Overview: Jasper is a hard working gun dog who has led an active life spent running and retrieving game. However, over the years conformational issues combined with his occupational injuries started to take its toll and he began to become increasingly lame and was finding it difficult to work. Jasper was referred by his vet to the Galen Therapy Centre and following a course of treatment, Jasper is once again a happy, healthy dog.

Jasper back to work doing the job he loves

The Problem:
Jasper’s physical problems came on over a period of time, gradually his health declined. He became reluctant to jump, was economical with his movement and had developed a crab like walking action. He also sought dark, quiet places to sleep and his personality had become increasingly grumpy. Also, as a working dog retrieving pheasants on a commercial shoot, Jasper was very fit but would sometimes go lame in the hind legs the day after work, as a consequence of the extra strain on his body.

His main problems were:

1 – Lumbo-Sacral Vertebral Spondylosis – this is a very painful condition where the body produces spurs of bone in the vertebrae which form a bony bridge that renders that part of the vertebrae immobile. For Jasper these were located in the lumbar-sacral vertebrae (lower back)

2 – Mild hip dysplasia

3 – Mild arthritis - following a cruciate (ligament) injury Jasper had been suffering increasing pain in his hip and knee

His vet had been successfully treating Jasper for a number of years for his joint problems and he had been taking Cartrophen (a neutraceutical) for the arthritis. However, his vet realised that there was an allied soft tissues problems that the neutraceutical would be unable to help, which is when he referred Jasper to the Galen Therapy Centre.

The Treatment:
Julia Robertson , Head Practitioner, recalls when Jasper was brought to her at the Galen Therapy Centre “When I first began treating Jasper, it was like uncoiling a spring. He was complex case due to the nature of his working life, as he had a number of issues and had incurred several injuries. The Spondylosis Jasper had inhibits mobility as you cannot make these ‘fixed’ vertebrae flexible, but surrounding tissues can be released therefore maximising all other potential movement.

Jasper was also suffering from neck and shoulder issues possibly through compensation from the lack of good mobility through his stifle and his lower back. Over time this caused scarring, adhesions and a general build up of fibrous qualities in the muscle to provide for the neck and shoulders. This type of biomechanical dysfunction is similar to someone sitting and typing for long periods of time, it can cause chronic problems as the body tries to support this irregular position.”

The Outcome:
The treatment was a great success and Jasper is once again fit and healthy. He now receives regular treatment to prevent the related muscular situation recurring and he has gone on to complete a full shooting season.

Jasper’s vet, Nick Tremlett of Kynoch Vets, Barkham Grove Veterinary Centre, says:

“I have referred dogs with arthritis and muscular disorders for alternative treatments before, notably for osteopathy and acupuncture. However Jasper is the first of my patients to benefit from massage therapy. Although sceptical of any unfamiliar treatment, I have been very pleasantly surprised at Jasper's progress with Julia at the Galen Therapy Centre. Not only has he shown an improvement in his general demeanor, but also a re mark able increase in his mobility and recovery after exercise. I will now be recommending that my other clients consider therapy with Julia, especially as a treatment option for any patient with similar problems to Jasper.”

Customer Quote:
Louise Brister, Jasper’s owner, says “Jasper very much enjoyed his treatment with Julia and now when he arrives at the Galen therapy centre he wags his tail vigorously and nudges her with the bits that hurt, as he knows she can help.

Following the initial treatment he was able walk with less of a crab gate and his movements became freer and notably pain free. He has always been a dog who knows his limits and when he is in pain it restricts his activity level. Prior to treatment there were times when his tolerance of exercise was poor, but now his body shape has changed so that he looks less barrel-chested and there is a mark ed improvement in his posture. He also no longer wants to seek out dark corners, which had been due to the headaches he had been suffering as a result of his tight neck. Now he is happy to come and socialise in the brightest of lights.

He also has more stamina in his working environment and his sunny nature has returned and I only now realise just how stoical Jasper has been over the last couple of years. When one imagines oneself with a constant headache, back and shoulder pain, and being sent out to rush after pheasants, I realise what a tough little dog Jasper is. Since he and I have been to the Galen Therapy Centre I noticed how Jasper had been trying to tell me he was hurting, but I was not listening. Now I am much more in tune with how he uses his body, so that I can see when he is not moving properly. I can then identify which bit of him is in pain and needs my attention, as Julia taught me some basic massage techniques to do at home.

Thank you so much to Julia and the Galen Therapy Centre for making Jasper a happy dog once again!”

Galen Myotherapy® does not replace veterinary medicine, or act as a diagnostic tool. Your veterinary surgeon will be consulted prior to any therapy. You should consult your veterinary surgeon with specific questions and for a diagnosis of your animal’s health.