Bowen Therapy / Chiropractor

[Sticks1977]

After posting some news about Fraser and his possible cruciate ligament sprain or tear I have been thinking of taking him to a bowen therapist or chiropractor to get a second opinion and to also see if there is anything that they can do.

I visited the Vet on Monday (12th January) and they examined Fraser and said that there was no positive drawer sign, but still some minor pain in his stifle when touched. They recommended rest and a course of anti-inflammatory pain tablets (Prolet). He has been showing some improvement and this morning was able to scratch his ear with his right hind leg (the one that had the injury).

Could anyone recommend a bowen therapist or chiropractor? I live in Cranbourne West, Victoria and have already been reading on the Internet, so far I have found a bowen therapist in Frankston North (Pia) and have also been reading on this forum with people recommending a chiropractor by the name of Barry Haywood from Cranbourne South.

At the moment I am not sure which procedure to go ahead with - or even to go ahead with either of them at all. The vet has mentioned for Fraser to rest and to come back next Monday (19th January). At the moment Fraser is able to walk around quite comfortably, but is still not putting his full weight onto his right hind leg.

Any feedback would be appreciated...

Regards, Shaun (sticks1977) and Fraser.

Edited January 13, 2009 by Sticks1977

[Erny]

Barry Haywood is well thought of by many and I expect with very good reason. Unfortunately, I cannot share that sentiment, but then my situation and opinion is individual and by the sounds of it very much in the minority. It's not so much that he did anything that caused harm to my girl, but that what he did I found somewhat rough, and then he chose to not follow through (her issues were complex).

I ended up visiting Kevin Kelly in Devon Meadows. I don't believe he has 'papers' but he did some wonderful work on Kal. He was very gentle with her (as he seems to be with all the dogs he sees) yet what he did was very effective and of the chiro's I had taken her to, his manipulations worked ..... and held. Of all the Vets, Chiro's and other dog-health professionals, Kevin was the only one where Kal did not shake and tremble on her arrival there - this a direct tribute to how gentle he is with them.

Kevin works from the Devon Meadows dog swimming pool (Stanley Street or Road, if I remember correctly) every Wednesday 4pm - 6pm. He charges $15 per visit. The thing is that he does not take appointments. You get there, put your name on a whiteboard and you're seen in the order of arrival. But he'll only see up to 20 dogs, which means if you get there late there's a good chance the board will already be full. So I get there at 2pm (when the pool opens), put my name down and prepare to read a book, take my dog for a walk, eat my lunch or whatever.

People (including breeders; sport-dog owners; greyhound people) come from far and wide to see him. One breeder/owner drives all the way from Bendigo to see him and I believe that's not the furthest people will travel for his services.

IMO it doesn't hurt to have an opinion and I find that Kevin will tell you if your dog doesn't need to see him.

[Gamby]

I prefer the Bowen Therepy as is is gentle and does work on my two older dogs and Gambit.

As long as I rest them for a day they are new puppies after treatment.

I was so lucky with Gambit who was attacked from behind when he was about 6 months old. The next day when I was checking him I found that where he had been bitten the area was so hot. Not touching it but holding the hand up over the area. My Bowen Therapist, John happened to be there the next day and worked on Gambit. He was a new dog, the heat had gone out of the area. the only thing that it left Gambit with was a fear of Obedience Trialing.

Have a talk to Pia, she'll be able to put you in the picture as to how, when & why.

Wendy

[Dogsfevr]

Both have different results.

Bowen is about improving interconnective tissues that surrounds the dogs muscle,nerves,bones & other tissues .To stimulate certain receptors so the body will correct any disfunctiom & restore balance to connective tissues

(explaination for the dogs NSW journal)

I have used bowen for nearly 4 yrs.

I have also used chiros for over 20 years but have in the last 4 years used bowen more especially with my large breeds where joint maintance is so important.

I have found it great with young dogs in stimulating appetite .

I swear by both but prefer the aim of Bowen.

[Rascalmyshadow]

We used a wonderful Bowen therapist located in Frankston, his name is Christian. He also does a lot of work on horses.

I have also found a great physio, she does house visits and is very affordable. We had her work on Bosun and two days later he was a different dog, it was the first time I have seen him move comfotably and freely in over 12 months.

[Flaves]

Sticks out of the names i sent you via PM, i would go Kate Haines first.

She helped Daire so much.

He was a different dog when he walked out of her surgery the first time

She is a vet as well as a chiro so she will be able to help with both vet and chiro

She gets 2 thumbs up from me and Daire

[Derharv GSD'S]

Debbie Hall is a bowen therapist who works from the Devon Meadows pool, PM if you'd like her number.

She charges $25- per session

[MissMaddy]

I use Debbie Hall as well, and have found her to be really good. Although bowen can take a little longer to take effect, I always notice that if Zali was a bit sore somewhere that she isn't any longer after seeing Debbie.

[Sticks1977]

Well I am pleased to report that I contacted Christian in Frankston South who was able to see Fraser this afternoon to look over him and see if there was any need for treatment and also to address my fears that it may be something more serious than a slight sprain of the hind leg.

I arrived at the destination and lifted Fraser out of the car and carefully approached the front door. Christian looked over Fraser and said that for a labrador he was built quite well and was a solid boy but by no means overweight or fat. He checked the flexibility of his head and neck and also front legs.

He then paid attention to the problem area of his right hind leg and after much examination said that he could not locate any discomfort in the knee and said in his opinion it must have been a slight sprain of the joint. Christian also mentioned to limit Fraser's activity to a maximum 20 minute walk per day and strictly no fetching or elements of play that involved twisting and turning.

He also mentioned to me to visit a health food store and purchase tissue salt tablets (ferrum phosphate) which would act as a natural anti-inflammatory and also purchase some Arnica cream/spray for brusing. He said that both of these would be useful if Fraser ever encountered another muscular type of injury.

It was refreshing to hear that everything was OK with Fraser and that he was given a clean bill of health. I was still cautious and unsure due to what I have seen through the week. But considering that Fraser was limping and not putting any weight on the leg at all earlier in the week - and now able to distribute his weight evenly was evidence in itself that he was beginning to get better.

I am due to see the local vet on Monday afternoon - they will review Fraser's condition and I am sure will let me know either way whether he requires more rest - or if I have been extremely lucky in that Fraser may have only encountered a sprain to the hind leg.

Shall keep you updated on his progress over the weekend - thanks to all for the replies and recommendations I will keep them all in my thoughts if anything similar happens in the future.

Regards, Shaun (sticks1977) and Fraser.

[Flaves]

Great news Shaun. Glad Fraser is on the mend

[Rascalmyshadow]

Great news, Christian is a really nice guy. Did you get to meet his gorgeous rotti?