PetAbility Podcast

How do you know when a dog will truly benefit from a brace? Can a CCL brace for dogs replace surgery? What role does a dog hock brace play after an Achilles tendon injury? In Part 2 of our conversation with canine physical therapist Caroline (Carrie) Adrian, BS, MSPT, PhD, tCPT, we turn our attention to hind limb injuries and conditions and the growing role of canine orthotics in veterinary rehabilitation for the pelvic limb.

We beg...

When is a brace the right choice? What can it realistically accomplish? And when might it actually hinder recovery? Caroline (Carrie) Adrian, BS, MSPT, PhD, tCPT (Canine Physical Therapist), helps us answer these questions and much more.

We begin our two-part series on veterinary orthoses and bracing by focusing on the thoracic limb (front leg), trunk & pelvis/hip. We discuss the principles behind orthotic devices, common indica...

What happens when veterinary professionals take healthcare directly into the communities that need it most?

In this episode of PetAbility Podcast, we're joined by Marilyn Jerome, LVT, MS who shares her experience helping establish and operate low-cost wellness clinics throughout all five boroughs of New York City while working with the ASPCA. These clinics provided essential preventive and wellness care—including vaccines, spa...

What if the cause of a dog's chronic pain, gait abnormalities, weakness, or unexplained mobility challenges isn't orthopedic at all?

In this episode of PetAbility Podcast, hosts Chris Cranston, MPT, CCRP, and Cathy Symon, CVT, CCRP, CHPT, explore the often-overlooked condition known as Tethered Cord Syndrome (TCS) with pet physical therapist and rehabilitation expert Amie Hesbach. TCS occurs when the spinal cord is abnormally restri...

Patellar Luxation Reimagined: Shifting the Treatment Paradigm with Dr. David Dycus

Patellar luxation is one of the most commonly diagnosed orthopedic conditions in dogs—but are we thinking about it all wrong?

In this episode of the PetAbility Podcast, we revisit this familiar condition through a very different lens with veterinary orthopedic surgeon David Dycus, DVM, MS, CCRP, DACVS-SA. Rather than focusing on the basics of dia...

Disasters can strike without warning—but preparation can save lives. In this episode, we sit down with disaster preparedness expert, “Disaster Patrick,” to talk about how pet parents can protect their animals before, during, and after an emergency. From building a simple pet disaster kit to creating an evacuation plan that actually works, Patrick shares practical, real-world advice every pet owner should hear.
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Finding the right doggie daycare or boarding facility can make a tremendous difference in your dog’s safety, health, and behavior. PetAbility Podcast sits down with the owner of Butter’s House to uncover what sets high-quality, professional facilities apart. From preventing injuries/illness to supporting positive behavior and enrichment, this conversation is packed with practical guidance to help pet owners make informe...

Joint issues affect pets of all ages—not just seniors—and today’s conversation with Jope cofounder, Dr. Christine, dives into what makes their Hip & Joint Dog Chews with undenatured type II collagen (UC-ll) different from traditional joint supplements.  

Speaking both as a veterinarian and a pet parent, Dr. Christine, discusses the science of how UC-II works with the immune system, how it supports mobility...

🎙️Is your pet getting too much food… or not enough? In this episode of PetAbility Podcast, we break down pet calories in a clear, practical way to help pet parents confidently fuel their dogs and cats — without the guesswork, for a healthier, happier life.

Feeding your pet shouldn’t feel confusing or guilt-ridden. By learning how to calculate your pet's calories, you can turn numbers into real portions, and avoid...

Arthritis affects millions of pets, quietly limiting mobility, comfort, and quality of life. While medications and supplements remain important tools, many pet parents are searching for safe, evidence-based options they can use at home to support long-term joint health. Alon Landa, CEO of MedcoVet, explains the science behind how specific red and near-infrared wavelengths interact with the body at a cellular level to reduce inflamm...

Grooming isn’t always a simple spa day—especially for pets who are fearful, painful, aging, or medically complex. In this episode of PetAbility Podcast, Chris and Cathy sit down with experienced groomer and veterinary assistant, Sophie Wasniewski, to explore sedated grooming: what it is, why it’s sometimes necessary, and how it can dramatically improve safety, comfort, and quality of life for both pets and their p...

With the holidays at full throttle, we thought it timely to revisit this episode on pet obesity. Pets often gain weight in winter because shorter days lead to less activity (fewer walks, more naps.) Owners might give more treats, while their pet's metabolism slows to conserve energy, creating an "extra pounds" scenario. It's crucial for owners to manage food intake and keep their dogs and cats active to prevent unhealthy gain. In 2...

In this powerful episode, PetAbility welcomes Theresa Strader, founder of National Mill Dog Rescue (NMDR), to explore the harsh realities of commercial puppy mills and the transformative work being done to save and rehabilitate the dogs trapped within them. Theresa shares the emotional beginnings of NMDR, the rescue process from start to finish, and the medical and behavioral challenges mill dogs face on their path to adoption. Lis...

We are revisiting this timely topic with a Rehab Rewind.  Since this episode aired in March of 2024 Cathy has proudly earned the title of Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Technician.  Join us as PetAbility hosts, Cathy and Chris, share their expertise around this topic that will undoubtedly touch all our lives in some way, shape, or form.

Our pet's are living longer, surviving illnesses and traumas that were unthinkab...

Dogs are family — and these days, they’re welcome almost everywhere: cafés, breweries, stores, and even offices. But as our world becomes increasingly dog-friendly, some are wondering… have we taken it too far? In this episode, Chris chats with Lillian Ciardelli, ACAAB, and Amy Campbell, CPDT-KA, of Behave Atlanta, two canine behavior experts who help people and dogs navigate real-world settings with empathy, ski...

Galen Myotherapy is a holistic, mindful approach that goes far beyond massage—helping dogs feel safe, understood, and pain-free while deepening the bond they share with their people. In this episode of PetAbility Podcast, Cathy and Chris explore this powerful form of canine bodywork with Lisa Buchanan, a certified Galen Myotherapist. Lisa explains how her gentle, evidence-informed, choice-led treatment protocols help dogs rel...

Learn from premier veterinary neurologist, Gena Silver, MS, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology,) all about intervertebral disk disease (IVDD,) a common neurological disease in all pets. What is it? Can it be prevented? How do you recognize it? What do you do when your pet gets it? Explained in a clear and understandable fashion for all pet lovers.

To learn more about Dr. Silver, click here.
For an IVDD Facebook education & suppor...

PetAbility Podcast  welcomes Kim Smothermon, the director of the Guinea Pig Sanctuary, to the show to share insider insights from life at the Guinea Pig Sanctuary in Salisbury, MA. Together with Cathy and Chris, Kim dives into everything you need to know about guinea pigs—whether you’re a curious first-timer, a seasoned pet parent, or simply fascinated by these gentle companions.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• H...

Join us as we revisit our conversation with Dr. Bronwyn Riggs about Canine Cognitive Dysfunction.  

Why is my 13 y.o. dog seeming so confused by every day tasks? She doesn't seem to recognize me anymore and went to the window to be let outside. Then she seemed to get lost on our usual walk and became quite anxious. She is pacing all night long and then sleeps throughout the day. She's never had an accident, and now urinated on ...