What is Animal Osteopathy?

Animals have a very similar structure to humans, with the same skeleton bones and muscles. There are some differences such as the arrangement of the hands and feet.

Animals, like people, can suffer from injuries or accidents due to the activities they participate in. Animals may feel pain and have restricted movement from many of the same conditions as humans, such as back and neck pain, disc bulges, soft tissue (muscle, tendon and ligament) injuries, joint problems, arthritis or accidents.

Like a child, they may not be able to tell you they are in pain and it is only your familiarity with your pet’s behaviour and movement patterns which will alert you to a problem. You may see limping, changes in movement, difficulty getting up or down, keeping away from contact and many other behavioural changes.

By law an Osteopath has to have permission from a vet to treat an animal.

You can self refer to an Osteopath as long as you have permission from your vet. Osteopaths may work together with the animal’s veterinary surgeon. The vet can supply a relevant clinical history. Often, any investigations have already been carried out by the referring vet.

Osteopathy for animals involves using the same techniques as on people. Animals usually enjoy osteopathic treatment and are relaxed during the examination and treatment.

Osteopaths usually send a report back to the veterinary surgeon detailing their findings and treatment.

I work as an Animal Osteopath in Glasgow's Pet Therapy Clinic. You can contact the clinic directly to book an appointment with me. Details given above.