering who I was, and Shandy “held my hand” throughout all of it.

Together, Shandy and I tried many different sports and pursuits. He was a successful mount in Dressage, he could jump anything you faced him with, and was a dream to hack out alone or in company. Shandy even became a very capable driving horse, and we had many fun times as a family out in the lorry at driving events.

Shandy got featured in Carriage Driving Magazine, and we drove alongside Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, at Windsor Park training. Of course, it wasn’t the success in shows and events that was important; it was the fact that he offered everything, all of himself to anything I asked and did so with interest and joy. Shandy trusted me, and I trusted him.

I can’t overstate how much Shandy and I had formed a connection that was unbreakable. People would often be impressed when Shandy would perform activities that Natural Horsemanship trainers spend years training their horses. Playing at liberty and riding bareback and bridleless with total trust, and still performing all the same dressage movements and jumping with no tack. Our bond had created this ability through pure trust and love without having to even train it.

If I went on holiday, I would always be calling the people caring for him to see how he was, and the first thing I wanted to do when returning was to go see him. When I would leave the stables at the end of a day, I would go back to the stable door two or three times to either check he had everything he needed or just to cuddle him once more before driving home. I could go on writing about our life together, but it would end up being a book; needless to say, we were inseparable, and he felt part of me.

Later in Shandy’s life, he developed a few issues. He had begun to get arthritic changes in some joints, and as many older horses do, he developed dental issues that needed some more regular check-ups than the routine ones. These were not major problems but just the age-related changes one would expect.

However, as Shandy transitioned into retirement from riding and driving, I noticed some irritated skin patches, and some were not responding well to simple grooming and topical treatment. We had a number of biopsies taken and many blood tests, and our very attentive Vet diagnosed him with Pemphigus Folliculosis.

This is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the extracellular matrix that supports the skin cells. It leads to very flaky skin and even sores, and the leaking of interstitial fluid through the skin and leaving the skin more open to infections. There can also be more systemic inflammation and immune attacks on other tissues.

He required some heavy steroids and immune inhibitors alongside antibiotics, but his body responded well, and with attentive skin care and grooming, the condition went into remission. I was so happy that his condition had improved, and we were no longer getting any flare-ups. He was happy and healthy again.

Around the time that Shandy turned 30 years old, I began to notice some reluctance to stand up and activate his hind legs. I put it down to the arthritic changes and even asked the Vet’s opinion, who agreed this was most likely. He was not showing signs of lameness or other changes.

There was a very slight progression in the lack of engagement, however, and I soon noticed that from time to time, he would struggle to make tight turns in a balanced way and had begun to brush his hind legs when walking faster or trotting in the field. Things really became a concern when I noticed that he had dropped his penis out of the sheath, and it had become swollen.

I thought perhaps it was a fly bite or insect sting, and the swelling meant that he couldn’t retract it properly. I called the vet, who said to try contrasting heat and cold and a gentle massage to drain the fluid and just to keep an eye on it. The following day however it had gotten bigger and we noticed he had not urinated much at all.

There were small amounts of urine coming out when he walked and moved. This meant there was urine staining on his back legs and subsequent skin irritation. I immediately called the Vet again who catheterised him, draining a huge amount of urine out with quite a lot of sediment in the urine. The relief on Shandy’s face was clear. The Vet said he would come again in the morning to see him again.

The following morning there had been some decrease in the swelling but he was still hanging the penis out. Over the next two days, the Vet came and drained the bladder and I continued with the after care in the hopes that the swelling would go down and he would go back to normal function. It simply worsened and he had also begun to lose coordination in his hind legs, all signs that this was a neurological lesion of some kind that was causing improper bladder control and loss of hind end function.

On the third day, the Vet came with another Vet colleague and a Veterinary student. They catheterised hoping to try using the scope for the second time as the first time was not clear. The urine that came out was full of blood. There was also mucous and mucosal lining coming out, this showed that there was significant deterioration of the bladder and had there been a haemorrhage, this condition would deteriorate very fast.

This coupled with a noticeable lack of hind end coordination in a 30 year old horse, there was only one option. I would never allow Shandy to suffer and the Vet said that the condition could become extremely serious within 48 hours.

We made arrangements for the euthanasia and I spent the last bit of time I had with Shandy cuddling and grooming him, giving him treats and telling him how wonderful he was. The Vets did an amazing and respectful job and Shandy passed on peacefully.

