Full Title: Interior Intercostal Muscles
Author: Anne Fraley
Date of Publication: January 1, 2017
PDF: http://petmassage.com/wp-content/uploads/Interior-Intercostal-Muscles-by-Anne-Fraley-2014-05-02.pdf
Research Paper Text:
Muscles that reside inside of the ribs are internal (inside) intercostals (between ribs) muscles, and contribute to respiratory function. Interior intercostals at the front of the rib cage appear to have a different function than those at the back of the rib cage. Frontal interior intercostals go from the front of the ribs, around the bend of the rib, to the back of the rib between the rib’s cartilage. Due to this location they are referred to as intercartilaginous muscles. They are situated perpendicularly to the external intercostal muscles.1 Frontal Interior intercostals contract to raise the ribs and allow for expansion of the lungs, bringing air into the lungs. In this way they contribute to “inspiration,” or inhalation. At least one study indicates that the dorsal interior intercostals act in reverse, extending and lengthening to contribute to the process of exhalation.2
The interior intercostals muscles are among the shortest in the body, actual length relative to the size of the animal in question.
Origin, inferior border of rib and costal cartilage; insertion site, superior border of rib and costal cartilage below; innervations, intercostals.3
Blood supply to the interior intercostals muscles flows from the subclavian artery to the internal thoracic artery and into the intercostal artery.4
WORKS CITED
- The Intercostal Muscles, Eric Armstrong, Eric Armstrong’s Voice and Speech Source, York University, Toronto, Canada. www.yorku.ca/earmstro/journey/intercostals.html
- Respiratory effects of the external and internal intercostal muscles in humans Theodore A Wilson*, Alexandre Legrand, Pierre-Alain Gevenois, and André De Troyer, January 15, 2001 The Journal of Physiology, 530, 319-330.
- http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com
- University College of Dublin online data, Nerve and Blood Supply to the Intercostals: http://www.ucd.ie/vetanat/ga-subject/thorax/th5.html
Range of motion is different than stretching. Stretching moves the limb slightly beyond normal range of motion. You’ll recognize the limit of the normal range by
feeling resistance at the boundary. ROM is enhanced when the myofascial tissues are warmed. ROM is important because it is measurable and easily observable,
thus document-able.
We are now offering beautiful, stylish, comfortable, and professional attire for the professional PetMassage Practitioner. Watch the website for the new dark gray scrub top with the PetMassageTM Logo discretely embroidered on the left chest (over the heart). The scrub tops on hand will be in women’s sizes. Men’s sizes will be available by special order (at the same price).
We’re excited about this image shift. We hope you will be, too.
Are you marketing your business as effectively as you could? We have been trying to figure out why our Amazon sales have not been meeting expectations. After talking to the Amazon consultants, we changed the key words to each of our products. Now when you enter: canine massage, massage for dogs or dog chakras, you will find several examples of the PetMassageTM books, DVDs, anatomical charts, Audio CDs and even our patches and decals. Did it make a difference? Yes. The next morning we filled an order for the PetMassageTM for Kids, A Kids Guide to Massaging Dogs DVD.
How does this apply to you? Two ways. First, now you know where to find PetMassageTM books, DVDs, anatomical charts, and Audio CDs (and patches and decals). The second is now you have a reminder to review and revise your online content so that your customers can find you.
Full Title: Canine Tails
Author: Patricia Reinard-Kopsa
Date of Publication: January 1, 2017
PDF: http://petmassage.com/wp-content/uploads/Canine-Tails-by-Patricia-Reinard-Kopsa-2014-04-10.pdf
Research Paper Text:
Tails on a dog are not only used for communication but also for assisting in carrying out specific tasks as well. Tails are breed specific, each with a certain purpose. Some dogs have little or no tails, while other have long tails extending from their body.
Tails are located at the end of the vertebral column and consists of between 6 and 23 mobile or extra vertebrae. Enclosed by a versatile musculature make various segments for movement. Caudal muscles are attached to the tail vertebrae by tendons. Between 4 to 7 paired nerves serve the tail muscles. The tail starts at the pelvis where it joins the sacral region near the end of the croup and ends at the end of the tail. It is a continuation of the spine.
