Small Animal

Low Temperature Thermoplastic Splinting and Orthotics in Small Animal Medicine

Diane Messum – All Day

This lab will have initial lectures with practical demonstrations, followed by delegates own fabrication of supports, splints, assistive devices and casting.

The objectives of this lab are to:

• provide specialists in veterinary physiotherapy with a detailed insight into the use of soft supports, splints and orthotic devices for different conditions of the carpus and tarsus of the small animal.
• discuss different grades of carpal and tarsal supports and why this is important.
• introduce the use of different splinting materials and how to ‘measure up’ and make your own carpal and tarsal support Grade 1-3 and assistive devices.
• cast confidently for a Grade 4 carpal and tarsal orthosis
• Review case examples.

Fundamental Foundations of Fitness

Dawn Hickey and Rachel Caine – Half Day

This course focuses on training foundational canine movement patterns to support dogs’ ability to perform everyday activities safely and efficiently. Participants will learn to identify and develop a core set of natural dog movements, emphasizing behavior, body awareness, and biomechanics to build strength, balance, and mobility that translate to real-life function. The course also provides practical, achievable strategies to enhance both physical and mental endurance in dogs while strengthening the human–animal bond.

The objectives of this laboratory are to:

• Develop the skills to teach foundational behaviors that promote canine body awareness and motor control.
• Learn to apply effective reward placement and handler body language to support clear communication and successful learning outcomes.
• Understand how to work dogs through all three planes of motion to support comprehensive strength, balance, and conditioning.
• Explore creative and practical methods for utilizing both commercial and homemade equipment to progress exercises and maximize functional benefit

Joint Injection Techniques for Biologics

Darryl Millis – Half Day

Participants will learn anatomic landmarks for joint injections, and practice joint injections in cadavers. The shoulder, elbow, carpus, hip, stifle, and tarsus will be emphasized.

Objectives of this laboratory are to:

• Know anatomic landmarks and techniques for joint injections
• Feel confident in performing joint injections in the major joints
• Know the various biologics and other medications that may be injected