I had experienced losing small pets as a child (hamsters and alike) and even the loss of two family dogs, but this was different, I felt as though I had lost a part of me. Shandy was there with me for most of my life and I couldn’t picture what life looked like without him. There was some benefit to it all happening so fast and not being a long drawn out illness as it didn’t give me time to second guess anything or debate if I had done everything I could. However, the speed of his going from happy and apparently healthy horse to being put down also felt so sudden emotionally that it was like a gunshot.

The moment in the day when he was put down, I felt like something had been pulled out of my chest, a hole seemed to form and it was like a vacuum in my body. This void stopped me getting a full breath and I felt as though I was on the verge of complete panic. The one thing that I had held so tightly to for most of my life had gone and I realised how unsafe that felt.

As a lot of people with horses do, I had taken a lot of my self identity from having him. I was Chris the horse person…

I honestly felt that I didn’t actually know who I was without Shandy. I actually still don’t know as I write this but I guess that the journey. I couldn’t go back to the stables for a while as everytime I thought about it, I would feel sick with anxiety and sadness. I had to go in time to bring home his equipment and supplies. In the meantime I tried to go about day to day things but couldn’t shake the sense of despair and emptiness. I would have given anything to just touch him again, to smell his coat and hug his face.

Clearing out the storeroom and stable was one of the hardest things. I could almost feel him there beside me in the stable as I moved things around which was both a comfort and a source of pain. Everything still smelled like him and his hair was on all the equipment and grooming supplies.

People at the stables meant well when they would come and express their sadness and tell me that if I needed anything to “just ask”. However, the stream of pity and condolences actually made me feel worse and I would hide away from sight if I saw another owner turn up. Tasks like taking his name plate down from the stable door were filled with conflict. I would feel my hands doing the task while my heart was saying “no” as if this was somehow making it real and permanent.

The World Keeps Spinning

When we are in grief, it can feel as though we want the world to just stop for a while so we can gather our thoughts, or maybe just recede from the world and let it go on while we process. Some people will have other animals who rely on them and this can be a very good way of processing while maintaining some degree of routine.

The reality of course, is that no amount of “stopping” everyday things will bring them back, the need to process is however vital. Personally I have found since losing Shandy, that the best thing I could do was stick to a daily routine; everyone will be different though.

It is so important to remember that some people simply won’t understand the importance of our animals. Some people who do not have pets or have not been “animal people” won’t understand that our animals become part of our family and are no less loved than our human family.

Despite what some may think, it is completely normal to mourn the loss of your animal as much as the loss of a person in your life, we must not feel guilt over the time and input we need to recover. Of course “recover” is an odd word to use as it implies that at some point you become OK about it all.

I prefer to say we learn to accept or we move beyond sadness. I am finding more and more now that I am looking at photos of Shandy and smiling while I remember the happy memory associated with it; previously I had found it too painful to even look. This doesn’t mean I am “OK” about this, it means that I can see that the loss doesn’t take away the precious memories and time we had.

I think that keeping a routine for your days is a healthy approach to grief. This doesn’t need to be a routine that forces you into “normality” (whatever that is), it just means that you have a set of things to do or engage you that keeps your body moving and your mind in the present.

This could be as simple as making sure that you have a bite of breakfast everyday or do some dusting/cleaning. The routine takes you out of the inactivity and circling thoughts. Part of that routine can be journaling, this is a very effective way to articulate your thoughts and also allows you to evidence your levels of acceptance.

I advise also putting your nice memories in the journal as this will be therapeutic and useful in the longer term. Your routine can also include time to be sad and to cry or sleep or just switch off. It is just as important that your mind and body have rest time to heal, your physicality will also be affected by the emotions you feel (more on that soon).

During these rest periods, it is sometimes good to remain alone to give you the peace to just settle. However, it is also a really good idea to include time with friends or family. They should be people who understand you and will not judge or coerce you into doing what you are not ready to do.

Losing a loved one is very isolating and times can feel lonely, humans need other humans and having company to simply be present with you and show you support is deeply healing. Remember your “social battery” though, this energy and ability to be around others may feel depleted and you might need to warn those you surround yourself with that you may need to limit your time.

As within, so without – your body and mind

In Osteopathy, we know that the mind and body are not separate things but a continuum of phenomena that are expressions of the you in this world. Your grief can manifest in physical symptoms that may be minor or can be quite limiting. We must understand that emotions lead to chemical changes in the body. Our thoughts and emotions will alter the hormonal balance, blood chemistry, pain sensitivity, gastrointestinal function… the list goes on. Equally these symptoms can then become a stressor in and of themselves and exacerbate our mental state. Baring this mind, we can use the principles of Osteopathy to our advantage when dealing with the grief and sadness from losing our companions.

