Canine Rehabilitation Institute e-news

In Our May 2015 Issue ...  

 

Last Chance to Register for Our June Clinical Orthopedics Course!  

 

Register for our Canine Sports Medicine Class in Switzerland! 

 

Join Us in September for Veterinary Orthotics and Prosthetics 

 

Registration is Open for Canine Sports Medicine in Australia! 

 

Plan Ahead for 2016 Courses ... and more!

 

orthopedicsLast Chance to Register for Our June Clinical Orthopedics Course!   

A few seats are still open for Current Techniques in Clinical Orthopedics: Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, to be held Friday and Saturday, June 19-20, in Broomfield, Colorado. This is our most requested continuing education course, but we may not offer it again until 2017. Don't miss your chance to take it this year!

 

This course will include two lunch-and learn sessions as well as breakfast and snacks. Friday's lunch will be hosted by PulseVet, and Saturday's lunch will be hosted by OrthoPets. This is a great opportunity to learn from two leading companies in the industry.

 

Students in this course will gain an understanding of advanced orthopedics and sports-related injuries and the rehabilitation treatment guidelines developed for specific conditions. Orthopedic and rehabilitation examination/palpation, gait analysis, and diagnostic and treatment techniques will be demonstrated and practiced in the hands-on wet lab. Actual clinical cases will be used to illustrate conditions and treatment options for common sports medicine injuries. 

PulseVet logo
OrthoPets logo

 

Dr. Felix Duerr and Sasha Foster, MS PTInstructors are Felix Duerr, DVM, MS, Dr. med. vet, Dipl. ACVS, Dipl. ECVS, Dipl., American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, CCRT, and Sasha Foster, MS Physical Therapy, CCRT. Dr. Duerr worked in private practice for four years prior to joining Colorado State University in 2011 to build up CSU's Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation program. Sasha Foster is the Rehabilitation Coordinator at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital where she is a member of the Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Team.

 

The course will be held in Broomfield, Colorado, 20 minutes from downtown Denver and 10 minutes from Boulder - a great location for a visit to the Rocky Mountains!

 

If you have been thinking about enrolling in this course, we encourage you to register soon

Swiss flagswitzerlandRegister for Our Canine Sports Medicine Class in Switzerland!  

Registration is now open for our Canine Sports Medicine course in Switzerland! The class will take place September 18-20, 2015, at Dr. Rico Vannini's practice, Bessy's Kleintierklinik, located about 15 minutes from the Zürich airport.

 

The course is limited to 30 seats and will be taught by CRI faculty member and sports medicine expert Dr. Christine Zink.  

 

To register, contact Dr. Rico Vannini at rico.vannini@bessys.ch.

 

For more information about the course, please see our Swiss Program page

vopJoin Us in September for Veterinary Orthotics and Prosthetics!  

Nema a patient of OrthoPets We are pleased to announce that we will be offering our Orthotics and Prosthetics in Canine Rehabilitation course this fall! The course is scheduled for September 26-28 in Broomfield, Colorado.

 

In this course, students learn how orthotics and prosthetics can be used effectively in canine rehabilitation. Instructors review the principles of biomechanics, kinematics and dynamics, in particular how they guide the design and fitting of specific orthotics and prosthetics. Wet labs provide students with hands-on experience in thoracic-limb and pelvic-limb fiberglass impression techniques. Patient evaluation and treatment options for specific conditions and injuries are discussed. Students also have the unique opportunity to tour OrthoPets, a nearby veterinary orthotics and prosthetics (V-OP) manufacturing facility.  

 

Don't miss your chance to learn from experts in the field - register online today!

Australian flagaustraliaRegistration is Open for Canine Sports Medicine in Australia!  

The Canine Rehabilitation is pleased to be returning to Australia to offer its continuing education program. We have scheduled our initial CRI certification course, Canine Sports Medicine, for February 11-13, 2016, in Sydney, Australia.

 

Please see the Australian Program page of our website for more details and a link to online registration. 

registrationDog in CRI classRegister Now for 2015 Courses Before They Sell Out! 

Registration is open for our November and December core courses, but courses are filling up quickly. If you want to start your certification classes in 2015, please register now to reserve your seat.

 

The following core classes still have openings: 

If you have registered for a "future" course as part of a 2-course package and wish to attend an upcoming course, please contact Joyce Rudzitis at CRI to transfer your registration to an open class. We do not make transfers automatically so please contact us to guarantee your seat.  


