SoWell Veterinary Physiotherapy

17/05/2026

17/05/2026

Lovely poster!

As it is deep into foaling season, this image should be of use to many of you!

Ever wondered why rushing a young horse into heavy work can be so dangerous? Take a close look at this equine skeletal development timeline.

A horse’s bones don’t mature all at once. Growth plates close from the ground up: the lower limb bones finish fusing within the first year, but the major joints, shoulders, hips, and most importantly, the entire spinal column can take 5 to 6+ years to fully develop.

When we ask too much of a young horse too soon, we risk causing irreversible damage, arthritis, and developmental issues to areas that are still structurally soft.

Protect their future soundness by practicing patience. Let them grow and build strength slowly.

17/05/2026

02/04/2026

27/03/2026

28/01/2026

Achilles Tendinopathies: Part 1
Late last year, I was catching up with a long-term client of mine. I’ve treated a few of her horses over the years, so our conversations usually drift between life, animals, and the usual “how’s everyone holding up?”

That day, she mentioned her dog.

He’d been in for surgery. Then another surgery. And things were… not going well.

As she talked, it became clear that he’d ruptured his Achilles tendon, had it surgically repaired, and then been immobilised in a cast for several weeks. When the cast was finally removed, the tendon re-ruptured. Back into surgery he went.

My heart sank a little as she spoke. Not because Achilles injuries are rare - but because they’re complex. And because the recovery phase matters just as much as the surgical repair itself.

She couldn’t afford to see me. The dog wasn’t my patient. And yet, I felt that familiar pull we all know so well 🫣 🫣 the need to help.

What she really needed wasn’t another opinion or someone telling her what should have been done differently. She needed to understand the pathology. The healing process. The loading requirements of tendon tissue. And the options available to her - including whether alternative bracing during recovery might allow for more controlled, graded loading and potentially reduce the risk of re-rupture.

Luckily, I could send her something simple.

A blog.

Something she could read in her own time. Share with her vet. Use as a starting point for better conversations, without feeling lectured or overwhelmed.

I’ve been grateful for the Onlinepethealth blogs many times for exactly this reason. They’re an easy, free resource to share when all you can really do to help is offer information 💚

👉 If Achilles tendinopathy is something you’re navigating -clinically or personally - our blog breaks down the pathology, healing considerations, and recovery challenges in an accessible way.
Take a read, and keep it in your back pocket for the next client who needs clarity more than answers.

Link in the comments 💚

If you have ever wished you had easily accessible educational information to share with your clients to help them in a tough spot, comment I WISH...

18/02/2025

⚠️ The Truth About Pacing in Dogs: A Sign of Compensation, Not Efficiency

Introduction: Is Pacing in Dogs Really More Efficient?

There is a widely held belief in the dog world that a pacing gait—where a dog moves both legs on the same side of the body together—is more energy-efficient than a trot. That pacing is a restful gait, which allows for energy conservation.

🔎 However, biomechanical studies on both quadruped animals and quadruped robots suggest otherwise. In fact, pacing at trotting speeds is often compensatory, meaning the dog is likely adjusting its movement from a contralateral gait (trot) to an ipsilateral gait (pace) to avoid the torque inherent in a contralateral gait.

🧠 Understanding why this happens, and what we should be doing about it, is crucial for dog owners, trainers, and breeders.

Read the full blog post, with marked up, explanatory graphics, and linked studies on my website.









https://canineconditioningcoach.com/the-truth-about-pacing-in-dogs-a-sign-of-compensation-not-efficiency/

18/10/2024

I am very much a hands on/visual learner, this is a beautiful picture showing the muscles and layers within the thoracic sling

The Equine Thoracic sling forms the connection between the forelimbs and the body.

Nestled between the forelimb and the rib cage, the brachial plexus lies protected. The integrity and function of the thoracic sling is essential to the function of the entire body. Restrictions or dysfunction of this area can restrict the nerves of the brachial plexus, restrict range of motion of the forelimbs as well as the hindlimbs, and cause imbalance throughout the body.

Read more here:
https://onlinepethealth.com/the-thoracic-sling/

11/09/2024

Interesting read 🐴🦶