It may seem common sense to look after the body in times of stress. We almost instinctively want to pamper ourselves and indulge to comfort our disturbed feelings. This is a way of using the physical body as a tool to affect the mind.

The most effective methods will be those that stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system which calms the body and rests the mind. These methods could involve things like getting a massage, deep breathing exercises, Yoga or some mindful activities like painting or craft. Some people find aromatherapy useful in times of struggle but do remember that smell can stimulate memory very easily and may become overwhelming, it’s a good idea to speak with an aromatherapist when considering this intervention.

An Osteopath can provide general Osteopathic treatment that can be aimed at parasympathetic modulation. This shows the expanded scope of Osteopathic interventions beyond the simply musculoskeletal. Osteopaths can observe the physical expressions of the body that are manifestations of stress and emotions. Our body can show tensions, postural changes and subsequent discomfort that, when ameliorated, can bring a sense of calm and wellbeing that helps us cope mentally.

The Professional’s Feelings

It’s not uncommon for the professionals that help you with your animals to feel a sense of grief as well. Your Osteopath, Trainer, Vets or any other professional who spends considerable time and effort on your animals will undoubtedly form a bond with them albeit less deeply at times. Professionals try to maintain a distance emotionally to remain objective however we are only human and this can be difficult especially if that animal wants to form a bond too.

Of course, as an Osteopath, I try to maintain boundaries and I often explain to owners how my advice and discussions are based on evidence and the animal’s best interests. But it is important to remember that in dealing with owners (particularly when their animal is unwell) we must consider their emotions and part of the job is often “holding space” for them to explain their concerns and feelings. Never underestimate the effect of empathy leading to taking on other’s emotions, this can lead to burnout in professionals.

Due to the clear connection that professionals build with the animals in question, it can be nice to suggest meeting to talk about them after the animal has passed but only when you as an owner feel ready. This can really help in the grief process and I have found it particularly useful in both remembering Shandy and feeling gratefulness. Sharing your feelings with someone who knew the animal well can be truly cathartic. As a professional in this situation however, always reflect on your boundaries and ensure professionalism combined with empathy.

In Conclusion

The first thing I want to say to anyone out there dealing with the loss of a loved animal companion is that I’m very sorry for your loss. Remember that grief is a process and avoiding your feelings can actually make things feel worse. Take your time with everything and allow yourself to feel fully.

The time soon after a loved animal passes is not one in which to make rash decisions either, some people may feel pressured to move on or even have another animal. These decisions are ones only you can/should make. Try to remember routine in your day and write about your feelings so as not to internalise everything wearing out your battery.

There are always people and professionals to reach out to. Your doctors, counsellor, friends and family are the support that you should use and never feel that you need to suffer alone.

They are never truly gone, just waiting on the other side…

 

 

 

Blog Post written by:

Chris Bates  

Osteopath (DO), Equine Therapist and Lecturer at London College of Animal Osteopathy

Red Flags and Contraindications: When NOT to Use Certain Enrichment Activities

3 Nov 2025 Equine & Canine Osteopathy

Enrichment is an essential component of canine well-being, but not all activities are appropriate for every dog. For the educated practitioner, recognising red flags and adapting plans is critical – not only to prevent injury but also to ensure that enrichment complements, rather than conflicts with, osteopathic care.

Why Contraindications Matter

Enrichment introduces variability in movement and environment, which is generally beneficial for tissue health and neural stimulation. However, in dogs with underlying musculoskeletal dysfunction, systemic illness, or pain-related behaviour, some activities can exacerbate problems. Overlooking these considerations risks compromising both physical integrity and recovery.

Key Red Flags Before Recommending Enrichment

  1. Acute Lameness or Sudden Postural Changes
    If a dog presents with new or worsening lameness, reluctance to bear weight, or asymmetrical posture, enrichment involving dynamic movement, such as balance work or tug games, should be avoided until a full assessment is performed. These signs may indicate joint pathology, muscle tear, or neurological involvement that requires veterinary evaluation.
  2. Signs of Pain During Activity
    Yawning, lip licking, tail tucking, or freezing mid-activity are subtle yet significant indicators of discomfort. Persisting despite these behaviours can lead to tissue overload, increased fascial tension, and compensatory strain. Activities should be paused and adapted to reduce intensity or eliminated altogether.
  3. Neurological Concerns
    Dogs showing ataxia, knuckling, or delayed proprioceptive responses should not engage in unstable surface work or agility-based enrichment. These activities require precise neuromuscular control and can increase the risk of falls or further neurological compromise.
  4. Excessive Fatigue or Stress
    Cognitive enrichment is beneficial, but prolonged problem-solving tasks can heighten stress in anxious dogs. Similarly, physically demanding enrichment in unfit or geriatric dogs can lead to muscular fatigue and joint overload. Monitoring duration and intensity is essential.

