show episodes
 
This is a must-hear podcast for pet owners wanting access to the latest in pet quality of life and longevity. Whether your pet has fur, feathers, scales or shells, Cathy and Chris believe in treating your pet as a whole, both mind and body. Continuing a collaboration that began in 2003, Cathy and Chris share the gift of gab as well as their network in the pet rehab community. Using their vast expertise as Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioners (CCRPs), Cathy Symons CVT, CCRP, and Chri ...
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show series
 
Gratitude can be a wonderful healer after we experience the loss of a beloved pet. Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Mindy Meiering, created the Rainbow Bridge Pet Loss Deck after she lost her own dog, Ellie, as a resource for others experiencing similar emotional pain. The Rainbow Bridge Pet Loss Deck is a therapeutic tool designed to provide emoti…
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In this episode, Cathy and Chris discuss the relatively common condition of bicipital tendinitis in the dog or inflammation of the biceps tendon at the shoulder joint. This comprehensive overview covers the following: Anatomy of the forelimb, specifically the shoulder and biceps muscle/tendon Causes from overuse/repetative stress to trauma Clinical…
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Listen as guest, Nancy Denier, professional dog trainer, dog multi-sport participant, and past Flyball judge, takes us into the action-packed world of Flyball, the ultimate team canine competition, that involves speed, strategy, and commitment. In this episode, you'll learn about: The basics of Flyball Training regimen Competition 101 Benefits of p…
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Historically, dogs with a missing front leg had few options but to hop along. If a "fake leg" could be made, the process was costly and cumbersome. Enter 3D Pets, a company whose mission is to bring animal mobility devices into the 21st century by incorporating 3D printing. Listen to cofounder, Alex Tholl, describe how 3D Pets is revolutionizing th…
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Is your cat eating messily? Does your dog have bad breath? According to Beth Innis, DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVCHM, CVSMT, these could be signs of dental or periodontal disease. This episode covers our pet's oral health, from what you can do at home (Hint: brush, brush, brush!) to the role of professional dentistry. If you've ever had a toothache, you know …
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What is something that 80% of dogs get after the age of 8, that cats are crafty at hiding, and that prevents birds from perching? It's arthritis: arth (= joint) + itis (= inflammation) and it's no joke! Just ask anybody who has undergone a total joint replacement due to this debilitating disease, a disease that can become so painful that it severel…
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Fascia: connective tissue that literally surrounds every cell of all bodies that has a huge impact on comfort, movement, and well-being, but very few talk about it. Dr. McCauley is changing that in the vet world. Listen as Laurie McCauley, DVM, DACVSMR, CCRT, CVA, CVC, also known as the Mother of Canine Physical Rehabilitation, tells us about the r…
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Just because we call it passive range of motion (PROM), we not be passive about it! This episode describes why PROM is so vital to your pet's health and function. We detail how do a simple technique specifically with your pet's front limb joints. Listen to learn how to not only keep your pet well by maintaining its PROM for maximum comfort and func…
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"You can't change the past, but you can rescue the future" as quoted by the founder of Marley's Mutts, Zach Skow seems to say it all. Listen as Torie Beck, the coordinator of Miracle Mutts, takes us on a deep dive into Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue and her own experiences with her therapy dogs, Sully, her blind dog, and Roo, her bipedal puppy. This res…
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This is the hippest show we've launched to date! Why? Because it covers a very common type of hip surgery called an FHO (Femoral Head and neck Ostectomy) used to treat a variety of hip issues from traumatic injuries to severe arthritis caused by such conditions as hip dysplasia. Listen to Kechia Davis, DVM, DACVS, describe the anatomy of the hip, t…
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PetAbility Podcast hosts, Cathy and Chris, once again lend their experiences and expertise to the show - this time discussing Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome. Who gets it? What is it? Why should we care? With the popularity of Frenchies and other smoosh-faced dogs exponentially increasing world-wide, caretakers of these endearing breeds …
