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As with osteopathy for people, animal osteopathy (and it is suitable for dogs, as well as most other animals and birds) starts with taking a detailed case history. With animals, this is somewhat indirect and is often via the vet and owner). Direct information comes from observation and direct palpation. |
The role of static and active observation represents a significant difference between humans and animals. Few scantily clad human patients care to run up and down a field – but, with animals this is how the first impression of symmetry of structure and function is formed. With practice, a great deal of information can be gathered at this stage - how dysfunction compromises ideal function - often the body works to cover up and compensate for areas of poor function.
The second stage of diagnosis is direct palpation of the animal. With dogs and small pets this is easy. They are (mainly) light weight and (generally) cooperative. With a few aggressive exceptions, muscle tone, symmetry and passive movement ranges can be tested with the animal un-sedated.
By law any osteopath working on animals must have a letter of consent from the relevant vet.
