...When discussing a client's dog and writing out a case history file for their animal, contraindications may arise, causing a modifications or cancellation of treatment. The client will always be informed of any contraindication, will be told why the massage may need to be modified, how the massage will accommodate the contraindication factors, and the client may also refuse the treatment plan.
Contraindications
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Acute pain and/or inflammation (injury resulting in severe pain, heat, and/or inflammation should be examined by a vet first - massage can only begin after the area of pain, heat, and/or inflammation has been resolved).
After meals (massage impairs the body's ability to digest - wait at least 90 minutes after your dog has eaten before massage).
Cancer (light massage, especially acupressure can be used safely for the palliative process, but otherwise massage will increase flow of lymph fluid, possibly increasing the rate of cancer cell propagation).
Circulation problems (conditions such as edema and hematoma are safe with gentle, light massage done in short, frequent sessions, but no deep tissue work can be done as this may cause a blood clot to be propelled to the heart, lungs, or brain or the kidneys or liver could become overwhelmed).
Dermatological conditions (mange, hot spots, septic foci, or ringworm can be severely aggravated by massage, however massage may be done in areas not affected).
Diabetes (light, gentle massage can be helpful in short, frequent sessions, otherwise deep massage will increase circulation which will increase the rate that insulin and glucose are exchanged, resulting in major blood sugar fluctuations).
Epilepsy (for palliative purposes, light, gentle massage can improve the dog's sense of well-being and ease superficial muscle tension, but deep massage will impact the circulation and nervous system to the extent that an epileptic seizure may be triggered).
Fever (when the body temperature exceeds 38.5 C +/- 1 degree - massage may work against the immune system and the body's ability to regulate temperature, and the infection could also spread deeper into the body).
Heart conditions (the circulation increase caused by massage will cause the heart to work harder - massage may be done in these cases for palliative purposes only).
Infectious or contagious disease (like Kennel Cough, Distemper, Infectious Enteritis, or any viral or bacterial related illness - massage may disrupt and overwhelm the immune system and there is the risk of infecting other animals).
In Season (massage could cause significant blood flow increase, resulting in hemorrhaging).
Post surgery (hemorrhaging could result in areas not fully healed, therefore massage may only commence two weeks after surgery, or once the sutures have been removed - the surgical site will mot be massaged for another 2-6 weeks after this).
Pregnancy (massage cannot be done over the abdomen or low back where the fetuses could be disturbed and labour triggered prematurely).
REMEMBER: Canine massage is not a replacement for Veterinary treatment. Any injury or illness your dog may have must be assessed by a Veterinarian prior to receiving any form of massage therapy. I will work closely with your Veterinarian for optimal, supportive healing.
After meals (massage impairs the body's ability to digest - wait at least 90 minutes after your dog has eaten before massage).
Cancer (light massage, especially acupressure can be used safely for the palliative process, but otherwise massage will increase flow of lymph fluid, possibly increasing the rate of cancer cell propagation).
Circulation problems (conditions such as edema and hematoma are safe with gentle, light massage done in short, frequent sessions, but no deep tissue work can be done as this may cause a blood clot to be propelled to the heart, lungs, or brain or the kidneys or liver could become overwhelmed).
Dermatological conditions (mange, hot spots, septic foci, or ringworm can be severely aggravated by massage, however massage may be done in areas not affected).
Diabetes (light, gentle massage can be helpful in short, frequent sessions, otherwise deep massage will increase circulation which will increase the rate that insulin and glucose are exchanged, resulting in major blood sugar fluctuations).
Epilepsy (for palliative purposes, light, gentle massage can improve the dog's sense of well-being and ease superficial muscle tension, but deep massage will impact the circulation and nervous system to the extent that an epileptic seizure may be triggered).
Fever (when the body temperature exceeds 38.5 C +/- 1 degree - massage may work against the immune system and the body's ability to regulate temperature, and the infection could also spread deeper into the body).
Heart conditions (the circulation increase caused by massage will cause the heart to work harder - massage may be done in these cases for palliative purposes only).
Infectious or contagious disease (like Kennel Cough, Distemper, Infectious Enteritis, or any viral or bacterial related illness - massage may disrupt and overwhelm the immune system and there is the risk of infecting other animals).
In Season (massage could cause significant blood flow increase, resulting in hemorrhaging).
Post surgery (hemorrhaging could result in areas not fully healed, therefore massage may only commence two weeks after surgery, or once the sutures have been removed - the surgical site will mot be massaged for another 2-6 weeks after this).
Pregnancy (massage cannot be done over the abdomen or low back where the fetuses could be disturbed and labour triggered prematurely).
REMEMBER: Canine massage is not a replacement for Veterinary treatment. Any injury or illness your dog may have must be assessed by a Veterinarian prior to receiving any form of massage therapy. I will work closely with your Veterinarian for optimal, supportive healing.