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If you’ve ever had the profound pleasure of loving a pet, you’ve undoubtedly experienced grief when they pass. But the loss of a pet is distinctive because our relationship with our pets is unique: non-verbal, ever-present, physical in nature, and full of unconditional love. We often have long-term and intense relationships with our pets that we ha…
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Horses are majestic beings that are uniquely equipped as highly intuitive, non-judgmental prey animals, to help humans be in the moment, less anxious, and even break through obstacles that may be holding us back in life. Kelly Dukarski, Certified Equine Gestaltist, explains Equine-Assisted Gestalt Therapy, which incorporates horses as a modality fo…
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One of the most agonizing questions for any pet owner is how do we know if our beloved pet is in pain? And if they are experiencing pain, how much pain is it and where is it coming from? PainTrace can help to answer all of these questions and more. It is a non-invasive, wearable monitoring system that quantifies pain simply, objectively, and painle…
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The Handicapped Pets Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit whose mission is to provide wheelchairs (Walkin' Wheels) for pets in need whose caregivers demonstrate financial hardship. Suzi Langer brings us through her personal story of receiving a wheelchair from this charity for her pug, Maxwell, to becoming president of the organization. If her passion i…
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Listen as Christina Powell tells us the story of Special Needs Animal Rescue League (SNARL). This SNARL is bound to make you smile! What started as a personal rescue of one wobbly German Shepherd became a multi-organization, multi-state/province, two-country machine that takes "red list" dogs from other shelters and finds them their forever homes. …
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Join us as we rewind to one of our most popular shows. Should my pet get a ramp or steps to help him onto the bed? This a question that Cathy and Chris get asked all the time. Listen as they debate the pros and cons of each option to help you determine what is best for your pet. They cover what specifications to look for and offer some suggestions …
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Our pet's are living longer, surviving illnesses and traumas that were unthinkable in the past. Couple this with our ever-growing attitudes that pets are full-fledged members of our families, then the fields of palliative care and pet hospice become vital. Cathy Symons, CVT, CCRP, deftly explains the integral role that physical rehabilitation plays…
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A healthy pet starts with healthy nutrition, naturally! After all, “you are what you eat." That same adage applies to both us and our pets. Judy Morgan, DVM, CVA, CVCP, CVFT emphasizes that food is food - there should be no need to qualify what we eat as "people food,” nor what we feed our dogs and cats as “pet food.” Many commercial dog and cat fo…
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Losing a pet is hard. In fact, for Erika Sinner, it is the hardest thing she has ever experienced. Erika feels her shar-peis are family - her kids - and should be treated as such even after death. What does this mean and what did Erika do about it? Struggling to deal with her own pain and finding little out there to aid her in coping and healing, E…
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Located in the knee, cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries are the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs. Yet there is little consistency or agreement about how to manage this condition. It goes well beyond surgery vs. no surgery. Pet parents angst about what to do to help there dog's knee pain and function, then often second guess themselves …
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The ilio-so-what??? It may be hard to pronounce and even harder to spell, but every dog owner should know about this very important hip muscle. If you have a working or sporting dog, I bet you are very aware of how common and problematic it is to strain the iliopsoas muscle. Listen to Laurie Edge-Hughes, BScPT, MAnimSt, CAFCI, CCRT, tell us the ili…
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Have you ever thought about what happens to military or contract working dogs when they "retire" from active duty? Having served our country their entire lives, historically, these heroes have been abandoned or euthanized. Founded in 2013, Mission K9 Rescue, a non-profit welfare group, is working hard to change that. Listen to Bob Bryant, cofounder…
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Feet of all creatures are amazing structures that serve multiple purposes. This episode focuses on canine feet: their intricate anatomy, things to watch for, the importance of proper care, including nail trims, and the foot's role in overall health and well-being. These extraordinary assets not only allow for locomotion, traction, and protection, b…
