PetAbility Podcast
This is a must-hear podcast for pet owners wanting access to the latest in pet quality of life and longevity. Whether your pet has fur, feathers, scales or shells, Cathy and Chris believe in treating your pet as a whole, both mind and body. Continuing a collaboration that began in 2003, Cathy and Chris share the gift of gab as well as their network in the pet rehab community. Using their vast expertise as Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioners (CCRPs), Cathy Symons CVT, CCRP, and Chris Cranston MPT, CCRP, offer relevant information and provocative interviews on their podcast, PetAbility. With an emphasis on mobility and independence, their show is about improving function, restoring confidence, alleviating fear, providing mental stimulation, and easing pain to help your pets live their best lives. Read on for more information about Cathy and Chris… Cathy Symons is the author of Blind Devotion: Enhancing the Lives of Blind and Visually Impaired Dogs. She was inspired to write this book after her first pug, Booda, lost his sight at the age of seven. Several years later, Cathy adopted a blind pug named Digger and wrote a children’s book, Watching Out for Digger, which she uses as a teaching tool for young children to learn about living with a disabled dog. After fifteen years of practice as a veterinary technician, Cathy went on to study canine rehabilitation at the University of Tennessee. In 2003, Cathy was one of the first thirty-six people in the world to become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner. Shortly thereafter, Cathy was instrumental in establishing one of the foremost veterinary rehabilitation centers in the United States, the Sterling Impression Animal Rehabilitation Center of New England. She continues to follow the latest options in pet rehabilitation, including digital thermal imaging and laser therapy, and is currently working on her third book, Senior Dogs: Maintaining Mobility and Independence. Cathy resides in the New England area with her husband and their pug, Mac. Mac is a very confident little nugget who enjoys doing nose work with his mom. Chris Cranston has 20 years of experience in pet rehabilitation. She is excited to share her knowledge and reach a wide pet-loving audience through the PetAbility podcast. Chris loves seeing that light bulb go off when educating pet owners, so a podcast seemed like a natural fit. Chris started her career as a physical therapist (PT) – with people. When she moved to the Boston area in 2002, she saw it as an opportunity to do something different, so she combined her existing PT skills with her passion for animals. Chris became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through the University of Tennessee in 2004, one of the first 100 persons in the world to receive this certification. In addition to her CCRP designation, she has a Masters of Physical Therapy (1989) and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology (1987) from the University of Iowa. Chris had a successful mobile practice, consulted with a myriad of general practices and specialty clinics, and started the physical rehabilitation service for a large multi-specialty and emergency organization in the Greater Boston region. All this was before founding FlowDog, a stand-alone, full-service small animal physical rehabilitation facility in Waltham, MA. In 2017, Chris sold her business to the esteemed Angell Animal Medical Center of Boston, and is now podcasting, consulting for a tech company in the veterinary space, providing concierge mobile pet rehab, and working getting a product to market that will help our pets. Of course, Chris prioritizes enriching the lives of her twin Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Julep & Baxter, while indulging in all the snuggles they are willing to share with her!
Episodes
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 & sup...
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:
- How the Guinea Pig...
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 urinate...
Can sound really help your dog heal? In this fascinating episode of PetAbility, we sit down with Dr. McCauley, a trailblazer in veterinary rehabilitation, to explore the emerging world of acoustic therapy for pets. Using tuning forks, this gentle, non-invasive technique can relieve pain, reduce stiffness, and restore mobility—helping dogs feel better naturally.
Dr. McCauley breaks down the science of how sound waves impact fascia, m...
Join us as we revisit our interview with Dr. Tonya Cooksey
"You are what you eat!", says Tonya Cooksey, DVM, and Director of Veterinary Relations at AnimalBiome Veterinary. Did you know that 90% of dogs and cats experience at least one symptom of microbiome imbalance each year? From digestion to mood, the gut biome plays a huge role in your pet’s overall health. We dive deep into the fascinating world of animal microbiome...
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Don Shields, a true icon in veterinary medicine whose compassion, innovation, and work ethic continue to shine at age 88. With a career spanning more than six decades, Dr. Shields shares his remarkable journey from founding Bethayers Veterinary Hospital in 1964 to still practicing today, focusing on end-of-life care.
You’ll hear firsthand about his pioneering work with pacemakers in do...
Please join us as we revisit our interview with Dr. Christin Finn.
Located in the knee, cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries are the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs. Yet there is little consistency or agreement about how to manage this condition. It goes well beyond surgery vs. no surgery. Pet parents angst about what to do to help there dog's knee pain and function, then often second guess themselves once they de...
Cathy and Chris sit down with Clayton Blunk of My Pet’s Brace, a leader in custom orthopedic solutions for pets. With nearly 90% of their braces designed for CCL (cranial cruciate ligament) injuries—the most common orthopedic issue in dogs—we explore how custom knee bracing offers a non-surgical path to pain relief and mobility. From choosing the right candidates to partnering with veterinary teams, we take you inside the journey o...
