We Went To See The Wizard
June, 2011
The Wizard of Paws
When I wake up in the morning I wish there was a wizard to gently remove all the little aches from arthritis and exercise. Perhaps I played the weekend warrior as so many of us do. Doing just a little too much, trying to pack everything I can into the short weekend, really puts a pain into my Monday morning routine. Dog owners, paying close attention, may notice their four footed friend exhibiting similar symptoms. A dog may take a little bit longer when getting up from its sleeping or sitting position. Its usual gait may just not be as carefree as it should. Lucky for New England dogs they have a wizard just for them, the Wizard of Paws.
Meet the Wizard
Debbie Gross Saunders, DPT, MSPT,OCS, CCRP is the Wizard of Paws in Colchester, CT. Debbie’s list of degrees and certifications may appear daunting but one look at her calm green eyes and gentle demeanor and you know you are with a special, caring person. Debbie gently handles every animal that comes into the facility allowing both the owner and the pet to attain a high degree of trust. The Wizard has a Doctorate of Pysical Therapy (human), Masters of Physical Therapy (human), an advanced Orthopedic Clinical Specialist certificate (human), and is a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner.
Meet Debbie's Dog Bogart
Bogart, a Clumber Spaniel, is watching the activity in the therapy room.
As more of us have been searching for medical therapies to help us with muscular and orthopedic pains and injuries, many pet owners have also turned to specialized canine rehabilitation practitioners. These individuals must first be veterinarians, veterinarian technicians, physical therapists or physical therapist assistants. The University of Tennessee is one of a very few institutions offering the CCRP program. Students take 7 courses including canine anatomy and physiology, joint mobilization, pain management, therapeutic methods and a clinical practicum. The courses may be taken at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville campus, or at the Northeast outreach facility in Chelmsford, MA. Debbie Gross is featured as one of the instructors for several courses.
Canine rehabilitation therapists treat many of the same ills that human therapists do.
Beamer, Agility Champion dog, getting ready for his exercise in the Underwater Treadmill. Watch Beamer run
What do canine physical therapists treat? They treat many of the same injuries and illnesses as human physical therapists. Just as with humans, improved nutrition and medicine has enabled our four legged friends to live longer. According to The Arthritis Foundation, 20% of older dogs suffer from arthritis. Obesity is also rampant among our furry best friends. PETMD, asserts that as many as 50% of dogs are overweight. Over indulging in food and too little exercise combine to create a dog whose weight may injure joints and lead to serious disease. Dogs also develop the same common injuries of the knee such as ACL and CCL tears as humans do. Some breeds are more likely to develop spinal and back injuries. And of course dogs competing in agility or other athletic activities can develop sore muscles and injuries to tendons and ligaments. The Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner treats all of the above plus more.
Daschi (above), a 14 year old, getting a laser treatment to warm muscles before exercising in the Underwater Treadmill. The laser treatment also eases the pain of inflamation caused by arthritis. After her treatment she is ready to run.
Does your dog need physical therapy?
Don’t drop everything if you think your dog needs physical therapy and rush to the Internet. Physical Therapy is serious medicine. Just as you would seek medical advice for yourself, your dog must first be examined by a Veterinarian. Your Vet can refer you to a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner. As all Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioners should, Debbie Saunders insists on a Veterinarian referral. Once your therapist has the necessary veterinary information, their examination begins.
The Wall Of Paws
Patients sign with their paws
Welcome to the Wizard of Paws
The Therapist will examine your dog again
At the Wizard of Paws every animal receives a thorough examination. A Unicam force place analysis may be used to examine the dog’s gait. This analysis measures the percentage of the dog’s weight resting on each leg. Variations from the normal standing position are indicative of joint and muscle problems. Dartfish performance and gait analysis is another tool used to diagnose physical problems. Viewing the video of the dog taken during the Dartfish analysis allows a trained Rehabilitation Practitioner to again detect subtle differences in gait from the norm.
Once the diagnosis is completed, a treatment plan can be created taking into account the physical needs of the dog and the goals of the pet owner. Treatment for a competitive agility or athletic dog will vary from that of a sedentary pet. Also the age of the dog and the prognosis of any disease will be of importance in determining the correct treatment plan.
The Therapy Begins
Physical therapy for a dog is not very different from that of a 
human. If you have ever had physical therapy you will quickly notice similar equipment. The ever present treadmill for exercise and endurance, and balance balls for core training are among the staples of equipment. Heat to relax muscles and ease pain is gently applied using laser therapy. As with humans, muscles must be relaxed and warmed before exercise therapy can begin. The underwater treadmill aids in muscle strengthening and endurance training without putting undue pressure on joints. At all times animals are carefully watched over by the Wizard or her assistant Kathy Lesinski (above).
Although a relatively new tool, canine rehabilitation therapy is quickly gaining in acceptance with veterinarians and pet owners. Always discuss any therapy with your veterinarian and check out proper certification of practitioners.
For more information on The Wizard of Paws visit the Wizard at www.wizardofpaws.net