Many of our core courses have been selling out months in advance, so we encourage you to register online soon.  

courses2016Plan Ahead for 2016 Courses! 

CRI is pleased to announce its 2016 schedule for core certification courses. We will open registration for these courses during the months ahead and announce course openings in this newsletter. (Please note that all course dates are still tentative until registration opens.)

Upcoming courses are also listed on the Course Schedule page of our website.


CRI faculty member Dr. Patsy Mich recently sent us this letter in response to our recent articles about Brutus, the Rottweiler with four prosthetic limbs, and the media coverage he has received.

 

Brutus ready for a rehab session at Colorado State Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Photo: Better Paws for Brutus Facebook page

Dear CRI Community:

 

I was deeply gratified to see the exposure for the Colorado State University team regarding Brutus, the Rottweiler with 4 prosthetic limbs. There are many dogs in need of a "leg up" and national coverage like this helps get the word out that new and exciting options exist. Through the combined efforts of dedicated owners and rehabilitation/sports medicine professionals so many veterinary patients face a brighter future.

 

In addition to the fabulous ongoing work of the CSU team, Sasha Foster, Felix Duerr, Laura Southworth and others (forgive me if I missed anyone), I want to acknowledge the work of CRI's own Mamie Whitman of Dog Rehab Works in Denver. Her efforts in the early days and months of Brutus receiving his legs were invaluable. She helped introduce Brutus and his family to the world of prosthetic limbs setting him on a path to success and taking his first steps. Thank you, Mamie!

 

The process of rehabilitating a prosthesis patient is challenging and truly rewarding. No human prosthesis patient leaps to their feet on day one; the same can be said for canine prosthesis patients. Patience and time are the keys. A complete treatment plan includes: behavioral modification to acclimate the patient to the device(s); gait re-education, transition training; proprioception and balance work; strength training, adaptive techniques for activities of daily living; myofascial pain management; device adjustment as ambulation skill progresses; among others. The goal is integration. This means the prosthetic limb(s) become nearly one with the patient. A great example of this is a dog digging with their prosthetic limb(s). This demonstrates complex functional use of the limb. In Brutus' case learning to walk with four prosthetic limbs is a huge structural, neurologic, and mental challenge. The work of all of these fine professionals and Brutus' amazing family is a wonder.  

 

My gratitude to all of you. Legs on and hats off!

 

Patsy Mich, DVM, MS, DABVP, DACVAA, DACVSMR, CCRT 

 

To follow Brutus's story and see videos of Brutus in action with his prosthetic limbs, visit the Better Paws for Brutus Facebook page.  

brazilOur Brazilian Program is Off to a Great Start!  

Earlier this month, we held our first course in Brazil, Introduction to Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, taught by Dr. M. Christine Zink

 

We had a great group of students, and their energy was contagious!

 

Our Brazilian program includes three hands-on courses and an internship at a practice with a certified canine rehabilitation therapist. We are planning to hold the second and third certification classes in 2016.

 

Please see the Brazilian Program page of our website for more details about upcoming courses. We are excited to bring CRI's courses to our colleagues in South America!

 

coralspringsCongratulations Again to Coral Springs Animal Hospital!  

Congratulations are in order, once again, to our host practice, Coral Springs Animal Hospital, for being selected one of the first approved Internship Mentor Sites for the American Animal Hospital Association.

 

This news was announced in an article in the May 15 Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association in which Dr. Lloyd Meisels, founder of Coral Springs Animal Hospital, was featured. CRI is proud to partner with Coral Springs Animal Hospital!   

Case Study: Rufus.   

rufusCRI graduate Dr. Pete van Dongen of Kent, Great Britain, recently shared a case report with us about his patient Rufus, who recovered from severe brain damage after daily intensive rehabilitation.

Rufus during treatment "This is the story of Rufus, a lovely 8 year old, male neutered, Hungarian Viszla Crossbreed, who was hit by a car on Wednesday 15th April 2015 and subsequently seen by our vets at Pennard Vets Tonbridge for immediate veterinary care. After initial stabilisation and treatment Rufus seemed to be doing OK, but then, a day later, suddenly took a turn for the worse and became tetraplegic (paralysed on all four legs) which led him to be referred to North Downs Specialist Referrals, where he was admitted for a full neurological examination, including MRI scans of his brain. These scans showed that he was suffering from severe brain damage, characterised by multiple fluid accumulations, exactly like is seen in 'Shaken Baby Syndrome' in people."

