We provide rehabilitation and therapy for dogs that are recovering from surgery or injury, or have conditions such as osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia and inter-vertebral disc disease. We help them to recover faster and stronger by providing them with evidence-based treatment. We also provide exercise programs for dogs that would benefit from improved fitness for their functional activities such as walking, climbing stairs and getting up from lying down, for those that compete in sports, or for those that need extra help with weight management.

Canine rehabilitation is similar to physiotherapy in humans. Certified canine rehabilitation therapists are qualified to assess and treat musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, movement limitations that result from injury, surgery, medical conditions, genetic disorders, ageing or weight management issues. These can contribute to stiff joints, weakness, muscle loss, reduced balance and functional difficulties such as limping, inability to go up and down stairs, problems getting up from lying down, difficulty sitting, difficulty getting on or off the lounge, bed, or in and out of the car, reduced walking, running and playing capacity. 

Canine rehabilitation can assist your dog to regain movement, strength and balance, and increase their capacity for walks, play and doing all of their important daily activities.

Canine fitness training is different from rehabilitation as it is focussed on dogs that are essentially healthy but need assistance with weight management, or dogs who are involved in sporting competitions (e.g. agility or trials), or are working dogs (e.g. police dogs, farm dogs, guide dogs) and require a higher level of fitness. Our canine fitness programs are tailored to an individual dog’s fitness level.

At Stronger Paws, we assess the strength and fitness of your dog and provide you with a specific exercise program for you to do with them. You can help your dog improve their body conditioning and fitness in a safe way and avoid injuries. Improvements in fitness allows dogs to live longer, healthier lives. 

Weight management programs have been shown to reduce the effect of joint conditions, such as osteoarthritis, and assist in the prevention of other diseases like cardiac conditions and diabetes. Additionally, keeping dogs at a healthy weight extends their lives by months or years.

Canine cruciate disease

Canine cruciate disease is a common condition affecting the knee joint in dogs. The cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) is a key stabiliser within the canine knee. If this ligament ruptures, it leads to lameness and pain, and early onset osteoarthritis. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to minimise the progression of osteoarthritis.

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia in dogs is a common skeletal condition that primarily affects large and giant breeds. The hip joint functions as a ball and socket, and in dogs with hip dysplasia, the ball and socket do not fit or develop properly. This misalignment causes the joint to rub and grind instead of sliding smoothly, leading to deterioration of the joint and eventually a loss of function. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to manage symptoms and prevent the progression of arthritis.

Elbow dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia in dogs is a genetic condition causing lameness and osteoarthritis. It is commonly seen in medium-to-large breed dogs such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds.  The condition involves abnormal development of the elbow joint. Symptoms include limping, stiffness in the front legs, abnormal gait, swollen and puffy elbows, and reluctance to play or walk. Treatment options include weight management, physical therapy, joint supplements, anti-inflammatory medications, and in severe cases, surgery.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common and progressive condition in dogs. It involves the deterioration of cartilage within the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and decreased range of motion. The loss of this protective cushion results in the development of bone spurs and further joint damage. Risk factors for osteoarthritis in dogs include age, obesity, repetitive stress from activities (e.g. jumping down), injuries, prior diagnosis of elbow or hip dysplasia, infections affecting the joints, poor nutrition, and genetics. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial to keep your dog active and comfortable.

Patellar luxation

is a condition where the kneecap (patella) dislocates or moves out of its normal position in the groove at the end of the femur. This condition is common in toy and small breed dogs such as Maltese, Chihuahua, French Poodle, and Bichon Frise. The patella normally slides up and down in its groove during knee movement, but in dogs with patellar luxation, the patella can pop out of the groove, causing pain and lameness. Symptoms include a skip in the dog's step, running on three legs, and sudden return to normal gait.

Carpal instability

Carpal instability in dogs is a condition where the wrist (carpus) becomes unstable and drops towards the ground. This instability is usually caused by damage to the ligaments that stabilise the carpus. Symptoms of carpal hyperextension include a noticeable bend at the wrist, forcing the lower limb into an abnormally flattened position. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are crucial to manage symptoms and improve the dog's quality of life.