Types of tails
Different breeds of dogs have distinct types of tails which leads to the characteristic of the dog. Names given to these tails refer to length, position and shape.
- Bobtail – naturally tail less or docked very short (i.e. Schipperke, Old English Sheepdog)
- Brush – similar to a fox, covered in medium length bushy hair (i.e. Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky)
- Crank – carried down resembling an old fashioned crank (i.e. Staffordshire Bull Terrier)
- Curled – set high and curled. Singe or double by curling over the back. (i.e. Finnish Spitz)
- Flag – long and carried high (i.e. Beagle)
- Kink – Sharply bent (i.e. Lhasa Apso)
- Otter – Thick at root, round and tapering towards tip (i.e. Labrador Retriever)
- Ring – carried up and around (i.e. Basenji)
- Sabre – carried like a sabre (i.e. Basset Hound)
- Corkscrew – Natgurally short twisted in a spiral (i.e. French Bulldog)
- Sickle – Carried out and up in a semi circle (i.e. Affenpinscher)
- Spike – Short and thick tapering quickly along its entire length (i.e. English Lakeland Terrier)
- Squarrel – carried up and curving forward (i.e. Chow Chow)
- Whip – carried stiffly straight and pointed (i.e. Bull Terrier)
Dogs communicate with other dogs through vocalization and body language. The tail performs a very important part in their body language. The position and motion can indicate what the dog is feeling and thinking.
A wagging tail, held high, with a back and forth motion usually is feeling happy, whereas low and wagging usually means he is worried or insecure. A tail horizontal to the ground could indicate he is interested in something, while a tail that is tucked under indicated a frightened or submissive dog. If a tail goes from relaxed to frigid and possibly upright, he is feeling threatened or challenged. It also is a way to spread his natural scent around him sending signals of dominance (wagging) or trying to cover up his sent (tucked) signaling submission so no other animal will sniff him. Studies have also indicated that a dog wagging their tail to the left created stress in other dogs while wagging to the right created relaxation. However, it was noted that the subtleties of the wagging was almost transparent to humans.
Tails also are a means to assist in various tasks such as swimming by using their tails as rudders. Others use their tails to maintain balance while others have tails for insulation such as in northern breeds.
Tail set Versus Tail carriage
Set versus carriage are mistakening thought of as having the same meaning but actually are not interchangeable terms. Tail set is just that, where the tail is placed on the body whereas tail carriage is how the dog uses or carries its tails (communication).
Tail Set
Tail set is where the tail attaches to the rump and are in conjunction with the croup. The type of tail set is also breed specific with a certain purpose. If dogs have an incorrect tail set, this can cause structural damage.
Too rounded or steep croup with a low tail set can lead to lower back issues by creating increased pressure on joints of rear legs.
A flat croup with a high tail set can change the angle of hip socket putting the dog more at risk for hip dysplasia.
Short croup reduces power and drive by shorter muscles attached to the upper thigh. Lack of muscles create stress on other muscles which compensate for the lack of muscle.
A wry tail can be a sign of soundness issues or a malformation of the coccygeal vertebrae if not created by an injury.
Tail Carriage
Tail carriage goes back to communication, how the dog portrays happiness, stress, concentration and attitude. It also plays a role in movement as there are three major muscle groups that lift the tail that are connected to the dorsal muscles of the back. The caudalis and sacrococcygeus assist in the tail wag.
Diseases
There are several type of diseases that can affect a canine tail.
Hemivertebrae or butterfly vertebrae of the tail is a malformation whereas there is no spinal tissue thereby fitting the hemivertebrae into the spine. It does not cause issue with the dog and is more cosmetic.
Cold, dead, limber tail created by muscle injury or cold waer and very painful to the dog. It usually heals unattended within a few days
Tail Gland Hyperplasia where the gland is on the top of the tail near the base. This disease creates hair loss and can be extremely itchy.
Fractures, dislocations are created through an injury or trauma. These type of injuries are healed over an extended period of time.
Cauda Equina Syndrome is caused by compression of nerve roots from the lower back toward the tail at the level of the lumbosacral junction. Depending on the severity, it can be treated through rest and medications or as serious as surgery.
