Neutering is not so neutral!

Returning again by request to discuss an un-missable subject for owners, trainer and behaviourists:-

Holisticvet Nick Thompson BSc (Hons) Path Sci., BVM&S, VetMFHom, MRCVS

Nick will be discussing new research that he feels contradicts the prevailing view of gonadectomy being a relatively benign procedure. Nick will be sharing studies which he feels demonstrated the behavioural impact of neutering dogs where they were found to be more aggressive, fearful, excitable, noise phobic and less trainable than intact dogs. He will also be looking at the physical effects such as significant differences in bone growth predisposing neutered dogs to increased incidences of cruciate rupture and early onset osteoarthritis, and the increased risk of certain fatal cancers in neutered dogs such as the 5 x greater chance of a neutered bitch getting haemangiosarcoma (fatal cancer of the spleen) and prostate cancer which was shown to be 4 x more common in neutered dogs than in entire males. A complicated picture!

Saturday 25^th February 2012 9.30am – 4.30pm at Horton, South Gloucestershire (just off junction 18 M4)

 

Cost £49.00 per delegate

 

Teas, coffees, biscuits etc will be provided

Please bring your own packed lunch!

 

For details please email  kpalpha@btinternet.com

Or call 07968 263924

UNDOING HANDLER AND RESTRAINT DAMAGE

 

(Avoiding physical problems during training, showing, working, kennelling)

By

Tony Nevin, BSc (Hons) Ost., D.O.

Osteopath

 

Being aware that we can become so focussed on what we’re doing that we lose touch with how we do it, Tony is going to help as avoid the various pitfalls associated with handling dogs that can end up compromising their postures and ability to move freely. Addressing matters such as the altered pattern of muscle tension in the neck and lumbar spine resulting from lead walking; the affect on body framework of positioning in obedience training and from restraint methods; the impact on agility dogs of jumping, weaving and tight turns; shorts bursts of activity from a cold start required by working gundogs; scaling of 6’ vertical fences from working trials dogs; rhabdomylelosis, a form of severe cramp in the hamstrings of racing greyhounds; the behavioural and subsequent bio mechanical impact of limited kennel space right through to show dogs, who Tony suggests, generally speaking maintain good posture but where over-control can lead to uneven wear and tear – head up, straight limb flight action, and unmoving tail held taught!

 

Saturday 14 April 2012 9.30am – 4.30pm at Horton, South Gloucestershire (just off junction 18 M4)

 

Cost £49.00 per delegate

 

Teas, coffees, biscuits etc will be provided

Please bring your own packed lunch!

 

For details please email  kpalpha@btinternet.com

Or call 07968 263924