After Rufus's daily rehabilitation program, Dr. van Dongen reported on his progress:

"Within just over 2 weeks, Rufus had gone from a totally paralysed dog to one that was standing, walking, wagging and weeing and enjoying a decent quality of life, due to the enormous efforts of our nurses, vet and hydro-therapist, a well-designed physiotherapy and hydrotherapy programme and a huge effort on Rufus's part too! This case clearly shows that with the best possible treatment, based on solid science and knowledge, massive improvements can be achieved, even if the outcome looks bleak at the start. We are so proud to be able to offer all this at our veterinary practice, to enhance and improve the quality of life for our patients."

Dr. van Dongen also received this update from Rufus's owner: "Rufus's progress has been absolutely astounding. He is now almost fully back to normal. He is happy to walk on the tiled and wooden floors again; he is nudging me constantly for attention; he is putting his front paws up on me while he balances on his back legs etc."

Read the complete case study and see more photos of Rufus on the CRI website. 
orthopets Joey, OrthoPets patient OrthoPets Case Study: Joey.

We've asked our colleagues at OrthoPets to share case studies with us as a way of providing more education about orthotics and prosthetics.

 

In February 2014, OrthoPets received an inquiry for an orthotic solution for Joey, a young mixed breed patient who as a pup suffered an unknown catastrophic forelimb injury (suspected to be a hit by car incident with severe soft tissue injuries of the limb).

 

The injury resulted in significant limb length discrepancy, severe carpal hyperextension as well as severe paw pad injuries, osteomyelitis in the paw and infection. Case evaluation was begun by the OrthoPets team to determine the patient's candidacy for a carpal orthosis with a custom foot bed. The owners were interested in any options that would allow limb preservation.

 

Further examination revealed that there was no SDF or DDF function in the affected limb with significant atrophy of the flexor musculature. Radiologic evaluation showed fusion of the fourth and fifth metacarpal joints and advanced osteoarthritis in the remaining joints.

 

Because of ongoing issues with wounds and osteomyelitis in the paw, the decision was made to perform a partial amputation. This option allowed eliminating the chronic pathology of the lower limb, allowing for a prosthetic solution to achieve the owner's goals of regaining limb use and loading. In order to create a bulbous residual limb tip for increased prosthetic suspension, the carpal pad was surgically positioned distal to the stump during amputation.

 

After careful post-operative case evaluation, OrthoPets fabricated a custom forelimb prosthetic with an articulating humeral cuff for device retention in August 2014. This was performed using a fiberglass impression of the residual limb. The forelimb prosthetic, in conjunction with physical rehabilitation, has allowed the patient to enjoy an active lifestyle that was not previously possible.

staarSTAAR logoSTAAR Conference a Success for Attendees and Sponsors. 

Partners in Veterinary Therapeutics logoThe 2015 STAAR Conference was a huge success with more than 125 attendees and 20 exhibiting companies. CRI, in conjunction with Partners in Veterinary Therapeutics, was a sponsor of the conference, held April 22-26 in Florham Park, New Jersey.

The AARV lecture track was sold out with great new information from renowned biomechanics researcher Dr. Gina Bertocci, who presented her new studies on canine stifle orthoses. CRI faculty members Dr. Felix Duerr and Dr. Kristin Kirkby Shaw presented on current techniques in veterinary orthopedics and the current understanding of evidence-based medicine as it applies to veterinary pain management. Dr. Shaw also presented a workshop on creating clinical trials. CRI graduate Dr. Carolina Medina presented on the use of acupuncture to improve pain management in rehabilitation patients.

Drs. Felix Duerr, Gina Bertocci, Carolina Medina
Above, from left: Drs. Felix Duerr, Gina Bertocci and Carolina Medina presented during the AARV lecture track. Below: Dr. Kristin Kirkby Shaw (at left) presented during the AARV lecture track and was an instructor at STAAR.
Dr. Kristin Kirkby Shaw at STAAR

CRI Sponsorship Opportunities flier
sponsorshipCRI Offers Sponsorship Opportunities.   

CRI is now offering the following opportunities for sponsorship.

  • Place a Banner Ad in the CRI e-Newsletter
  • Sponsor a Lunch & Learn
  • Sponsor a Lunch
  • Sponsor a Dinner Presentation
  • Sponsor a Continuing Education Course

For complete details, download the Sponsorship Opportunities flier.

 

To become a sponsor, please contact Emily Selbe at emily.selbe@att.net.

