AKC Veterinary Ltd - Acupuncture and Chiropractic

16/06/2026

Hip dysplasia is a common and complex developmental disease that leads to the development of osteoarthritis of the hip. This report details a case where acupuncture was used as part of the conservative management of bilateral hip dysplasia in a three-year-old Pug cross. Incorporating acupuncture into his multimodal treatment plan helped reduce associated pain and stiffness, facilitating an improvement in joint range of motion and function.

You can read this in-depth case report here:https://civtedu.org/documents/S5ANcEGaalBP3XscyLzJ.pdf

Learn about our Veterinary Acupuncture courses here: https://civtedu.org/courses/acupuncture

16/06/2026

When your dog is on rehabilitation and restricted exercise, it's important to find safe ways to keep them involved in daily life so they still feel part of the family, rather than being shut away or left out.

Harper is currently on restricted garden access and exercise following a shoulder injury, so this morning she joined me for some gentle gardening! I tethered her to me while I watered the plants and vegetable patch, allowing her to enjoy some fresh air and mental stimulation in a safe and controlled way.

Afterwards, she completed her morning therapeutic exercises while nicely warmed up, making the most of the activity she'd already done.

I think she enjoyed her little outing — she then headed straight back inside for a well-earned rest on her sheepskin rug while I got started on the admin!

If you're navigating rehabilitation with your own dog and would like advice on safe activity alternatives, environmental adaptations, or tailored rehab support, please get in touch.

📧 [email protected]
📞 07734 462281

11/06/2026

🐾. Yesterday, Harper and I made the long journey to Gloucestershire to visit a fab vet with lots of experience with sports dogs at The Renew Centre, which is amazing by the way!!

I'd been feeling for a while that something just wasn't quite right with her gait, and once again it proved that trusting your instincts is so important.

After a thorough assessment, including CT scans and ultrasound, Harper was diagnosed with shoulder injuries – supraspinatus and biceps tendinopathies. The good news is that her elbows and hips look fantastic, so there are no concerns there.

She has already started treatment with shockwave therapy and PRP injections, and now begins the road to rehabilitation. It won't be a quick fix and there will be plenty of hard work ahead, but overall the prognosis is positive.

I'm incredibly proud of how brave and well-behaved she was throughout the whole process. She was understandably very sore last night, but she's recovering well and is now sporting a rather impressive new haircut courtesy of the scans and treatment!

Fingers crossed for a smooth recovery, and here's hoping we'll be back doing what she loves before too long. ❤️🐾

100% recommend @ The Renew Centre if you need a specialist for your dogs musculoskeletal issues. Definitely worth the journey.

20/05/2026

17/05/2026

16/05/2026

Just look at the fantastic results from our recent Canine Conditioning Course! 🐾

We had so much fun while achieving some amazing progress with all of our dogs. The course included a wonderful mix of dogs aged from 7 months to 9 years old, each with their own individual needs and abilities.

Some dogs came with a few musculoskeletal challenges, which we were able to identify and tailor exercises around to best support them throughout the course. It was fantastic to see every dog grow in confidence, strength and body awareness.

If you’d like to put your name down for the next course, please send me a PM.

It’s great fun, incredibly rewarding, and so beneficial for your dog! 🐶💪

12/05/2026

Looking for a client:

Amazing home awaits.

WANTED - a companion/nanny pony to look after two dressage horses and live in luxury, at quiet private home near Horsham, West Sussex.

Preferably gelding but open to mares (no colts!)

13.2hh and under - medical conditions may be considered, but no laminitis record (we have good grazing!)

MUST be able to be left alone for short periods of time, whilst others are out training/competing.

Good to handle, farrier and basic manners are a must

Loan or may offer a nominal price for the right pony

12/05/2026

Fab post shared from East Midlands Clinical Canine Massage & Rehab

🐾 Nail Length & Its Impact on Canine Biomechanics

Have you checked your dog’s nails recently?

Long nails do more than just click on the floor—they can significantly influence your dog’s posture, movement, and overall musculoskeletal health.

When nails are left untrimmed, they don’t just affect the paw—they can impact the entire kinetic chain.

Why Nail Length Matters

🟢 Alters Joint Angulation & Posture

Overgrown nails force the toe pads upward and backward (caudally), shifting weight proximally within the limb.

This disrupts normal limb loading and can lead to:

* Postural adaptations
* Altered joint alignment
* Compensatory movement patterns

📖 Reference: Zink & Van D**e (2013), Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation

🟢 Impacts Gait & Reduces Stability

If nails contact the ground during stance, they can:

* Cause toe splaying
* Reduce effective ground contact
* Compromise traction

This may increase the risk of:

* Slipping
* Soft tissue strain (tendons/ligaments)
* Secondary compensatory issues

📖 References: Touch Animal Rehabilitation (2020); Canine Body Balance (2021)

🟢 Increases Musculoskeletal Load

Chronic postural change can contribute to:

* Myofascial tension
* Uneven joint loading
* Increased risk of conditions like Osteoarthritis in dogs

Particularly relevant in:

* Senior dogs
* Sporting/working dogs
* Orthopaedic cases

📖 Reference: Veterinary Clinics of North America (2020)

✅ Quick Nail Check

Ask yourself:

✔️ Do the nails touch the ground when your dog is standing?
✔️ Can you hear them tapping on hard flooring?

If yes—it’s time for a trim.

🟢 Clinical Insight

Nail length is often overlooked, yet it’s one of the simplest modifiable factors affecting biomechanics.

In practice, I frequently see improvements in:

* Postural alignment
* Limb loading symmetry
* Movement quality

…simply by addressing nail length alongside soft tissue work.

🟢 When to Seek Help

If your dog:

* Is reluctant to walk on certain surfaces
* Slips frequently
* Shows subtle gait changes
* Dislikes nail trimming

Support from a qualified professional (groomer, vet, or therapist) can make a significant difference.

🔍 Learn More

• Canine Body Balance Blog
https://caninebodybalance.com.au/journal/canine-nail-length-and-the-effects-on-biomechanics

29/04/2026

With the end of the month approaching please make sure you have settled any outstanding invoices. Normally everyone is great so I'm not sure if it's the change over to the App thats meaning people aren't seeing them but reminders will be sent out every 5 days.

Thanks

This is what Harper thinks about paperwork.