Activity-Specific Contraindications

  • Proprioceptive Equipment: Avoid in dogs with acute spinal issues, significant joint laxity (e.g., severe hip dysplasia), or post-surgical instability.
  • Tug Games: Contraindicated in dogs with cervical pain, temporomandibular dysfunction, or recent dental work.
  • Fetch or Jumping Activities: Should not be recommended for dogs with forelimb lameness, elbow dysplasia, or advanced osteoarthritis due to repetitive concussive loading.
  • Puzzle Toys: While generally safe, they may cause frustration in dogs with cognitive decline or those exhibiting compulsive behaviours – requiring careful observation.

Integrating Clinical Reasoning with Osteopathic Principles

The osteopathic approach emphasises the body’s ability to self-regulate and adapt – but only when conditions allow. Introducing enrichment during acute inflammatory stages or when pain inhibits normal motion can disrupt this process. Instead, enrichment should be phased in gradually, following tissue recovery and restoration of baseline mobility.

When to Refer Before Proceeding

Persistent pain, progressive neurological signs, systemic lethargy, or unexplained behavioural shifts warrant veterinary referral before implementing enrichment. Collaboration with the primary care veterinarian ensures that underlying pathology is addressed prior to introducing activities designed to enhance functional adaptability.

Final Thoughts

Enrichment is powerful, but not universally benign. Its effectiveness depends on timing, individualisation, and clinical judgment. By applying osteopathic principles alongside evidence-informed caution, practitioners can ensure that enrichment serves as a tool for healing and resilience rather than an unintended source of harm.

Practical Enrichment Strategies: Supporting Canine Musculoskeletal and Neurological Health

31 Oct 2025 Equine & Canine Osteopathy

In the previous discussion, we examined enrichment as a concept that aligns closely with osteopathic principles of health maintenance and functional integrity. Now, let us move from theory to practice by exploring specific enrichment activities and how they influence the canine body on a structural and physiological level.

Designing Enrichment with Purpose

While all enrichment provides mental stimulation, activities should be chosen with intention, considering the dog’s physical condition, age, and behavioural tendencies. For practitioners with an osteopathic perspective, the objective is not only to engage the mind but to promote balanced movement, proprioceptive awareness, and tissue adaptability.

1. Scent-Based Work for Postural Adaptability
Example: Scatter feeding in varied terrain or structured scent trails.

Why It Matters: Searching for hidden food requires repeated cervical flexion, extension, and controlled shifts in weight-bearing as the dog tracks odour sources. These small postural changes improve cervical mobility and activate stabilising musculature in the thoracolumbar region. For dogs prone to stiffness, especially in the neck and forelimbs, this low-impact exercise provides dynamic movement without excessive load.

2. Proprioceptive Equipment for Joint Integrity
Example: Balance pads, wobble boards, or low cavaletti poles

Why It Matters: Engaging with unstable or varied surfaces stimulates joint mechanoreceptors, which in turn enhance neuromuscular coordination. From an osteopathic viewpoint, this is critical for maintaining the integrity of joints and preventing compensatory dysfunction. Cavaletti work encourages limb flexion and symmetrical stride length, supporting balanced gait patterns and reducing unilateral strain.

3. Textural and Surface Exploration for Fascia Health
Example: Walks incorporating sand, grass, gravel, or shallow water.

Why It Matters: Different surfaces require subtle adjustments in muscle tone and fascial tension, encouraging adaptability across kinetic chains. This variation helps maintain fascial glide and elasticity—an essential aspect of functional biomechanics. For osteopaths, such activities complement manual interventions by reinforcing tissue mobility through active movement.

4. Interactive Play for Spinal Mobility
Example: Controlled tug games or fetch on varied terrain.

Why It Matters: When executed with proper mechanics (e.g., avoiding vertical pulls during tug), these games provide dynamic spinal rotation and limb engagement. The oscillatory loading pattern during tug play can improve spinal flexibility and thoracic mobility, provided the movement is symmetrical and not excessive.

5. Problem-Solving Toys for Stress Regulation
Example: Puzzle feeders or DIY foraging boxes.

Why It Matters: Beyond cognitive stimulation, mental engagement reduces sympathetic nervous system overdrive, allowing the parasympathetic system to dominate – a state that promotes tissue healing and systemic balance. Osteopathic philosophy recognises the link between autonomic balance and structural health, making these activities valuable in a holistic care plan.

