Meet Vincent – an 11 year old Mastiff X who lives with Keedra and the rest of his human and canine family.

Unfortunately Vincent has several issues including:

• Bilateral Hip Dysplasia – a condition where there is a malformation of the hip joint.
• Spondylosis – a degenerative condition of the spine characterised by the formation of bony spurs.
• Osteoarthritis – degeneration of the joint cartilage and underlying bone affecting multiple joints.
• Previous bilateral Cruciate Ligament surgery.

Owner’s Perception

In September 2018 I was contacted by Keedra, Vincent had been very unwell and she had made the very difficult decision that it was time for Vincent to make his final journey. Vincent was on a lot of pain relief, he was unable to enjoy walks, the previous 10 months had been very difficult and Keedra felt that Vincent had no quality of life.

Keedra heard about Clinical Canine Massage from a friend whose dog I had treated earlier that year. Aware that I had trained for 2 years in 4 disciplines of massage – Swedish, Sports, Deep Tissue and Myofascial Release, and specifically in the Lenton Method™ she put her trust in me, I was her very last resort and Vincent’s appointment at the vet was cancelled.

Clinical Canine Massage Therapy

I remember very clearly the first day that I met Vincent, he came to the door to greet me, a beautiful gentle giant with the sweetest nature. As we went outside to assess Vincent’s gait and posture I must confess, my heart sank. Vincent was able to shuffle along no more than a few steps before stopping for a rest.

We spoke in depth about Vincent’s medical history and about what he would gain from Clinical Canine Massage. We agreed that it was clear the main priority was to provide comfort to Vincent in his final few weeks, Keedra and the rest of the family were realistic about Vincent’s prognosis but hopeful that they would all have one last Christmas together.

As I palpated Vincent’s muscles assessing for tenderness, changes in tone, injuries and changes in temperature it was evident that Vincent had many muscular issues including:

• Myofascial Pain – a condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue) that envelopes every organ, muscle and bone in the body. When fascia becomes restricted it becomes dysfunctional and causes many symptoms such as restricted range of movement, tight skin and an increase in pain sensitivity.
• Hypertonicity – higher than normal resting tone in the muscle caused by a persistent state of contraction. Vincent felt like a rock the first time I touched him, he was hard and inflexible and had extremely poor range of movement in all four limbs.
• Strains – a tear in a muscle caused by over stretching. Vincent had multiple strains.

Vincent was accepting of treatment immediately, he was then, and continues to be, an absolute pleasure to work with. Over the last year I have undertaken additional training in Facilitated Stretching and Ventral Aspect releases. Each time I have treated Vincent with these new techniques he has trusted me, worked with me and become one of my most trusted teachers. Vincent is a very special dog, he taught me that anything was possible!

How Did Massage Help Vincent?

• Visibly looks and seems much happier in himself
• More relaxed
• Improved mobility
• Sleeping better
• Able to go through the dog flap again
• Improvement in chronic pain leading to a reduction in medication

Vincent’s Improvement

On the day of the first treatment Keedra already saw an improvement, she sent me a message that night:

“Vin’s back legs are not trembling, he’s very relaxed right now. He’s gone out the dog flap like he did a year ago, one foot after the other, lately it’s been a bit of a job for him.”

Keedra contacted me again the following morning;

“Not a single groan all night, he seems so much more comfortable. He had his walk up the green, he’s nothing like yesterday, both feet are striding out well and equal, he has his old movement again, you have given me my boy back, he looks happy.”

Following the initial three treatments I have continued to see Vincent on a monthly basis, I last saw Vincent in July 2019, he is now in the very twilight of his years. Following his treatment Keedra sent me a lovely message.

“My baby’s looking old, my time with him is drawing to an end, but I am thankful to have spent so long with him, such a kind and gentle soul. You’ve given us more time, and also like a second chance to enjoy his autumn years properly. Your advice and knowledge has been greatly received.”

Lisa Stilwell is the owner of Essex Rivers Clinical Canine Massage and is based in Chelmsford.

The Canine Massage Guild website has lots of information on Clinical Canine Massage including a register to find your local practitioner.