Onlinepethealth

Passive range of motion is one of our most commonly used outcome measures.

And yet - how often do we pause to ask: where do our 'normals' come from?

In canine rehabilitation, variation is the rule, not the exception. Body type, breed, size, limb conformation, and muscle mass all influence what “normal” looks and feels like. A chondrodystrophic breed will not present the same joint angles as a long-limbed sighthound. A heavily muscled working dog will not have the same end feel as a lightly built companion animal.

Research consistently shows significant differences in goniometric measurements across breeds and body types. That means a single reference value cannot define normal for every patient.

If we rely too heavily on textbook norms, we risk misclassifying healthy conformation as restriction - or missing meaningful change because the number still falls within a generic range.

Goniometry is most powerful when it is individualised:
• Establish baseline values for that dog
• Compare side-to-side symmetry
• Track change over time
• Interpret findings within the context of conformation and function

Numbers matter. But context matters more.

In this week's blog, we explore how breed and body type influence passive range of motion, and how recognising these variations sharpens our clinical reasoning and outcome assessment.

Comment BLOG below and we’ll send you the link to read it.

Does more spinal cord compression always mean worse neurological deficits?

In Episode 401 of the Veterinary Rehabilitation Podcast, Megan Doyle from South African Animal Physical Rehabilitation Association joins Ané Lloyd for a Journal Club–style discussion unpacking two retrospective research papers on IVDD.

Together, we explore how the severity of spinal cord compression from disc herniation relates (or doesn’t always relate) to the neurological deficits dogs present with pre-operatively - and what this means for how we assess, communicate prognosis, and approach rehabilitation planning.

A valuable listen for therapists who care about grounding their clinical decisions in evidence, while still treating the patient in front of them.

👉 Comment VRP1 and we’ll send you the podcast link.

Sponsored by PawProsper 💚

If you've been interested in learning more about Ozone Therapy - this is a great opportunity!

When: Saturday, April 18th
Where: Online at www.vetozonesummit.com
Cost: $69 - use the code onlinepethealth for a 20% discount!
What: Seven cutting-edge lectures, door prizes, live Q&A, product discounts and more

Ortho exams identify mechanical possibilities.
Clinical reasoning determines whether those findings actually matter to the patient

🎓 Intra-Articular Therapies 2.0: Data-Driven Decisions for Small Animal Practice
with Arielle Pechette Markley, DVM, cVMA, CVPP, CCRT, DAIPM, DACVSMR

This evidence-based update dives into the evolving world of intra-articular therapies - comparing current data on PRP, stem cells, hydrogels, radioisotopes, and combination protocols.

You’ll explore efficacy, dosing, durability of effect, and patient selection, alongside practical decision frameworks, real-world case applications, and client communication strategies - all designed to support smarter, more individualised treatment planning.

✅ Available inside the Onlinepethealth Small Animal Members Portal.

💬 Comment SMA and we’ll send you the registration info.

Canine Cushing's Myopathy is taking another turn around the block, and I'm very interested to hear what we have picked up along the way.

It's been a while since we've spoken about this pathology, but the conversations seem to be surfacing again at the moment!
I'm adding the link to our blog in the first comment - please have a read through what Vetrehabbers and veterinarians have to say about their experience treating this pathology, including Edwards, Lane, Love, Barton, Wilkie and Sorensen.

And then come back and join the conversation - if you have had experience with this pathology, let me know. I would love to update this blog if there is new information available on successful ways that we can help these patients 💚

Mm. brachiocephalicus: 3 muscles in 1 The brachiocephalicus is one of the first muscles to become painful in dogs that start shifting weight forward and bracing through their forequarters. And that pattern shows up across many different conditions. What we call “the brachiocephalicus” is actually three muscles sharing a common origin at the clavicular intersection - a small tendinous point within the muscle belly. From here: 👉Cleidobrachialis travels down to insert on the distal cranial humerus (easy to palpate along the front of the upper limb) 👉Cleidocervicalis runs up into the cervical region, inserting along the median raphe toward the occiput 👉Cleidomastoideus sits deeper, attaching to the mastoid process of the temporal bone Together, these three portions connect the head and neck to the humerus - which is why this muscle group plays such an important role in posture, weight-bearing, and compensatory patterns. In this video, I’m palpating and massaging my own dog, Bella 💚 If you’d like anatomy explained in a way that actually translates to what you feel under your hands… Comment ANATOMY for the link to Canine Muscle Anatomy, Simplified 💚

Woof & Answer Wednesday: I tried one of the techniques you show in your videos and was surprised at my dog's response to such a light touch. How does that work? Answer: In The Masterson Method®, we use a very light touch to bring your dog’s attention to an area of tension without giving them anything to brace against. Because the touch is so light, the nervous system can shift from an alert, protective state into a more relaxed one. When that happens, the muscles often begin to release naturally. As your dog relaxes, you might notice signs such as deeper breathing, licking and chewing, or softening through the body. Often, the most effective way to help your dog release tension is to use less pressure. As Jim always says, less is more! Want to learn more about The Masterson Method® bodywork for dogs? Explore our Live Online Courses and start learning from the comfort of your home (link below). https://mastersonmethod.com/beyond-dog-massage/ #MastersonMethod #BeyondDogMassage #CanineBodywork #DogRelaxation #DogWellness #Dogparents #Doglovers