Rory: Bearded Collie
Veterinary Diagnosis: Poisoning and Infection caused by snake bite.
“I am grateful for Laura who helped Rory when he was bitten by a snake and was very ill, he had ulcers in his mouth and down his throat, he had lost his voice caused by a bacterial infection contained in the wound. At first he was reluctant to receive treatment but as he found relief he began to enjoy it. He now mugs Laura when she comes through the door. He leads a busy life and enjoys his agility.”
J Robinson
In the summer of 2021, Rory was bitten on the leg by an adder and became critically ill. Rory sustained significant poisoning and infection and, for a number of reasons, the wound was delayed in healing. Rory also contracted a secondary infection in the mouth and down into the throat, from licking the wound, causing ulcers and inflammation significant enough for Rory to lose his voice. Excellent veterinary care was essential in both Rory’s survival and recovery. In addition, Canine Bowen Technique was suggested to his owner by a friend as a modality that might compliment his recovery alongside veterinary care and medication.
On meeting Rory, it was clear his owner was experienced not just in the breed, but also as a dog owner of many years. She spoke passionately of Rory pre bite: a happy-go-lucky dog who could be a little sensitive, but generally a very active, confident and playful canine. This unfortunately was not the dog I saw in front of me.
As a consequence of feeling so unwell, Rory was timid, wary of anyone outside of his family unit and passively guarded the problem areas; he was also lethargic and low in mood. We decided on an intensive package of short Canine Bowen Technique sessions for a few weeks to compliment the care he was already receiving was most appropriate.
Lots of time was taken getting to know Rory at the beginning of his sessions offering kindness and comfort with no intent of offering Canine Bowen Technique until he was relaxed in my company. Initial take up of the offer of treatment was minimalistic, with Rory only accepting a few hands on moves before moving away and making it clear this was the end of the session. Steady progress was made over the next 6 months with Rory accepting more of the treatment offered and being notably more relaxed in my company. Rory’s mood began to lift and more of his lively, fun-loving personality began to shine back through. The other significant difference was that Rory was able to bark again.
By now, Rory was on monthly maintenance sessions which continued until July 2022 when unfortunately, Rory was bitten by an adder again! Once more, working with the vet, we decided on an intensive package of treatment to get Rory over the initial poisoning and lift his mood which had understandably dipped again. His response was very different this time round. He actively sought out the same Canine Bowen Technique moves that had assisted his previous recovery, he was keen to welcome me at the door and his recovery back to health and happiness was much swifter. Following this, many friends of his owner commented on how Rory’s confidence had improved and that he was very much back to enjoying clowning around.
Rory continues to be a regular client of mine and is offered Canine Bowen Technique maintenance sessions to support his active lifestyle both as a faithful companion and enjoying the sport of dog agility.
Treatment Table 