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This is a game changer! DogLeggs is a company that has provided innovative, quality products since the formal inception of small animal physical rehabilitation. One of Cathy and Chris's favorites is their Shoulder Stabilization System which offers a way to protect a healing shoulder joint to allow for safe rehabilitation and activity at home while …
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Have you ever wondered what your pet would say if they could actually talk? Listen to Danielle MacKinnon, a luminary in the realm of animal communication. With a rare and innate gift, she bridges the gap between humans and the animal kingdom, and has dedicated her life to unraveling the mysteries of interspecies communication. Her deep connection w…
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Many every day movements using every day surroundings can become exercise that can profoundly impact your dog's performance, quality of life, and longevity. Bobbie Lyons, CCFT, KPA CTP, Cert CF, describes just how easy it can be. However, we need to first observe what our dog is doing repetitively - the patterns of posture and movement that may not…
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Did you know that a pet pig has the intelligence of a 3-year old child, can be easily litter-box trained, is affectionate and craves companionship, and that the pig's primary senses are smell and taste? These are merely some of the fun facts that Susan Armstrong-Magidson of Ross Mill Farm and Pig Placement Network shares with us from over 33 years …
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When your dog exhibits signs of stress, did you know that pain could be the trigger? If pain is left untreated, the signs of stress can escalate into aggression. Many of us are not aware of these early signs and even if we are, we certainly may not attribute them to pain, but perhaps some other factor like fear or displeasure. Ran Courant-Morgan, M…
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Your young dog starts limping on his front leg; there was no injury that you know of. You bring your pup to the vet and the doctor tells you it could be elbow dysplasia. Now what? Listen to veterinary radiologist, Dr. Marjorie McMillan, DVM, ACVR, CCRP, explain what elbow dysplasia is, how it's diagnosed, and the various treatment options. This is …
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Patty Ramirez is not your average pet owner. Patty took something potentially devastating and turned it into something positive. She lost her dog, Gideon, to lymphoma. Then she adopted Zeke, an anxious, deaf Boxer, who helped Patty not only learn the importance of checking her pups for lumps and bumps when she found a mast cell tumor on him, but al…
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Listen to Cathy and Chris as they pounce into the world of cat physical rehabilitation. Discussing everything from recognizing when your feline friend may be in pain to rehabilitation tips and tricks to modifying your cats living environment. This episode is sure to get you purring about all the pawsitive measures you can take to ensure your cat is…
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Very common in toy breed dogs, but occurring ever more frequently in large breeds such as Labs, is a condition called patellar luxation, also known as a kneecap dislocation. Listen as Karen Pastor, DVM, DACVS, explains why patella luxation occurs, how it's diagnosed, and how to treat it, both surgically and conservatively. Have you ever noticed you…
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The Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap is a game changer. It’s an extra needed set of hands if you work with cats and kittens. Invented by veterinarian, Surell Levine, VMD, CEO, to make vet visits easier for cats, this unique and effective wrap holds our feline friends in a calming hug while allowing special access points for common procedures and nail trims. It…
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Have your ever seen a dog dragging their foot? Heard them scraping their nails? Or even witnessed them actually standing or walking on the tops of their feet? Listen to Cathy and Chris talk about knuckling - what is it, why it happens, and what to do about it. This episode focuses on anti-knuckling devices - maybe something you've never considered,…
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Cathy and Chris pick the brain of Diane Dewberry about flower essences and how they are used to rid our pets of emotional trauma and bring them back into balance. Safe for ALL animals, including people, learn how these gentle, yet powerful, essences may help your pets with such things as anxiety, grief, and behavioral issues. What are flower essenc…
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Ticks are everywhere! Ticks carry bacteria that cause diseases, most notably Lyme Disease. Listen to our esteemed guests from Merck Animal Health, Kathryn Duncan, DVM, PhD, DACVM, an expert in parasitology, and Laura Greene, DVM, DACVIM, an expert in internal medicine, as they educate us about what we need to know. They lend their individual expert…
