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Kinesiology Taping for the Canine
The Basics - Part Two
Matt Brunke, DVM, CCRP, CVPP, CVA
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation

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Animal Taping
- Animals don’t understand that they are supposed to “feel” better after a human has treated them.
- Any visible response is therefore a “true” indication of what the tape does.
- Hawthorne Effect- individuals modify or improve an aspect of themselves in response to their awareness of being observed – not applicable to animals

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STRUCTURE & FUNCTION
Structure
informs

Function
informs

Structure
informs

Function
informs

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Indications
1. Pain
2. Inflammation
3. Posture
4. Facilitate Movement

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Contraindications
1. Over open wounds
2. Over cancer?

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Safety
- It is important to note that some dogs may behaviorally react to the tape, just as they would to anything else (e-collar, bandage).
- Always position yourself in a safe place in relation to the dog when applying Rocktape Canine.
- It is recommended that you have another person with you when taping a dog/cat.

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Patient selection will be key
1. Potential for foreign body
2. Non-toxic, but obstruction?
3. Hospital setting?
4. E-collar?
5. Don’t overstretch the tape

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Applying for pain mitigation
3 step program:
1) Stretch the body part (If possible)
2) Stabilization tape
3) Decompression tape

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Stretch the body part
Apply maximum pain free stretch to the area being taped

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Stabilization tape
Typically longitudinal application:
- Apply along the line of the muscle/joint, extending 2-4” above and below the sore spot
- Approximately 30% stretch in tape
- No stretch on the ends

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Decompression tape
Typically transverse application
– “X” marks the spot
– Position this piece over area of most sore/tight
- Can use up to 50% stretch of tape
- No stretch on the ends

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Inflammation Control/Management
Goal: To reduce inflammation from affected area as quickly as possible, enabling faster recovery and return to function.

Consider using for:
- Acute traumatic swelling
- Sub-acute/chronic swelling

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Inflammation Control

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1 week post op TPLO

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Awareness taping

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Degenerative Myelopathy

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IVDD Cases

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Sticks in the Water

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Even on cats!

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Thank You
- Matt Brunke, DVM, CCRP, CVPP, CVA Diplomate, ACVSMR
DrMattBrunke@gmail.com
DrBrunke.wordpress.com