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This 7-day course follows the Equinology format and reputation of being an intensive and detailed program, with extremely reputable instructors. Further canine courses are being planned for future dates.
Laurie Edge-Hughes will instruct the first 4-days of the program. She is a registered physical therapist who has focused her studies on animal therapy. Laurie teaches canine anatomy, musculoskeletal evaluation, manual therapy, and rehabilitation for the Canadian Horse and Animal Physical Therapists Association and the Animal Rehabilitation Institute in Florida. She owns a thriving canine practice in Calgary, the Canine Fitness Centre.
Laurie will teach veterinary terminology and canine anatomy, including the muscular and skeletal systems. Students will learn to palpate and identify the surface anatomy of the dog so that the massage techniques can be applied accurately. Laurie will discuss canine conformation and gait analysis and how injury or conformation may affect the gaits. Students will also learn about orthopaedic and neurological conditions in order to increase their personal undertstanding of what the dog may be experiencing and to allow them to communicate more effectively with other members of the health care team such as veterinarians and physical therapists. Finally, Laurie will address stretching techniques and follow-up exercises that can be used during and after the massage.
After 1 day off to digest the large amount of information that has been presented, Diana Thompson will teach the final three days of the course. Diana is a certified massage therapist and has been working with animals for over 17 years. She also owns and teaches the Hands-On Horse Care program throughout the United States. Diana is the founder of "The Whole Horse Journal" and has written many articles for various magazines including EQUUS. Diana will teach the theory and application of massage, basic strokes, contraindications of massage, and body mechanics for the body worker. She will also integrate some canine acupressure and flower essences into the program, giving students a wide range of techniques to assist the dog.
This is one of the most detailed canine massage classes available anywhere and will be a very popular course. Check the schedule for course dates and register now to secure your spot.
Required Reading: Dog Anatomy: A Pictorial Approach to Canine Structure, by Peter C. Goody. This text will be used in class. Please have it with you. It is available at most online bookstores.
Recommended Reading: Colour Atlas of Veterinary Anatomy; Cat and Dog, by Stanley H. Done.