Canine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency Program-UPENN

Posted on by Janet Boyd

Offered through the University of Pennsylvania and directed by Dr. Cynthia Otto, this prestigious residence advances the health , performance, and recovery of canine athletes and active companion dogs. Residents train within two distinct arms: at the renowned Penn Vet Working Dog Center, they support working dogs from puppyhood through deployment in service roles; and at the Ryan Veterinary Hospital, they treat performance-related injuries and mobility issues.

The program blends research, clinical practice, and education, preparing residents for board certification in the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Residency Mentor, Dr. Cynthia Otto is a nationally recognized expert in working dog performance, recovery, and resilience. As founder and director of the Penn Vet Working Dog Center, she leads groundbreaking research of detection dogs, conditioning, and injury prevention. Her leadership shapes a residence rooted in science, servie, and canine well-being.

Co-sponsored with the AKC Canine Health Foundation

Amount: $10,000

Canine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency Program-CO State Univ

Posted on by Crystal Smith

The Orthopedic Medicine and Mobility service at Colorado State University specializes in medical orthopedics, physical rehabilitation, and clinical trials for dogs. Their focus is on preventing and treating lameness and disabilities caused by athletic activities, arthritic, amputations, neurological issues, and aging. The service helps rehabilitate dogs to their pre-injury state, improve quality of life, and develop preventative programs for injuries and arthritis. The Orthopedic Medicine and Mobility service also conducts research to discover new treatments for musculoskeletal conditions.

The program offers highly regarded residency positions to train specialists in treating athletic, working, and companion dogs with mobility disorders. The residents gain hands-on  clinical experience with primary responsibility for lameness and mobility cases at Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH). They also participate in clinical trials, perform diagnostic workups, and implement treatment plans, collaborating with orthopedic surgery and other specialties when necessary.

The Canine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency Program is a collaboration between the American Kennel Club (AKC) and AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) to increase the number of specialists trained to meet the unique needs of athletic and working animals, as well as all animals in need of rehabilitation. Rehabilitation focuses on recovery after surgical procedures, as well as improving the quality of life in animals suffering from debilitating diseases such as arthritis or neurologic impairments.

The popularity of performance and companion dog sports continues to rise, with increasing numbers of dogs competing in AKC events and a growing number of sports. This trend highlights the human-animal bond, showcasing the strong connection between canine athletes and their humans. While some sports highlight purpose-bred dogs, many welcome all dogs and appeal to a large owner population centered on enriching their dog’s life. This program supports cutting-edge medicine and health research to benefit these special canine athletes.

Co-sponsored with the AKC Canine Health Foundation

Amount: $10,000