The Long and Short of Canine Spinal Health
Research Presentation offered Thursday evening June 12, 2025
Speaker: Kelly McMullin, DVM, CCRP, CVA, CVSMT
Resident Clinician, Cornell University Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Service
Talk Title: "The Long and Short of Canine Spinal Health"
Talk Description:
Spinal cord injury, whether acute or degenerative, is a major concern for canines. There are some clear risk factors which can help to indicate which dogs are at greatest risk for spinal cord injury, such as genetic risk for Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD) or other spinal degenerative disorders, physical stature including long backs, and performing high-impact sports and activities. Spinal cord injury can be incredibly debilitating for dogs, with varying degrees of recovery depending on severity and medical/surgical interventions.
In this talk, I will review recent research the prevalence of spinal cord injury in dogs, with a focus on early identification of risk factors and prevention for long backed dogs. I will discuss how to assess your dog’s body composition, physical function, and other factors to be better informed about when potential worries arise and when to contact a specialist. I will also touch on neurorehabilitation techniques and treatments which have proven most effective in treating dogs with spinal cord injuries to have the best possible outcomes. The goal is that each attendee walks away with knowledge on what signs to monitor for indicators of injury, strategies which may help to avoid spinal cord injury, and what to do if you find yourself in the position of needing to seek treatment.
Dr. McMullin has kindly agreed to offer a limited number of one-on-one assessments to go assess structure and go over the physical strengths/weaknesses of individual dogs. Evaluations are $40, with optional chiropractic treatment by request/indication for an additional $50.
Bio:
Dr. McMullin grew up on the south shore of Massachusetts and graduated from Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in 2017. She completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at a large specialty practice in Maryland before moving to Maine. During her first few years out of vet school, she completed certification programs in spinal manipulation (“animal chiropractic”), acupuncture, and canine rehabilitation. After working in emergency medicine and general practice for several years, she completed a 3-year residency program in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation at Cornell University in 2025, which allowed her to develop an advanced skillset in evidence-based, non-surgical management of canine orthopedic and neurologic disease. She is proud to offer targeted, interventional, and non-pharmacologic pain management options to fit the unique needs of each patient.
Having working dogs herself, Dr. McMullin is passionate about setting her patients up for success to improve functional mobility and optimize performance. She enjoys working with elite sporting dogs, struggling geriatrics, and everything in between to keep dogs doing the things they love and improve the human-animal bond. She has published award-winning research in canine geriatric medicine and has participated in numerous community outreach events, lecturing and acting as the on-site veterinarian at DHSES canine training events as well as conformation shows including the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. In her spare time, Dr. McMullin trains for wilderness canine search and rescue with her border collie, Mellon, and enjoys training and hiking with her Labrador retriever and three border collies, who have competed in various sporting events including flyball and dock diving.
Resident Clinician, Cornell University Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Service
Talk Title: "The Long and Short of Canine Spinal Health"
Talk Description:
Spinal cord injury, whether acute or degenerative, is a major concern for canines. There are some clear risk factors which can help to indicate which dogs are at greatest risk for spinal cord injury, such as genetic risk for Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD) or other spinal degenerative disorders, physical stature including long backs, and performing high-impact sports and activities. Spinal cord injury can be incredibly debilitating for dogs, with varying degrees of recovery depending on severity and medical/surgical interventions.
In this talk, I will review recent research the prevalence of spinal cord injury in dogs, with a focus on early identification of risk factors and prevention for long backed dogs. I will discuss how to assess your dog’s body composition, physical function, and other factors to be better informed about when potential worries arise and when to contact a specialist. I will also touch on neurorehabilitation techniques and treatments which have proven most effective in treating dogs with spinal cord injuries to have the best possible outcomes. The goal is that each attendee walks away with knowledge on what signs to monitor for indicators of injury, strategies which may help to avoid spinal cord injury, and what to do if you find yourself in the position of needing to seek treatment.
Dr. McMullin has kindly agreed to offer a limited number of one-on-one assessments to go assess structure and go over the physical strengths/weaknesses of individual dogs. Evaluations are $40, with optional chiropractic treatment by request/indication for an additional $50.
Bio:
Dr. McMullin grew up on the south shore of Massachusetts and graduated from Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in 2017. She completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at a large specialty practice in Maryland before moving to Maine. During her first few years out of vet school, she completed certification programs in spinal manipulation (“animal chiropractic”), acupuncture, and canine rehabilitation. After working in emergency medicine and general practice for several years, she completed a 3-year residency program in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation at Cornell University in 2025, which allowed her to develop an advanced skillset in evidence-based, non-surgical management of canine orthopedic and neurologic disease. She is proud to offer targeted, interventional, and non-pharmacologic pain management options to fit the unique needs of each patient.
Having working dogs herself, Dr. McMullin is passionate about setting her patients up for success to improve functional mobility and optimize performance. She enjoys working with elite sporting dogs, struggling geriatrics, and everything in between to keep dogs doing the things they love and improve the human-animal bond. She has published award-winning research in canine geriatric medicine and has participated in numerous community outreach events, lecturing and acting as the on-site veterinarian at DHSES canine training events as well as conformation shows including the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. In her spare time, Dr. McMullin trains for wilderness canine search and rescue with her border collie, Mellon, and enjoys training and hiking with her Labrador retriever and three border collies, who have competed in various sporting events including flyball and dock diving.
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