14th & 15th May 2027
The canine ribcage is more than a protective framework. It contributes to respiration, trunk mobility, postural organisation and the transfer of forces between the spine, thorax and forelimbs. Changes within this region may be associated with local restriction, altered movement, protective muscular activity and wider compensatory patterns.
This two-day, face-to-face practical course explores the assessment and management of rib dysfunction within the context of the whole canine patient. Participants will develop their understanding of thoracic and rib anatomy, respiratory mechanics and the functional relationships between the ribs, thoracic spine, sternum, diaphragm, shoulder girdle and surrounding soft tissues.
Through structured practical sessions, participants will refine observation, palpation and assessment skills before considering how relevant findings may be prioritised and approached safely. The course will include discussion of clinical precautions, differential considerations, patient positioning, and the adaptation of manual approaches to suit the individual dog.
Suitable for veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, veterinary physiotherapists, veterinary chiropractors, animal osteopaths and experienced manual practitioners who have solid hands-on therapeutic experience with dogs. If you do not fulfil the prerequisite, look at our Advanced Clinical Assessment workshops first.
The course offers a clinically reasoned approach to a region that can sometimes be overlooked during musculoskeletal assessment.
“Eleanor and Dustie teach with an incredible combination of knowledge, excellence, passion, and genuine love for osteopathy. What stood out to me most was that there was never any ego attached to their knowledge or skills. Instead, there was a constant willingness to share, teach, question, and help us become better practitioners.
I am 100% satisfied with what I have learned and, equally importantly, with the way the course was delivered. AOI gave me not only knowledge and practical skills, but also a deeper understanding and appreciation of osteopathy and its application to dogs.” Fabiano M.
This course is delivered as an interactive two-day face-to-face practicum near the New Forest, combining focused theory, guided hands-on learning, clinical discussion and opportunities to apply the material to canine patients. Places are limited to support individual feedback and a high-quality practical learning experience.
Course Overview
This workshop will next run on 14th and 15th May 2027.
A thorough rib and thoracic assessment do not necessarily require more forceful testing or more dramatic findings. It requires a clear, careful process that helps the practitioner assess the ribcage, thoracic spine, sternum, diaphragm and shoulder girdle while remaining attentive to the dog’s comfort and response.
Rib findings may be subtle and can be influenced by breathing mechanics, guarding, trunk mobility, forelimb loading and wider compensatory patterns. Small, patient-led assessment and careful positioning can help the practitioner gather useful information without over-interpreting the region in isolation.
This balance between careful regional assessment, clinical reasoning and whole-patient awareness is one of the areas explored in our practical canine rib dysfunction workshop.
This two-day workshop is ideal if you:
- Have existing hands-on clinical experience and want to refine your assessment of canine rib and thoracic dysfunction.
- Work with dogs where rib, thoracic spine, sternum, diaphragm, shoulder girdle or respiratory mechanics may influence presentation.
- Want to improve your palpation, observation and clinical reasoning around the canine thorax.
- Would like to feel more confident adapting manual approaches safely and appropriately to the individual dog.
- Value small-group, practical learning with close guidance and case-based discussion.
Join us for an immersive, small-group 2-day CPD event designed to refine and elevate your clinical approach to rib dysfunction in the canine patient.
Through focused theory, demonstration, guided palpation, movement assessment and clinical discussion, this workshop will deepen your understanding of the ribcage as part of the wider thoracic, respiratory and biomechanical system. Particular emphasis is placed on the functional relationships between the ribs, thoracic spine, sternum, diaphragm, shoulder girdle and surrounding soft tissues.
This is a relaxed, discussion-rich environment where you can ask questions, explore case examples and practise assessment approaches under close guidance — ideal for professionals who enjoy learning through doing and already have a foundation in canine clinical or manual therapeutic work.
Who is teaching the workshop?
Eleanor Andrews is AOI’s Director of Education and a Master Practitioner of Animal Osteopathy. With international teaching experience and extensive clinical expertise, she is dedicated to advancing high-quality osteopathic and manual therapeutic practice within the veterinary profession. Eleanor is passionate about developing practical skills, clinical reasoning and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Who would benefit from the workshop?
This course is suitable for veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, animal osteopaths, vet physios, veterinary chiropractors and practitioners who already have hands-on canine clinical, musculoskeletal or manual therapeutic experience. It is particularly relevant for practitioners who assess thoracic mobility, rib involvement, respiratory mechanics, shoulder girdle compensation or whole-body movement patterns in canine patients.
When is the workshop?
This workshop will run on 14th and 15th May 2027.
Key learning from the workshop
Strengthen your functional understanding of the canine ribcage and its relationship to the thoracic spine, sternum, diaphragm and shoulder girdle.
Refine observation, palpation and movement assessment skills for rib and thoracic dysfunction.
Improve your ability to interpret rib findings within whole-dog biomechanical and respiratory patterns.
Develop more confident clinical reasoning around precautions, positioning and patient tolerance.
Where is the workshop held?
The workshop is to be held at one of our facilities in The New Forest National Park Hampshire, UK.
The New Forest is filled with hotels and Airbnb, so it is easy to find a dog-friendly place to stay. Early booking is, however, recommended. Local amenities and busy villages can be found throughout the Forest.
Why study with us?
- Small group teaching, with a maximum of eight delegates, ensures individual attention and a supportive atmosphere.
- Beautiful setting, offering calm, green surroundings ideal for learning and professional connection.
- Practical sessions designed to bridge the gap between theory, assessment and clinical application.
- Delivered by a highly experienced osteopath and educator with a strong focus on canine biomechanics, palpation, integrated assessment and clinical reasoning.
How much is the workshop?
This CPD workshop is £599.00 plus VAT and is taught by one of the world’s leading lecturers in animal osteopathy and canine clinical assessment.
Spaces are strictly limited to ensure quality teaching time, practical support and individual feedback. Early application is therefore recommended.
Do I need to bring a dog model?
Delegates are requested to bring a happy, healthy dog with no severe pathologies, who is sociable and suitable to use as a model during practical sessions. Unless very well trained, entire dogs are dissuaded from use in this setting but will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
If you are unable to bring an appropriate dog with you, dog models may be made available; however, this carries a fee of £30 per day per dog.
Owners will need to sign a canine disclaimer before attendance and must hold third party insurance. This is standard on most policies.
Will I get a CPD certificate?
Yes. For those who successfully complete the workshop in full, a 12-hour digital CPD certificate will be awarded.
Who should not take this workshop?
- Practitioners without prior canine handling or canine clinical assessment experience.
- Professionals not currently working in canine clinical practice.
- Anyone unable to participate in palpation, movement assessment, manual therapeutic handling or practical dog-based sessions.
- Those who do not hold an appropriate veterinary, animal osteopathy or canine-related professional qualification.
- Practitioners whose experience is limited to general veterinary care, observational assessment or acupuncture alone, without a foundation in manual therapeutic assessment or intervention.
Read more about our application process
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