Integrating Enrichment into Osteopathic Care Plans

When advising clients, the practitioner should consider the timing and intensity of enrichment activities, particularly post-treatment. Low-impact sensory games may be introduced immediately after a session, whereas physically demanding exercises should be delayed until tissue recovery stabilises. Enrichment should not replace rest but should complement it, acting as a bridge between passive care and active functional restoration.

Final Thoughts

Enrichment is far more than a behavioural tool – it is an applied strategy for sustaining adaptability, reducing injury risk, and enhancing neuromuscular efficiency. When paired with osteopathic care, it becomes a potent method of maintaining health, preventing dysfunction, and honouring the principle that structure and function exist in a reciprocal relationship.

Stay tuned for part 3!

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Enrichment Activities for Dogs: Supporting Physical and Neurological Health

27 Oct 2025 Canine

Canine enrichment has evolved far beyond the notion of entertainment. For the educated practitioner, enrichment is understood as a cornerstone of both physical and neurological health.

Dogs, as sentient, highly adaptable beings, require more than food and shelter to thrive. They need structured activities that challenge their cognitive abilities, engage their sensory systems, and maintain musculoskeletal balance. When viewed through the lens of osteopathy, enrichment plays a crucial role in sustaining functional integrity and preventing compensatory strain.

Why Enrichment Matters Beyond Behaviour

Enrichment is often marketed as a behavioural solution for boredom or anxiety, but its benefits extend far deeper. Physical inactivity contributes not only to behavioural problems but also to functional restrictions in fascia, muscles, and joints. Lack of movement diversity can result in asymmetrical loading patterns, reduced range of motion, and subsequent compensatory chains. From an osteopathic perspective, this predisposes tissues to dysfunction and discomfort long before clinical pathology emerges.

Conversely, enrichment activities such as scent games, proprioceptive exercises, and structured play introduce variability in movement and stimulate the body’s adaptive mechanisms. They provide controlled stressors that encourage neuromuscular responsiveness and maintain elasticity in connective tissue—a key principle in sustaining health.

Types of Enrichment and Their Osteopathic Relevance

  1. Sensory and Cognitive Games
    Scent-based activities, such as tracking or nose work, activate neural pathways linked to olfaction, but they also demand postural adjustments and dynamic balance as the dog moves through varied terrain. These micro-adjustments stimulate joint proprioceptors and promote fluid motion, supporting the osteopathic principle that structure and function are interdependent.
  2. Proprioceptive Challenges
    Exercises involving unstable surfaces, balance discs, or low obstacles engage the deep stabilising musculature and improve coordination. For an osteopath, these activities are particularly relevant because they help maintain joint congruency and reduce compensatory strain. Proprioceptive enrichment aligns with preventative care, limiting the risk of dysfunction that may later require manual intervention.
  3. Environmental Interaction
    Allowing dogs to explore varied surfaces such as, sand, grass, and gravel, not only satisfies their sensory curiosity but also creates differential loading patterns in the musculoskeletal system. Such variation supports tissue adaptability, reducing the likelihood of repetitive strain and fascial restriction.

Enrichment as a Complement to Osteopathic Care

When osteopaths work with dogs presenting with musculoskeletal discomfort, restricted motion, or compensatory patterns, treatment does not end on the table. Integrating appropriate enrichment activities into a care plan extends the therapeutic effect by encouraging active participation in recovery.

For example, controlled proprioceptive exercises post-treatment can help re-establish neuromuscular control and reinforce balanced posture. Similarly, gentle cognitive games can reduce stress hormones, improving systemic health and tissue healing capacity.

Enrichment also serves as a preventative strategy. Osteopaths often encounter functional restrictions resulting from monotonous activity patterns – urban dogs walking the same flat routes daily, or working dogs repeatedly performing specific motions. A structured enrichment program disrupts these patterns, introducing variability that sustains adaptability in joints, fascia, and neurology.

A Holistic View of Canine Health

The osteopathic model emphasises the unity of body, mind, and environment. Enrichment embodies this philosophy by engaging the dog as a whole – stimulating the nervous system, supporting biomechanical integrity, and satisfying behavioural needs. For the well-informed canine professional, enrichment is not a luxury but a therapeutic and preventative necessity. When integrated thoughtfully, it becomes an extension of osteopathic care, maintaining the functional harmony that defines true health.

Stay tuned for Parts 2 and 3 in this series.

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Equine Nutrition: Foundations for Health, Performance, and Longevity

24 Oct 2025 Equine & Canine Osteopathy

Equine nutrition lies at the heart of any horse’s well-being, from a leisurely pasture companion to a champion athlete. As hindgut fermenters, horses digest fiber through a delicate, microbe-rich large intestine rather than through a multi-chambered stomach like ruminants. This fundamental difference means they thrive on frequent, steady intake of forage, yet remain exceptionally vulnerable to digestive upset when changes occur too rapidly.

