Visiting America - Part 1

I love learning. My clients know that I use many ‘Manuals' when treating. Rehabilitation for pets is still a fairly new field and there are different schools of knowledge around the world on what is best practice. I think of each of the schools of knowledge as a ‘Manual’. 

I have my European ‘Manual’ that I started when I spent time working with therapists and vets in the UK, Sweden and Finland in 2013. I have continued to fill this manual out with my ongoing friendships with rehab professionals living and practicing in Europe.

I have my Australian ‘Manual’ full of all the education and experience I have gained studying for my veterinary degree and while practicing as a Vet here, as well as the knowledge I’ve gained from over ten years of participating in dog sports.

I also have my functional ‘Manuals’ full of my knowledge and experiences practicing as a Veterinary, Training dogs at home and as an instructor, and participating in dog sports. 

When I treat a client, I blend the knowledge from these Manuals together to create a unique recipe to best treat that particular clients problems. 

However, there was one obvious hole in my collection. I don’t have much in my American ‘Manual’.

The thing is….. it’s more like an American encyclopaedia!

America has a much longer history of rehabilitation on animals, so I was keen to get over there and learn as much as I could about how they do things. I enrolled with the Canine Rehabilitation Institute to complete their certification program and I’m following it up with a week shadowing the amazing specialists at the Veterinary Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Group, an amazing clinic near Baltimore.

I am excited to be bringing back some amazing new ideas and skills from the USA to incorporate into my treatment plans. 

I’ve only been here for a few days so far and I already have new ideas to implement. For instance, I’ll be introducing some new protocols for conservative management for patella luxation, hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate management pre and post surgery and some really clever approaches to pain management.

While the Americans have a whole heap of cool toys they use for rehab, I will continue to focus on practical techniques that you can continue to do at home to maximise outcomes without driving up costs. 

However, like any girl, I couldn’t resist adding a few new toys to fill out my bag for the trip home.  

If you are interested in how I can help pet (or your friends pet) then contact me on 0429 443 314 or jaime@primalpaws.com for a chat. I’d love to talk to you about your special friend and discuss their situation so we can make sure you companion is living and loving life to the max.