Conclusion
As indicated, the tail plays an important role in the dog’s health and well being, It can help create a structurally sound dog and is key in understanding the communication of dogs.
References and Bibliography
- Appleton, P.R. (2009) Examining perfectionism in elite junior athletes: measurement and development issues. Unpublished PhD thesis. University of Bedfordshire. – See more at: http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/guides/a-guide-to-referencing/cite-a-thesis#sthash.IF2jLR3A.dpuf
- Wells, Virginia Structure and Function of the Tail in Dogs. PetPlace.com
- Barker, A.J and H.A. (1992) Anatomy of the Dog. The Complete Book of Dogs. Longmeadow Press
- Holland, C.C (2005) Limber Tail Syndrome. Whole Dog Journal.
- Animal Medical Center (1990) Tail Gland Hyperplasia. The Complete Book of Dog Health. Macmillan Publishing Company
- Hastings, Pat, Wallace, Wendy DMV, cVA and Rouse, Erin Ann. Structure in Action, (2011) The Makings of a Durable Dog. Dogfolk Enterprises.
- Brooks, Wendy DVM, DipABVP Hemivertebrae. The Pet Health Library. Veterinary Partner.com
- Spira, Harold. (2001) Canine Terminology. The Watermark Press
I just bought a new car. After acknowledging the amber digital message relentlessly suggesting that the transmission needs service, the glowing red check engine light, and the gaping boxer-dug holes in the rear leather seats (front seats were already replaced), I finally succumbed to the ads on TV. How could I not? They were promising me I’d be happier, more confident and sexier when I drove one of their new shiny coupes. I’d also be popular, rich, in my thirties, have abundant dark hair, perfect skin and gleaming teeth.
My search began. I was very specific in my selection process. The new ride had to have the comfort that I was used to, the size I was used to, the color I was used to, the sounds and smells I was used to. I soon determined that I wasn’t looking for a newer better model; I was looking for a way to stay within my comfort zone. Looking for a way to stay the same.
Then one day, for giggles, I test drove one that was different from what I’d been programming myself to want. Perfectly fitting leather glove. Tight supportive elegant pair of shoes. Memories of taking the wheel of my first sports car. Comment dit-on… How you say, “vroom”?
As I drove away in my new self-expression, I paused for one last look at what, for the last several years, I had been driving. There it was: the representation of the vivacious image of my life, my times, and my prosperity, parked there, still and small, in the dealership lot. Gone were the vanity plates and its PetMassageTM and IAAMB/ACWT window decals. All of a sudden, I saw an old car whose paint and ch’i had begun to fade.
All the years I’d been driving it, I’d felt proud to be in it; pleased to identify with the sporty sophisticated image I believed it projected. When it was new it had been fresh and amazing. I’d become so comfortable in it and accustomed to it that I hadn’t noticed that it had grown tired. Like an old comfy sweatshirt torn, worn, faded and stained, it had served me well; and, it was time to move on.
It is easy to get stuck in a comfort zone. Sure, the check engine light comes on and the alternator needs replacing ($600) and the suspension is not as tight as it could be; but that could be said for any of us.
Sometimes it can be really healthy to take a good look at what you are doing, what your image is representing, and whether or not what you are doing, what your image presents support attainment of your goals.
- Are you doing what you love to do?
- Are you loving what you are doing? (Which is very different from “Do you love what you do?”)
- Are your business and its image, fresh and current? (Do your business cards invite social network followers?)
- Are you learning more skills?
- Is your business growing?
- Is your commitment as strong as it was when you began?
- Are you in the position to mentor someone coming into our field?
- Is your check engine light flashing?
- Vroom.
As your hand passes over your dog’s body you notice the textures and patterns in the coat. Consider the tissue bed from which the hair follicles grow. Each hair has a complex set of roots that include nerve endings, glands for lubrication, muscles for movement, and blood vessels. Variations in the textures, patterns, shades, hues, temperature, moisture, and the sense of energy density are all indicators of cardiovascular balance within the tissues.
With practice and experience, you will be able to tell the differences between acute and chronic conditions.
With practice and experience you will be able to effectively facilitate your dog’s internal – and eternal – healing experiences.