Importance of Water

Water, often overlooked, is arguably the most critical nutrient. A horse’s body is roughly two-thirds water; even modest dehydration can be life-threatening. Clean, comfortable water intake supports everything from digestion to thermoregulation – simple, yet essential.

Horses require six essential nutrient categories: water, fats, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Carbohydrates, especially non-structural ones, supply quick energy, while fiber is fermented in the hindgut into volatile fatty acids, offering sustained energy and supporting gut integrity. Protein supports growth and repair, while fats provide a calorically dense energy source, but must be introduced slowly, given horses’ limited capacity to digest fats efficiently.

Don’t Overlook Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins and minerals also warrant attention. While quality forage often supplies most needs, imbalances may arise when diets lean heavily on grain, include low-grade hay, or the horse is under physical or environmental stress.

Equine Health & Wellbeing

Contemporary insight highlights how targeted nutritional adjustments can enhance coat condition, metabolic balance, musculoskeletal recovery, and overall vitality. For instance, omega-3 rich oils from sources like flax not only nourish the coat but also modulate inflammatory processes. Likewise, emerging work into gut microbiome support adds promising layers to our nutritional toolkit.

Nutrition also plays a pivotal role in mitigating chronic disorders, from obesity and insulin dysregulation to laminitis and osteoarthritis. Tailoring a diet to life stage, activity level, and health status can significantly improve long-term outcomes.

From a practical standpoint, feeding habits should mirror equine behaviour and physiology. Horses are natural “trickle eaters,” designed to graze almost continuously. Forage should be the foundation of their diet, with concentrates measured carefully and fed in multiple, small portions to maintain digestive equilibrium.

Why It Matters Across Audiences

  • For Equine Professionals (osteopaths, massage therapists, chiropractors, veterinarians, trainers): Nutrition forms a foundational layer beneath your manual and rehabilitative work. It supports tissue health, expedites recovery, and elevates treatment outcomes, making what you do even more effective and lasting.
  • For Horse Owners and Enthusiasts: Whether you’re a breeder, rider, or daily caretaker, understanding the rationale behind feeding decisions empowers you. It helps you discern between fad diets and evidence-based strategies, supporting healthier horses and less stress in your daily routine.

Thoughtful equine nutrition bridges science and empathy; it feeds both the animal and our understanding of its care.

About the Equine Nutrition Advisor Certificate Program

The London College of Animal Osteopathy Equine Nutrition Advisor Certificate Program is a 140-hour, self-paced online offering designed to deepen your knowledge of what makes a horse thrive. You’ll explore digestive anatomy, nutrient roles, feeding practices, nutrient analysis, and tailored nutrition for various life stages and clinical conditions. With instructor support, lifetime access to materials, interactive assessments, and CE credit opportunities, this program welcomes both professionals and committed horse owners who wish to make informed, compassionate decisions about equine nutrition.

For more information, you can download the Equine Nutrition Certificate prospectus.

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From Humans to Animals: Transitioning Your Osteopathic Skills to a New Frontier

21 Oct 2025 Equine & Canine Osteopathy

The practice of osteopathy has long been associated with human health, focusing on structural balance, functional movement, and the intricate relationship between body systems. However, in recent years, there has been growing recognition of the profound benefits osteopathic principles can bring to the care of animals. For qualified human osteopaths, this represents a unique and expanding opportunity: the ability to transfer core knowledge and skills into an area with high demand and limited supply.

Why Animal Osteopathy Needs You

Animal osteopathy is a rapidly developing discipline, but the number of trained practitioners remains small compared to demand. Across Europe, North America, and beyond, there are relatively few specialists offering osteopathic care to horses, dogs, and other companion or performance animals. At the same time, awareness among owners, trainers, and veterinarians is increasing. They are seeking complementary, non-invasive approaches that improve musculoskeletal health, enhance performance, and support recovery from injury.

The reality is clear: while human osteopathy is well established, animal osteopathy is still in its growth phase, and there are more animals in need than practitioners available. This shortage translates into a genuine opportunity for qualified osteopaths who want to diversify their careers, broaden their client base, and contribute to a field that is still defining its future standards.

The Transferable Skills You Already Have

The transition from human to animal osteopathy is more natural than many assume. Core osteopathic principles – structure-function interdependence, and the body’s inherent ability to self-heal – apply across species. Your expertise in palpation, tissue assessment, and biomechanical analysis gives you a strong foundation.

