In veterinary school, we were taught, “You can’t know what is abnormal until you know what is normal.” The same is true for your dog. If you don’t know what is normal, you may not be able to tell when something is abnormal.
It is easy to tell if your dog is lame. But what about more subtle signs that something is wrong? Has your dog always allowed you to fully extend her shoulder, but now resists that? Has your dog always been willing to put both front legs up on you to stretch, but now doesn’t want to? What is normal for YOUR dog?

I will show you how to assess your dog’s musculoskeletal (MS) health. I will teach you how to move your dog’s bones and joints, and how to feel their muscles. Then students with working spots will show me on their dog. We will discuss what they are doing well, and what they can do differently. This MS evaluation can be done any time, and only takes about 10 minutes. I did this with my dogs after every agility competition.

If you want to be more “in touch” with your dog’s body, this may be just what you need.

For the working spots, your dog should be able to lie quietly on her side while you manipulate her legs. This is not required, but it will make it easier for me to assess what you are doing.

Watch the trailer

Note:  This is a repeat workshop that has run previously under a different course number.  Please review your workshop library to make sure this would not be a duplicate purchase.

Lecture Publish Date: Sunday September 26

Video Submissions Due Date:  Sunday October 3 @ 12pm noon PT

Feedback & Questions Video Publish Date: Wednesday October 6

Instructor: Sue Yanoff, DVM

 Sue (she/her) graduated from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, NY, in 1980.  After three years in private practice, she joined the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps.  While on active duty, she completed a 3 year residency in small animal surgery at Texas A&M University...(Click here for full bio and to view Sue's upcoming courses)