What is rear limb awareness?
Why is it important in the young dog? How can awareness be developed in puppies? This presentation focuses on using proprioceptive input in puppies and juvenile dogs to enhance awareness of the hind limbs. Stages of development (neurological and musculoskeletal) are discussed along with appropriate exercises for each stage. Five basic exercises form the foundation upon which more difficult progressions can be built. These strengthen the legs and improve mobility. The end result is a more balanced young adult who has a reduced risk of injury and is prepared for adventure.
Presented by Dr Tanya Grantham – BSc (Hons) BVSc (Univ. of Pta,S. Africa) CCRP (Univ of Tennessee, USA) CCBW
Dr. Tanya Grantham qualified as a veterinarian in 1994. She is now the owner of Animal Health and Hydro, a facility dedicated to physical rehabilitation and pain management in dogs and cats. Aside from a burning desire to enhance the quality of life of her animal patients, Dr. Tanya also loves to share her knowledge with veterinary professionals, pet owners and anyone that is interested in enhancing their life (and the lives of their companions) through information and skills. Her wildly improbable goal is to establish a foundation that supports all veterinary professionals on every level – be it physical, emotional, spiritual, personal or through business education, financial aid and learning skills that enhance our hands-on abilities. Animal Health and Hydro have grown from a single person (and one facility) to a company that employs eight people and has three branches. Dr. Tanya has also compiled an online course for veterinarians – Canine Integrative Physical Rehabilitation – for which she is the tutor and mentor. She has been involved in examining final year veterinary physiotherapy students for the preceding five years and recently took up a post as a part-time lecturer at EquineLibrium College in South Africa. Dr Tanya loves to be with her animal companions (horses, dogs and cats). She is a keen trail runner and experiences great joy when she is running with her horse beside her.