However, working with animals requires additional knowledge: comparative anatomy, species-specific biomechanics, behavior, and safe handling techniques. These elements form the bridge between what you already know and what you need to learn. The good news? Many of the diagnostic reasoning skills, clinical thinking, and manual techniques you use every day remain highly relevant, simply adapted for a quadruped rather than a biped.

Why Adding Animal Osteopathy Makes Sense

For practitioners, expanding into animal osteopathy offers both professional and personal benefits:

  • Diversification of Practice: Adding animals to your caseload can make your business more resilient and adaptable, particularly in times when human clinical demand fluctuates.
  • Intellectual Challenge: Working across species demands critical thinking and a deeper appreciation of functional anatomy, keeping your skills sharp and your work stimulating.
  • Meeting a Real Need: Whether it’s improving a horse’s gait, reducing pain in a senior dog, or aiding post-operative recovery, your interventions can make a profound difference to animal welfare.
  • Professional Satisfaction: Many practitioners describe animal work as deeply rewarding. The visible, often rapid changes in comfort and mobility can be striking, and the bond between animal and practitioner is unique.

Is It Right for You?

Transitioning to animal osteopathy does require formal training. Responsible practice means understanding not only anatomy and biomechanics but also the ethical and legal frameworks for working with animals in your region. In most countries, animal osteopaths work collaboratively with veterinarians and other allied professionals, ensuring a high standard of care.

For those willing to undertake the additional learning, the rewards are significant. You will join a small but growing community of professionals shaping the future of integrative animal healthcare, while maintaining the essence of what drew you to osteopathy in the first place: restoring balance, supporting function, and promoting wellbeing.

A Growing Field with Room to Grow

The shortage of trained animal osteopaths is not a temporary gap, it is a systemic need. Companion animals are living longer, equestrian sports are more competitive, and owners are increasingly informed and proactive about preventive care. These factors point to sustained demand for skilled practitioners who can bridge the worlds of human and animal osteopathy.

If you are an osteopath ready for your next challenge, consider this: the principles you already master are universal. What changes is the application, and the patients, who may wag their tails or whinny their thanks.

Urban Living and the Hidden Challenges for Companion Animals: An Osteopathic Perspective

17 Oct 2025 Equine & Canine Osteopathy

Urban life offers a different rhythm for our companion animals compared to their rural counterparts. While veterinary professionals are well-versed in the obvious welfare concerns, such as diet, vaccination, and parasite control, there is a growing need to consider the subtler, cumulative effects of an urban environment on the musculoskeletal, neurological, and overall functional health of dogs and, increasingly, cats. Understanding these environmental challenges is essential for effective prevention, treatment, and performance of long-term health care.

Unique Physical and Biomechanical Challenges in Urban Environments

City living often restricts animals’ opportunities for natural, varied movement. Pavement walking on uniform, hard surfaces alters the normal biomechanics of gait, affecting shock absorption through the limbs and spine. Over time, repetitive high-impact loading can contribute to joint microtrauma, particularly in young, developing animals or seniors with age-related cartilage changes.

The physical environment also presents navigational and postural challenges. Stairs, escalators, slippery tiled floors, curbs, and sharp turns around obstacles require sudden accelerations, decelerations, and lateral movements that can strain soft tissues. For cats in high-rise apartments, reduced vertical territory or reliance on artificial climbing structures can alter normal kinetic chains, especially if those structures are poorly designed or unstable.

Confinement to small living spaces often results in under-stimulation of proprioception – the animal’s awareness of its body in space. Without varied terrain, micro-adjustments in posture and coordination are reduced, leading to subtle muscular imbalances and decreased joint stability. These patterns may remain unnoticed until compensatory strain manifests as stiffness, lameness, or behavioural changes.

Environmental Stressors and Their Somatic Impact

Urban noise pollution, unpredictable foot traffic, and the density of other dogs or people in walking routes can create sustained low-level stress. Chronic sympathetic nervous system activation can contribute to muscle hypertonicity, altered breathing mechanics, and reduced capacity for tissue repair. In some cases, this physiological stress blends with physical discomfort to influence behaviour, such as reactivity, reluctance to walk in certain areas, or avoidance behaviours.

Air quality also plays a role. Higher exposure to pollutants can subtly affect oxygenation and circulation, influencing tissue metabolism and recovery after exertion. In brachycephalic breeds, which are already prone to respiratory compromise, this adds a further biomechanical consequence as they adapt their posture and gait to optimise breathing.