A recent IVC Journal discussed and recommended several treatments including nutritional supplements, aroma therapy, and flower essence (Bach) therapy. These are all good and have their applications.
Do you notice anything all these treatments have in common? They are all additive. They each add something to the body. A combination of herbs (chemicals), scents (chemical), a memory of the essence of a flower (still a chemical, albeit really diffused).
PetMassage, on the other hand, works with what is already there, which from the purely holistic perspective, is all that is necessary to establish balance and homeostasis. With its unique set of touches and strokes, controlled stretches, compressions and releases, focused awareness of attention and intention, PetMassage simply induces what is there as the body-energetic, to function better.
How? PetMassage works on the body fascia: the system that supports and allows for internal body communication and coordination. PetMassage touch and movements often increase the temperature within the tissues, opening vessels, allowing greater cardiovascular circulation. Increasing temperature within joint capsules encourages joints to move easier. More movement at joints/articulations means enhanced lymphatic and neuro spinal fluid movement. PetMassage also has the capacity to balance temperature within tissues, so too much heat or too much cold can be dispersed.
PetMassage is a set of techniques that, as we said, works with the body as it presents, encouraging, opening, guiding it to use itself to function better. It provides presence, support, intention, caring, and the skills and expertise to sense where to focus, what to do, when to do it, and when to stop and allow the dog to take over on his journey toward a finer quality of life. No external chemicals, or high fructose corn syrup added.
Full Title: Cerebral Spinal Fluid & How Canine Massage Affects It
Author: Vicki Mendelson
Date of Publication: March 17, 2014
PDF: http://petmassage.com/wp-content/uploads/Cerebral-Spinal-Fluid-How-Canine-Massage-Affects-It-by-Vicki-Mendelson-2014-03-17.pdf
Research Paper Text:
A. What is Cerebrospinal Fluid?
Cerebrospinal fluid also called CSF is a clear fluid found in the brain chambers, (ventricles), spinal canal and spinal cord. Fluid is secreted from the choroids plexus, a vascular part of the brain. CSF bathes and circulates among these tissues and acts as a shock absorber to protect against injury.
B. CSF FLOW:
CSF flows throughout the ventricles, into the subarachnoid space, around the brain and spinal cord within the subarachnoid space, into and throughout the brain and spinal cord tissue, out of the brain and spinal cord back into the subarachnoid space into the arachnoid villi, into the intracranial sinus system into the jugular vein, and then into the circulation of the canine body.
Source: http://carycentercst.com/cerebrospinal-fluid-flow/
C. Functions of CSF:
Some of the functions of CSF are to protect the brain and spinal cord by floating them within the subarachnoid fluid filled space; supply nutrients to the brain tissue; help maintain optimal brain and spinal cord; temperature; hormonal balance and ph; and to remove water material from the brain and spinal cord. CSF increases balance and sensitivity of somatic and autonomic systems. The unencumbered flow of CSF is essential for the health and healing of the brain and spinal cord.
D. How is CSF Produced?
CSF is produced by both active and passive processes. Active processes require energy to secrete salt into the ventricles. The passive production of CSF occurs as a result of upright posture. Upright posture causes blood and CSF to flow out of the brain faster.
E. What happens in a dog when CSF builds up?
Hydrocephalus, also called “water on the brain” is a condition characterized by abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid inside the brain. The condition is an expansion or abnormal dilation of the ventricle system as a result of excess spinal fluid. If it is a congenital problem, the skull is soft and causes a domed head due to swelling and excess fluids. The skull, however, cannot expand further and these fluids cause compression of the brain.
F. Causes:
Most times the cause of “water on the brain” is genetics. The puppy is not born with water on the brain but anatomical problems lead to this. Certain breeds with a natural tendency toward a domed head are more susceptible as well as the Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Yorkshire terrier, English bulldog, Lhasa Apso, Pug, Pekingese, Boston Terrier, Maltese, toy poodle, and Cairn Terrier.