Anxiety is one of the most common—and heartbreaking—issues facing our pets today. In this comprehensive episode, Chris and Cathy explore the staggering prevalence of pet anxiety, common triggers, and a wide range of effective strategies to help our furry (and feathered) friends feel safe and secure.
Did You Know?
- Over 72% of dogs show anxiety-related behaviors
- 76% exhibited separation anxiety during the pandemic
- Cats, birds, and ev...
In this heartwarming episode, Chris and Cathy welcome Jerri Miller—a longtime friend of Chris's who is a physical therapist, certified canine rehabilitation therapist, and equine therapeutic massage therapist—who shares her transformative journey as a volunteer at Colorado Horse Rescue (CHR) since 2018. Jerri offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to care for equines in need and how volunteers truly make a difference...
Meet Toby, now officially retired from a lifetime as a therapy dog at 13 years young, he leaves a legacy of healing and connection in his wake through the lives he's touched. In this heartwarming episode, Chris and Cathy welcome guest Diane Murano to tell the incredible story of her dog, Toby—an inspiring therapy dog with over 1,000 visits to his name. Learn how therapy dogs differ from service and emotional support animals, w...
In this heartwarming and informative episode, Chris and Cathy sit down once again with integrative veterinarian and entrepreneur Dr. Julie Buzby. Known for her lifelong dedication to helping senior dogs thrive, Dr. Buzby shares the journey behind founding Dr. Buzby’s Senior Dog Company, her groundbreaking products that support aging pets, and how education empowers pet parents to confidently care for their senior dogs.
🐾 In This Ep...
🐾 If you ever notice your dog’s tail hanging limp like it just gave up wagging, you might be dealing with a case of Swimmer’s Tail! Also known as limber tail, cold tail, broken wag, or flaccid tail syndrome, this condition sounds dramatic—but the good news is, it’s usually not serious. However, it is painful for your pooch!
In this episode, we dive into what Swimmer’s Tail actually is—a temporary and painful muscle strain that make...
This episode explores Synovetin OA, a novel, long-lasting treatment for dogs suffering from osteoarthritis (OA). If you’ve ever experienced stiff, achy joints, you can relate to what dogs with OA go through. This chronic, progressive disease affects 80% of dogs by age 8 and even impacts younger dogs with joint abnormalities, like elbow dysplasia.
Our expert guest, Matthew Brunke, DVM, DACVSMR, CCRP, CVPP, CVA, CCAT, a seasoned vete...
"You are what you eat!", says Tonya Cooksey, DVM, and Director of Veterinary Relations at AnimalBiome Veterinary. Did you know that 90% of dogs and cats experience at least one symptom of microbiome imbalance each year? From digestion to mood, the gut biome plays a huge role in your pet’s overall health. We dive deep into the fascinating world of animal microbiomes—how they affect physical and mental well-being, the gut-b...
🐾 Curious about the Assisi LOOP® and tPEMF™ treatment? Let’s break it down with expert guest, Mialisa Gluckert from Zomedica!
We’re diving into what the Assisi LOOP® is and how it works, using its unique targeted pulsed electromagnetic field (tPEMF™) technology, to address inflammation or anything ending in “-itis.” From easing osteoarthritis and chronic pain to helping with post-surgical recovery, we’ll explore the conditions the ...
Mobility issues are a challenge many pet owners face, and Ruff Ramp offers a life-changing solution. In this episode, we welcome Larry Backes, dog enthusiast and creator of the Ruff Ramp - a thoughtfully designed mobility aid that helps dogs navigate stairs with ease, confidence, and safety. Larry’s journey began with his beloved dog, Montana, whose medical condition inspired him to engineer a robust ramp with a multitude of design...
Thinking about adding a dog to your family? Bringing a dog into a home with young children can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with important considerations. In this episode, we explore how to choose the right breed or temperament, prepare your home and kids for a new pet, and ensure a smooth introduction. Learn how to involve children in training and care, tackle common challenges, and know when to seek professional h...
This episode offers a compassionate exploration of how regenerative medicine, particularly biologics, can bring relief to our beloved pets suffering from osteoarthritis (OA). With warmth and expertise, David Dycus, DVM, MS, CCRP, DACVS, discusses treatment options like platelet-rich plasma, stem cell therapy, and joint injectables such as steroids, hyaluronic acid, and synthetics. Each approach is carefully explained, highlighting ...
Imagine undergoing surgery without understanding why, and then returning home only to be confined to bed with no explanation. You're deprived of all activities and stimulation—no television, books, phone, computer, or any form of entertainment—for weeks or even months. It would drive you CRAZY! This is exactly how your dog feels after surgery.
Lori Chamberland, Education Manager at Fear Free Pets, draws from her personal experi...
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