PetAbility Podcast
This is a must-hear podcast for pet owners wanting access to the latest in pet quality of life and longevity. Whether your pet has fur, feathers, scales or shells, Cathy and Chris believe in treating your pet as a whole, both mind and body. Continuing a collaboration that began in 2003, Cathy and Chris share the gift of gab as well as their network in the pet rehab community. Using their vast expertise as Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioners (CCRPs), Cathy Symons CVT, CCRP, and Chris Cranston MPT, CCRP, offer relevant information and provocative interviews on their podcast, PetAbility. With an emphasis on mobility and independence, their show is about improving function, restoring confidence, alleviating fear, providing mental stimulation, and easing pain to help your pets live their best lives. Read on for more information about Cathy and Chris…
Cathy Symons is the author of Blind Devotion: Enhancing the Lives of Blind and Visually Impaired Dogs. She was inspired to write this book after her first pug, Booda, lost his sight at the age of seven. Several years later, Cathy adopted a blind pug named Digger and wrote a children’s book, Watching Out for Digger, which she uses as a teaching tool for young children to learn about living with a disabled dog.
After fifteen years of practice as a veterinary technician, Cathy went on to study canine rehabilitation at the University of Tennessee. In 2003, Cathy was one of the first thirty-six people in the world to become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner. Shortly thereafter, Cathy was instrumental in establishing one of the foremost veterinary rehabilitation centers in the United States, the Sterling Impression Animal Rehabilitation Center of New England. She continues to follow the latest options in pet rehabilitation, including digital thermal imaging and laser therapy, and is currently working on her third book, Senior Dogs: Maintaining Mobility and Independence.
Cathy resides in the New England area with her husband and their pug, Mac. Mac is a very confident little nugget who enjoys doing nose work with his mom.
Chris Cranston has 20 years of experience in pet rehabilitation. She is excited to share her knowledge and reach a wide pet-loving audience through the PetAbility podcast. Chris loves seeing that light bulb go off when educating pet owners, so a podcast seemed like a natural fit.
Chris started her career as a physical therapist (PT) – with people. When she moved to the Boston area in 2002, she saw it as an opportunity to do something different, so she combined her existing PT skills with her passion for animals. Chris became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through the University of Tennessee in 2004, one of the first 100 persons in the world to receive this certification. In addition to her CCRP designation, she has a Masters of Physical Therapy (1989) and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology (1987) from the University of Iowa.
Chris had a successful mobile practice, consulted with a myriad of general practices and specialty clinics, and started the physical rehabilitation service for a large multi-specialty and emergency organization in the Greater Boston region. All this was before founding FlowDog, a stand-alone, full-service small animal physical rehabilitation facility in Waltham, MA. In 2017, Chris sold her business to the esteemed Angell Animal Medical Center of Boston, and is now podcasting, consulting for a tech company in the veterinary space, providing concierge mobile pet rehab, and working getting a product to market that will help our pets. Of course, Chris prioritizes enriching the lives of her twin Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Julep & Baxter, while indulging in all the snuggles they are willing to share with her!
PetAbility Podcast
Tethered Cord Syndrome in Dogs: The Diagnosis Many Are Missing with Amie Hesbach, DPT, CCRP, CCRT
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
What if the cause of a dog's chronic pain, gait abnormalities, weakness, or unexplained mobility challenges isn't orthopedic at all?
In this episode of PetAbility Podcast, hosts Chris Cranston, MPT, CCRP, and Cathy Symon, CVT, CCRP, CHPT, explore the often-overlooked condition known as Tethered Cord Syndrome (TCS) with pet physical therapist and rehabilitation expert Amie Hesbach. TCS occurs when the spinal cord is abnormally restricted, creating tension on the nervous system that can affect movement, comfort, and overall quality of life.
Because the symptoms can mimic a variety of orthopedic, neurologic, and behavioral (think anxiety!) conditions, many affected dogs may go undiagnosed for years. Amie shares her insights into recognizing the subtle signs of TCS, the challenges of obtaining an accurate diagnosis, and the treatment and rehabilitation options available to help these dogs live more comfortable, functional lives.
Whether you're a veterinarian, rehabilitation professional, trainer, or devoted dog owner, this conversation will help you better understand a condition that may be hiding in plain sight.
In This Episode
- What Tethered Cord Syndrome is and how it affects the canine nervous system
- Why TCS is frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed
- Common signs and symptoms that should raise concern
- Conditions that TCS can mimic
- How TCS is diagnosed and why diagnosis can be challenging
- Current treatment options and the role of rehabilitation
- Practical advice for owners seeking answers for dogs with chronic mobility issues
- The importance of advocacy, awareness, and early recognition
Key Takeaway
Tethered Cord Syndrome may be uncommon, but awareness matters. By recognizing the signs early and pursuing appropriate diagnostic evaluation, owners and professionals can help affected dogs receive the care and support they need to achieve their best possible quality of life.
You may reach out directly to Amie by email at AmieHesbach@gmail.com or via her website: EmpowerPhysio.
Disclaimer
VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!
Use Promo Code PETPOD22 to receive discounts from our affiliates!
Jope - science-backed supplements
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs
Optimum Pet Vitality - education/coursework
Dr. Buzby’s -Toe Grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. Using this link donates 20% to PetAbility
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for anybody working with cats
HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowni...