Osteopathy for Pets
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a form of manual healthcare which recognises the important link between the structure of the body and the way it functions. Osteopaths focus on how the skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, connective tissue and internal organs function as a holistic unit.
Using skilled evaluation, diagnosis and a wide range of hands-on techniques, an osteopath can identify important types of dysfunction in your pet's body. Osteopathic treatment uses techniques such as stretching and massage for general treatment of the soft tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments) along with mobilisation of specific joints and soft tissues.
Who can do it?
We are fotunate to have Dr Brendan Atkin on the team at East West Vets.
After graduating from Victoria University with a Masters of Osteopathy, Brendan worked in Melbourne for several years as a clinician treating humans and here at East West Vets treating animals.
In 2011 Brendan relocated to the United Kingdom to complete a further Master’s level study program at the University of Wales, specialising in Animal Osteopathy applied to the dog. The course included regular placements at the Hyde Park Small Animal Veterinary Surgery in London.
Brendan is the only Australian-based osteopath with this qualification.
During his time in the UK, Brendan worked alongside canine rehabilitation specialists in Cheshire, England at a hydrotherapy center assisting with post-surgical cases to aid and accelerate recovery times, and provided treatment to high-level agility dogs and British Police service dogs.
Now returned to Melbourne and East West Vets, Brendan is a supervising clinical osteopath and lecturer to final year Osteopathic students at Victoria University and is fully qualified and insured, holding current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and is an associate member of the Society of Osteopaths in Animal Practice (SOAP).
What’s involved
A full consultation involves a clinical history, active and hands-on motion assessment, treatment, and advice for prevention where necessary. Generally the treatment is well tolerated and most dogs enjoy the freedom of motion provided by the techniques used.
The highest possible level of care will be provided and being within a veterinary clinic, second opinions and referrals can be done on the same day if required.
The goal of osteopathy for pets is to relax the musculature, improve range of motion through all joints to create balance of movement, and to improve the function of your pet.
Watch Brendan talking about Osteopathy