Develop a structured approach to canine spinal assessment
Date: 27th and 28th November 2026.
Spinal assessment requires the practitioner to work with precision while continuing to observe the whole dog. A finding in one region must be considered alongside posture, muscle tone, limb loading, movement through the ribcage and pelvis, and the dog’s response to contact.
AOI teaches a structured approach to orientation and palpation. Relevant anatomy and arthrokinematics are revisited directly on the dog, with demonstrations broken down to clarify anatomical landmarks, hand placement, direction of movement and the amount of force required. Participants then practise each element in small stages, compare their findings and receive immediate feedback from the teaching team.
The structure is not presented as a rigid recipe. Students are encouraged to consider whether a finding is repeatable, how positioning may be influencing what they feel, and whether the dog’s response changes the interpretation of the assessment. Guided practice, clinical discussion and case examples help participants connect individual findings with the wider presentation of the patient.
The aim is to help practitioners develop a spinal assessment process that is systematic, adaptable and clinically considered—while retaining the sensitivity needed to work comfortably and respectfully with each dog.
This balance between systematic assessment and whole-patient awareness is one of the areas explored in our practical canine spine workshop.
This two-day workshop is ideal if you:
- Have difficulty localising dysfunction within biomechanical cases.
- Wish you could assess spinal joints and muscles more effectively.
- Feel that diagnostic imaging results don’t always correlate with clinical presentation.
- Believe that compensation patterns may be part of the bigger picture.
- Have limited access to structured training in orthopaedic palpation and joint function assessment.
Join us for an immersive, small-group 2-day CPD event designed to refine and elevate your clinical assessment of the canine spine.
Through a blend of theory, demonstration, and hands-on practical sessions, this workshop will deepen your understanding of spinal anatomy, arthrokinematics, muscle testing, and passive assessment, helping you approach clinical cases with more confidence, accuracy, and efficiency.
This is a relaxed, discussion-rich environment where you can ask questions, explore case examples, and practise techniques under close guidance — ideal for professionals who enjoy learning through doing.
Who is teaching the workshop?
Eleanor Andrews (osteopath, lecturer and writer) is AOI’s Director of Education and a Master Practitioner of Animal Osteopathy, leading the institute’s flagship training programmes.
With international teaching experience and extensive clinical expertise, she is dedicated to advancing osteopathic practice within the veterinary profession.
Eleanor is passionate about developing clinical reasoning, practical skills, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her work has supported hundreds of professionals to elevate patient outcomes.
Who would benefit from the workshop?
This course is ideal for:
- Small animal veterinarians or veterinary nurses looking to refine orthopaedic and musculoskeletal assessment skills.
- Canine professionals such as animal osteopaths, veterinary physiotherapists or veterinary chiropractors.
- Experienced canine practitioners seeking to build on existing knowledge in a supportive, practical learning space. Accepted on a case-by-case basis.
Whether you’re new to detailed spinal assessment or simply looking to enhance your hands-on confidence, this workshop provides the structure and space to develop your skills in depth.
What will you learn?
Over two days you will:
- Strengthen your functional understanding of canine spinal anatomy.
- Improve your palpation and passive movement assessment skills.
- Learn muscle testing methods and what they reveal about function and compensation.
- Develop a structured, confident approach to spinal evaluation.
- Return to clinic with immediately applicable techniques.
When is the workshop?
This workshop will run on 27th and 28th November 2026.
Deadline to book: November 6th, 2026.
Where is the workshop held?
The workshop is to be held at one of our facilities in The New Forest, Hampshire. UK.
Lymington, New Milton and Lyndhurst are significant sized towns surrounded by hotels and Airbnbs. All are relatively nearby, so it is easy to find a dog-friendly place to stay. Early booking is recommended. Local amenities can be found within a short drive of the facilities.
Why study with us?
- Small group (max. eight people) ensures individual attention and a supportive atmosphere.
- Beautiful New Forest setting – calm, green surroundings ideal for learning and connection.
- Practical sessions to bridge the gap between theory and clinical practice.
- Delivered by an experienced osteopath and educator passionate about canine biomechanics and integrated assessment.
What past students say.
“Eleanor and Dustie are, without a doubt, the best instructors I’ve had the pleasure of working with. They are dedicated, knowledgeable, and compassionate. Each day they came in prepared with goals and a plan for the day, and they make excellent use of every minute of instructional time. They consistently provide valuable feedback and support and actively search for opportunities to extend the students’ understanding. The material they present is well-organized and thorough, and they follow up with demonstrations, small group instruction, and individual feedback.
As much as the instruction is important to me, I also value how instructors treat other people and animals. Eleanor and Dustie consistently showed consideration and compassion to the students, dogs, and owners in their care. They were always obliging when we asked for yet another demonstration of a complex technique, they constantly checked in to make sure we understood what we were doing and why we were doing it, and they made sure the needs of the dogs and owners were met, which was especially important in the heat wave we experienced.
If you are considering taking a course with Eleanor and Dustie – do it. Their knowledge, passion, and experience are unmatched. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from them.” Tara Monahan (Canada)
How much is the workshop?
The investment for this two-day practical workshop is £599 plus VAT. Places are limited to eight participants to provide sufficient time for supervised practice, discussion and individual guidance.
Do I need to bring a dog model with me?
Delegates are expected to bring a happy, healthy (with no severe pathologies), sociable dog with them to use as a model. 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 will be made available; however, this carries a fee of £30 per day per dog.
Will I get a CPD certificate?
Yes, for those who successfully complete the workshop in full a 12-Hour CPD Certificate will be awarded (digitally).
Who should not take this workshop?
• Human osteopaths without prior canine therapeutic handling or clinical assessment experience.
• Animal professionals not currently working in canine clinical practice.
• Anyone unable to participate in palpation, movement assessment, or practical handling sessions.
• Practitioners who do not hold an appropriate canine-related qualification.
Request an application form
AOI’s professional CPD workshops have specific entry requirements. Please provide your name and email address below and we will send you the formal application form and Terms of Business. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance or reserve a place.