The Role of Osteopathy in Addressing Urban-Related Issues

Osteopathic assessment and treatment offers a whole-body, functional approach ideally suited to these multifactorial challenges. Rather than focusing solely on symptomatic areas, osteopaths assess the integrated relationship between structure and function – how altered biomechanics in one region influence distant tissues through fascial, articular, and neurological connections.

For example, in a city dog presenting with forelimb stiffness, an osteopath may identify pelvic imbalance caused by years of repetitive stair use, or myofascial tension patterns developed from bracing against slippery indoor surfaces. Gentle articulation, soft tissue release, and techniques aimed at improving joint range of motion and proprioceptive input can restore more balanced movement patterns.

Osteopathy also helps improve resilience to environmental stressors. By optimising thoracic mobility, diaphragmatic function, and circulatory efficiency, treatment can support recovery from physical strain and enhance overall vitality. In cats, osteopathy may be used to address spinal rigidity from reduced climbing or to release tension in the forequarters caused by abrupt, high-impact landings on hard floors.

Expanding Skills for Veterinary Professionals in the Urban Context

For veterinarians and veterinary nurses working in city practices, training in animal osteopathy offers a significant expansion of clinical tools. Many urban patients present with subtle, non-specific issues – mild stiffness, intermittent lameness, performance changes, or “off” behaviour – that may not correlate with radiographic or orthopaedic findings. Osteopathy provides a structured, evidence-informed method to assess and treat these functional disturbances before they progress to more serious pathology.

It also enhances client engagement. Urban pet owners often have high expectations for their animals’ health and well-being, and value proactive, non-invasive interventions. Offering osteopathy alongside conventional care supports preventive medicine, broadens treatment plans for chronic conditions, and positions the clinician as a provider of integrative, comprehensive healthcare.

Conclusion

Urban environments impose unique biomechanical and physiological demands on companion animals. Demands that may be invisible until they accumulate into dysfunction. Recognising these patterns and applying osteopathic principles to restore balance and optimise movement can transform long-term health outcomes. For veterinary professionals, human osteopaths, and other animal therapy providers in city practice, integrating osteopathy is not just an additional service; it is an evolution of skillset, allowing them to address the nuanced intersection of environment, structure, and function in their patients.

Cranky or Crooked? When ‘Grumpy’ Pets Might Need a Physical MOT

10 Oct 2025 Canine

We often think of a pet’s bad mood as a behavioural problem. A dog growls more than usual, a horse pins its ears when being tacked up, or a normally affectionate cat hides under the bed. While temperament certainly plays a role in how animals interact with the world, sudden changes in mood or willingness can be an early warning sign of physical discomfort.

Behaviour as the Body’s Messenger

Animals cannot tell us directly when something hurts, so behaviour becomes their first language of discomfort. Withdrawal, irritability, or avoidance of handling can all be subtle signals. In many cases, these behaviours develop gradually, making them easy to dismiss as “getting older” or “being stubborn.” However, pain, particularly musculoskeletal pain, can subtly shift the way an animal moves, rests, or tolerates certain interactions, and those changes often affect mood.

From Spine to Stifle: Common Physical Causes

A stiff neck, sore back, joint inflammation, or muscle strain can all contribute to an animal’s grumpiness. Dogs with early hip dysplasia may be less willing to jump into the car. Horses with sacroiliac discomfort may buck or resist collection under saddle. Even seemingly minor issues, such as low-grade tendon strain, can have an outsized effect on behaviour, because animals are masters at compensating physically until discomfort becomes significant enough to alter their mood.

The Role of a Physical MOT

A “physical MOT” for animals works much like a routine service check for a car: it identifies early signs of wear, misalignment, or strain before they lead to bigger problems. This assessment might involve veterinary examination, gait analysis, palpation of muscles and joints, and review of recent performance or activity changes. The aim is not just to find an obvious injury but to pick up on the small, chronic issues that can gradually chip away at comfort and, by extension, behaviour.

When to Take Action

Changes in mood that last more than a few days, especially when paired with changes in movement or posture, warrant further investigation. Repeated avoidance behaviours, like resisting grooming, pulling away from certain touch, or becoming more vocal during routine handling, can be the body’s equivalent of a “warning light.” Early assessment and intervention often mean faster recovery, less pain, and a return to the pet’s usual, more agreeable self.

Balancing Behaviour and Physical Care

Not every grumpy moment signals pain, but it’s equally unwise to assume it’s “just personality” without ruling out physical causes. In many cases, addressing underlying discomfort improves not only performance but also the bond between animal and handler. By combining behavioural awareness with regular physical check-ups, owners can ensure they’re not just managing a mood, they’re supporting an animal’s overall wellbeing.

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