G. Canine Symptoms of Hydrocephalus: (Water on the Brain)
Owners of dogs with hydrocephalus (either if born with it or they acquire the condition during their life) may never notice signs of the dogs disorders. Below is a list of several symptoms associated with this: Hyper excitability, Aggression, Head pressing or tilting, Seizures, Respiratory difficulties, changes in gait or stride or lack of coordination, abnormal eye position … eyeballs rotated down and outward, aimless wandering, vomiting and comas.
H. What are the physical benefits of canine massage for cerebrospinal fluid drainage?
Canine massage can assist all body systems to perform optimally by increasing or balancing circulation of blood, lymph, cerebral spinal fluid and oxygenation of the cells. By enhancing the CSF flow, we increase the balance and sensitivity of the somatic and autonomic nervous system.
Percussor work on the cranium affects the fascia around the brain, by releasing tension and allowing the micro-movements of the bones of the cranium. These movements of the skull allow for movement of the CSF in the brain and spinal column, and have far reaching effects on the health of the overall canine body.
Cardiovascular waves from the heart and arteries cause rhythmical rises and falls in blood volume and pressure in the arteries of the brain. The changes in arterial pressure affect the surrounding CSF. As pressure goes up, CSF is driven out of the skull and into the spine. As arterial pressure drops, CSF is pulled from the spinal cord into the brain.
Similarly, respiratory waves are affected by canine massage. The first reason is it changes pressure acting on the heart and blood vessels inside the ribcage. As pressure inside the ribcage goes up during exhalation, it increases pressure in the arteries of the brain. As pressure goes down during inhalation, pressure in the arteries of the brain goes down as well. Similar to respirations affect on the arteries, respiration also affects the vertebral veins of the spine. CSF and venous pressure drop in the brain in synchrony with respiration.
RESOURCES
- Critters360; Canine Hydrocephalus Symptoms and Treatments, 2013
- Curtis Dewey; A Practical Guide to Canine Neurology, 2013
- eHow; Water on the Brain in Dogs, 2013
- Jonathan Ruddinger; Art and Essence of Canine Massage, 2012
- LK Page; Cerebrospinal Fluid and Extracellular Fluid, 1985
- PetWave; Hydrocephalus in Dogs, 2013
- WikiVet; Cerebral Spinal Fluid, 2012
Each of us has a unique way of interacting with dogs. Every touch, every look, every thought is imbued with our individual histories. Your touch, how you offer it, for expectations, and how you interpret the way it is received is yours and yours alone. Even though we share space, time and experiences, we can never really fundamentally understand what another is thinking or feeling. We are operating from and within different premises. You could never do my massage. I could never do yours.
So, do I, as your instructor, teach you my interpretation of PetMassage? I have given this a lot of thought over the years. It is impossible to perfectly replicate a canine massage experience either for us or the dogs. So, I teach two aspects that are so closely connected they can be visualized as the DNA double helix model. If you have one and not the other it will be an incomplete and only partially effective session.
Through our DVDs, books, home study courses and hands-on workshops, you learn 1.) the set of massage skills and body mechanics techniques that you need to safely administer/facilitate a physical canine massage plus 2.) an extraordinary awareness of your emotional and psychic connectiveness to your environments (internal and external) and your canine client.
These are the primary elements that are necessary in canine massage.
My goal as your instructor is to help you develop your own interpretation of what, from your perspective, PetMassage means and, from that premise, what you can do with it. In our hands-on workshops, you learn new ways of touching; new ways of listening; new ways of observing; and new ways of supporting the body-mind-spirit behaviors of dogs.
With this training, I am confident that the PetMassage you provide will be a perfect projection of who you are, what you can do and the best and most gracious of what PetMassage represents.
I’d like to share with you three of the comments that students wrote after our last Foundation Workshop:
This class opened me to a whole new way of thinking and feeling. -TP, AZ
I am (on Monday, the last day of the workshop) walking, thinking, and acting completely different compared to Thursday! This course provided multiple affirmations to my choice of career change, & I now am positive I have made the right choice. I’m extremely thankful for this experience & I would love to contribute additional knowledge through my case study! I can’t wait to get my new life started! J ♥ – RP, NC
I really can’t tell you or express how much this class meant to me. I wish I could spend a couple of weeks learning and observing as much as I could. 5 days was not enough for me. -HM, FL