Animal Osteopathy

Book excerpt: This is a comprehensive reference textbook for all those using osteopathic treatment techniques with animals or birds or studying to do so. The book is divided into sections: equine osteopathy; general small animal osteopathy; osteopathy for exotics- (pets such as tortoise, snakes, ferrets etc); osteopathy for wildlife - native as well as non to the UK including species found in most zoological collections; avian osteopathy - both domestic and wild/exotic. Each section covers information specific to that group. This makes the book appropriate for supporting structured post-graduate university validated courses in a clear and easily navigable way. Content includes detailed sections on the differences encountered when working with animals; health and safety around different species; working within the law; integrating with allied professions; anatomy; physiology and patho-physiology; neurology; orthopaedics; differential diagnosis; differential aetiology of presenting conditions when compared to the human model; supportive husbandry and rehabilitation methods. It includes sections covering approaches to patient care; specifics of taking a detailed case history; use of supporting diagnostics; observation; palpation; structuring a treatment programme suitable for each species. Osteopathic treatment techniques and physical patient contact methods are be explained as well as graphically illustrated. All chapters are fully referenced and include revision notes to act as guidelines for the reader. It is intended primarily for post-graduate osteopaths intending to work with animals or who are already doing so. It will also strongly appeal to vets as well as to other allied professions working with animals (eg massage therapists).