 

CRI class
studentsInterested in Working With CRI Students?       

CRI is recruiting graduates who are interested in becoming CRI teaching assistants as well as CRI internship mentors.

Those interested in becoming TAs are encouraged to contact Judy Coates, PT, CCRT, at jcoates@judycoates.com.

Those wishing to become internship mentors are asked to contact Krista Niebaum, PT, CCRT, at krista@caninerehabinstitute.com.


AARV Announces New Research Grants.

The American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians (AARV) has established a competitive annual awards program to add to the evidence base for veterinary rehabilitation by providing grant funds to highly meritorious applications. We encourage individuals to submit grant proposals that advance the science of canine and/or equine rehabilitation.

The total funds available annually to support research applications are $5,000. This is divided equally between two available grants. The AARV Research Grant ($2,500) is for clinical research related to the field of animal rehabilitation. The Aratana Research Grant ($2,500) is for research related to the field of veterinary rehabilitation with the stipulation that the research must be in the areas of pain management and/or stem cell therapy for canine or feline patients.

Applications must be submitted by July 1, 2015. For complete details, please see the Research Grants page on the AARV website.

callforabstractsAARV Announces Call for Abstracts for NAVC 2016.

At NAVC 2016, the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians (AARV) will feature the presentation of original scientific studies pertinent to the science and practice of rehabilitation therapy. Material is currently being considered for verbal presentation (15 minutes) at AARV's track at NAVC. Reviews will be performed by a minimum of two reviewers with final approval by AARV's Board of Directors. All accepted abstracts will be published in AARV's newsletter (February 2016 issue).

Please read the abstract submission guidelines and the AARV at NAVC page for more details. The abstract submission deadline is July 1, 2015.

ACVSMR logo
Sign Up for a New Email Newsletter from the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation     

The American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation now has a monthly newsletter edited by Dr. Jan Van Dyke, CRI founder and CEO. If you are interested in receiving regular updates from the college, sign up for this newsletter by going to the ACVSMR website.

AARV Adds Membership Category for Allied Health Professionals.

CRI applauds the recent decision by the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians (AARV) to add a new membership category for Allied Health Professionals. The annual dues are $40, and this gives members access to the members-only pages of the AARV website, including the archived Monthly Articles of Interest (recent publications on research related to rehabilitation), and discounts offered by AARV sponsor companies. We encourage our PT and PTA colleagues to take advantage of this opportunity.

Visit the AARV website to learn more about membership benefits and how to become a member.

Dr. Janet Van Dyke, CRI founder and CEO, currently serves on the AARV board and is an AARV past president. CRI faculty member Dr. Kristin Kirkby Shaw recently began her term as AARV president.

Are You in Balance?

When you feel pulled in mulitple directions, it means you need to slow down and look at all the areas of your life. What are the important things for you? Where are you spending your time? What is not getting your attention that needs it?

Take this short balance assessment. Self care starts with self awareness. Life is too short to spend your time where other people think you should instead of what you need to do for you.

Balance Check for Your Wheel of Life     

Contact Gwen directly for upcoming classes or to have a free strategy session.
 
Gwen Pettit of Spiral Coaching has worked with CRI faculty and graduates for more than four years and brings 30 years of leadership and management experience to coaching. Gwen is a business owner and life coach who specializes in very busy professional women who want to get their own life back on track.

Spiral Coaching logoGwen Pettit, MA, PT, ACC
970-275-0323 or gpspiral@gmail.com
Spiral Coaching: Creating a Path towards Change

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Coral Springs Animal Hospital job advertisementBoard Certified or Residency Trained Neurology Specialist - Coral Springs, Florida

Coral Springs Animal Hospital is seeking a Board Certified or Residency Trained (who plans to become Boarded) Small Animal Neurologist. Coral Springs Animal Hospital, established in 1977, is a general, specialty, and emergency/critical care hospital open 24/7/365. It is located near Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in a 38,000-square-foot building opened in 2008.

Coral Springs Animal Hospital was featured as "Hospital of the Year" in the March 2012 issue of Veterinary Economics. In 2015, it was named the AAHA Referral Practice of the Year as well as the PetPlan Practice of the Year.

To learn more, please see the job advertisement.  

Thank You to the Following Sponsors for Their Support!

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Save 10%CRI courses are held year-round in locations across the country. Visit our website at www.caninerehabinstitute.com for more information including a complete course calendar.

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