Debbie (Gross) Torraca, Faculty (Body & Health)

Iliopsoas injuries are unfortunately becoming a fact in many performance dogs' lives, as well as the lives of active dogs. This course will review the reasons why so many dogs are suffering from iliopsoas issues, prevention of these problems, exercises and activities to assist in the prevention, addressing and recognizing and injury, appropriate exercises for an injury, and a safe, successful and realistic return to activities. Easy steps may be taken to assist in stacking the cards in your dogs' favor to help with the prevention of an iliopsoas problem. Dogs with predisposing factors, such as canine hip dysplasia, stifle disease, or lumbar transitionial vertebrae, should take extra steps to help them live an active and pain free life for the longest time possible. Your dog may be knocking the occasional bar in agility or refusing to walk on a slippery surface - there are many levels of iliopsoas problems and they all need to be addressed. Chronic iliopsoas problems may be associated with pelvic weaknesses or range of motion deficits. This course will not only examine the coordination of care for a dog with an iliopsoas problem but also steps to take to prevent an injury.

Knee problems are incredibly common in dogs. Whether the dog is a top level athlete or a professional cookie catcher at home, the knee is one of the weakest links. Cruciate disease, ACL or CCL problems are undoubtely the number one reason why owners take their dogs in for a visit with a rehab specialist. In fact, knee problems are so common that chances are good that everyone with a dog is going to experience a problem with knees at some point. Osteoarthritis is a problem with many of our dogs, and this course will help you help your dog strengthen and support the arthritic area. The multimodal approac is crucial to addressing osteoarthritis and is inclusive of reducing pain and infllammation, and improving strength and range of motion.