Fractures

Fractures occur when one or more bones are broken, typically due to physical trauma such as vehicle accidents, falls, or fights with other animals.

Muscle injuries e.g. hamstring, iliopsoas, gracilis strains

Muscle strains and tears are common and can occur from a variety of sources, including overexertion during activities like running or jumping, trauma, or even surgery complications. Symptoms of muscle injuries in dogs include limping, lameness, swelling, pain on touching the area, and decreased activity levels. Dogs may also exhibit difficulty getting up or lying down.

Tendinopathies

Tendinopathies in dogs, particularly those affecting the shoulder, are common in active, large-breed dogs. These conditions often involve the supraspinatus and biceps tendons and can be challenging to treat effectively. Injuries to these tendons can lead to inflammation, pain, and lameness. Supraspinatus tendinopathy is similar to rotator cuff injuries in humans and can cause calcification of the tendon.

IVDD (Intervertebral disc disease)

IVDD is a common spinal condition in dogs, particularly affecting breeds with long backs and short legs, such as Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, Corgis, and Shih-Tzus. IVDD occurs when the intervertebral discs in the spine degenerate and put pressure on nearby nerves. Symptoms of IVDD can range from mild pain to paralysis, depending on the severity of the condition. Dogs may exhibit limping, dragging their legs, hunching their back, or showing signs of pain and dysfunction. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent further injury or loss of function.

FCE (fibrocartilaginous embolism)

FCE is a rare but serious condition that affects the spinal cord in dogs. It occurs when a piece of fibrocartilage from an intervertebral disc lodge in a spinal artery, causing a blockage and leading to the acute death of part of the spinal cord. This condition is often triggered by mild trauma or vigorous exercise, although it can also happen during normal activities like walking. FCE typically affects large and giant breeds, but it is not uncommon in smaller breeds such as Miniature Schnauzers, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Yorkshire Terriers. Most affected dogs are young adults between 3 and 5 years old.

ANNPE (Acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion)

ANNPE is a form of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in dogs. Unlike other types of IVDD, ANNPE does not result from disc degeneration but from excessive force applied to a normal, healthy intervertebral disc. This force can be due to high-impact exercise, a fall, or trauma, causing a tear in the outer annulus fibrosus. This tear allows a small amount of the inner nucleus pulposus to shoot out of the disc and strike the spinal cord, leading to bruising, swelling, or bleeding. ANNPE typically affects young to middle-aged, medium to large breed dogs, but it can occur in any breed.

DM (degenerative myelopathy)

DM is a progressive neurological disease that affects the spinal cord in dogs, leading to hind limb weakness and eventual paralysis. It is similar to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in humans, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. DM typically affects middle-aged to older dogs, with symptoms starting around 4 to 14 years of age. The disease is caused by the degeneration of the white matter in the spinal cord, which disrupts the transmission of nerve signals. Early signs of DM include hind paw "knuckling," swaying of the hindquarters, difficulty getting up, and scraping of the hind feet. DM is most commonly seen in breeds such as German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies and Boxers. A genetic mutation, SOD-1, has been identified as a major risk factor for DM.

Lumbo - sacral pain

Lumbo affects the lower spine where the lumbar vertebrae meet the sacrum. This condition is caused by the narrowing of the spinal canal, leading to compression of the spinal nerve roots. The most common causes include arthritic degeneration and intervertebral disc herniation. Dogs with lumbosacral disease often experience pain when pressure is applied to the muscles in the lower back and may cry or move away. They may also be slow to rise from a lying position, fall to their knees if their tail is lifted sharply, and develop weakness or lameness in the rear legs due to muscle loss.

Wobblers’ Syndrome - also known as cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM)

This is a painful and debilitating neurologic disease in dogs that affects the cervical spine (neck). Symptoms include a "wobbly" gait, particularly in the back legs, which may be more noticeable on slippery floors or when the dog walks slowly. Dogs may also walk with their head down, indicating neck pain. Breeds most commonly affected by Wobbler Syndrome include Dobermans, Great Danes, Rottweilers, Mastiffs, Weimaraners, German Shepherds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Swiss Mountain Dogs.