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Listen to Kathy Keenan, MS, DVM, explain yet another exciting advancement in veterinary medicine called Renal Replacement Therapy. This life-saving treatment is done for cats and dogs with many conditions including acute kidney failure, immune-mediated diseases, cancer, toxin ingestion, and drug overdoses. Renal Replacement Therapy treats the pets …
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How do you know if a home laser therapy device is good or not? PetAbility invited Alon Landa, CEO of MedcoVet, to help us discern the good from the not-so-good light therapy devices available today. The laser (also known as light) therapy market is very competitive and navigating the marketing of a device, as well as comparing specs between devices…
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Just because a dog is wearing a muzzle does not mean they are a bad dog! Listen to professional dog trainer, Laura Gendron, CPDT-KA, LFDM, FFCP, dispel the stigma associated with muzzle wearing by educating us about muzzle positivity! Laura shares a plethora of reasons why muzzling is beneficial such as during medical recovery (an alternative to th…
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Our conversation with pet photographer, Fred Levy, uncovers the unique challenges of photographing pets. We discuss what differentiates a professional photo from those smartphone pics we snap on an almost daily basis, tips for getting the right shot with your own pet, and why everyone should consider professional pet photos at various stages of the…
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If your dog has ever had a seizure, you should listen to this. If your dog has never had a seizure, you should listen to this. The truth is that approximately one in ten dogs will experience a seizure in their lifetime. Listen as Gena Sliver, MS, DVM, DACVIM, explains everything from the various types of seizures to what can cause a seizure to what…
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Write it down! Often times when it comes to things we need for our pets, we have to create them ourselves, like the old adage "necessity is the mother of invention" implies. This is exactly what Erin Scott, self-proclaimed dog mom, did when she created the electronic Dog Health Journal. This practical, informative guide facilitates keeping track of…
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Whether you have an exotic pet or don't even know what exotics are, you will be entertained and educated as you listen to expert storyteller Dr. Doug share his adventures of treating exotic animals for over 30 years. From parrots to primates and snakes to alligators, he's done it all with great passion. We discuss what attracts some of us to exotic…
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Bringing your pet to the vet can be a stress-inducing blur! Listen as Chris and Cathy share suggestions to best prepare for your pet's trip to the vet and get the most out of your visit. They cover everything from what to do before leaving your home, providing helpful tips to maximize efficiency and managing expectations during the visit, and helpi…
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Listen as Phoebe Hart takes us on her journey with Hugo, her endearing, 12 y.o., mixed breed rescue that was diagnosed 1.5 years ago with Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), a neurological disease with no known cure that causes progressive paralysis. Phoebe shares her reaction when she learned of Hugo's diagnosis. She stresses the importance of not panic…
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Who has one of the coolest jobs ever? Our vote goes to Bethany Brown, founder of the Saco River Wildlife Sanctuary in Maine in 2015. Listen as Bethany shares tales of rehabilitating all kinds of critters, including racoons, foxes, opossums, skunks, porcupines, squirrels, coyotes, fisher cats and even bats! The Sanctuary takes in over 800 animals an…
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Dubbed by some as "The Mother of Canine Rehabilitation," it was an honor having Laurie McCauley, DVM, DACVSMR, CCRT, CVA, CVC, on our show to discuss how each of us has the ability to improve our dog's health and longevity through exercise. It's not hard as long as you know a few basics, like the type of exercise to use to achieve specific goals fo…
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Returning guest, Beth Innis, DVM, CVA, CVCHM, CCRT, CVSMT, discusses how the use of Eastern and Western veterinary medicine complement each other to provide more treatment options for our pets. Dr. Innis gives examples of each philosophy and how the integration can enhance the effect of the other. She also takes us on her career journey to her curr…
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When it comes to itchy ears, this perceived annoyance can quickly turn into a veterinary emergency. Itchy ears caused by allergies, is a VERY common problem in our pets and one of the most frustrating issues to deal with. Left unaddressed, yeast, fungus, bacteria, parasites, debris, and water in the ear can lead to infections, severe pain, and dimi…
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