Janet E. Steiss, DVM, PhD, PT Associate Professor of Anatomy, rejoined the College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004 where she teaches anatomy and continues to work in the area of canine rehabilitation. Dr. Steiss graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph (1975). After working in a mixed practice, she returned to academia to study neurophysiology, and graduated with a PhD from the University of Georgia (1981).  From 1986 to 1999, she was on the faculty at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, focusing on electrodiagnostic testing, particularly electromyography, and research on neuromuscular diseases of dogs.  In order to pursue her interest in rehabilitation of neuromuscular disorders, she enrolled in the Masters Degree Program in Physical Therapy at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and graduated in 2000.  After serving briefly on faculty in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at UAB, she returned to veterinary medicine in 2001, as an Associate Professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Tuskegee University.  Dr Steiss is a licensed physical therapist.  She also is past-president of the American Canine Sports Medicine Association.
334-844-8505 steisje@vetmed.auburn.edu
Research Interests Canine physical therapy; neuromuscular disorders of companion animals; canine sports medicine. Selected Publications Steiss JE, Schaffer C, Ahmad HA and Voith, VL.  (2006)  Evaluation of plasma cortisol levels and behaviour in dogs wearing bark control collars.  Applied Animal Behaviour Science 106.96-106. Steiss J, Ahmad HA, Cooper P, and Ledford C.  (2004)  Physiologic Responses in Healthy Labrador Retrievers during Field Trial Training and Competition.  J Vet Intern Med 18:147-151.   Steiss J.  (2003)  Muscles; Tendons; Functional impairment.  Course entitled "Basic Rehabilitation for the Dog and Horse." Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden, March 13-15. Taylor R, Adamson C, and Steiss J.  (2002)  Canine sports medicine injuries and rehabilitation.  This is an elective course in the "Canine rehabilitation certificate program" offered by the University of Tennessee and Northeast Seminars.  Denver CO, October 26-27. McGonagle L, and Steiss J.  (2002)  The veterinary-physical therapy team and dual credentialing.  2nd International Symposium on Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy in Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville TN, August. Steiss J.  (2002)  Methods of outcome assessment;  Therapeutic ultrasound.  2nd International Symposium on Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy in Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville TN, August. Steiss J.  (2002)  Physical therapy techniques for building and rebuilding the canine athlete.  American Veterinary Medical Association Convention, Nashville TN, July. Sorjonen D, and Steiss J.  (2002)  Rehabilitation of dogs with neurological disorders.  Annual Symposium, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nursing & Allied Health, Tuskegee University AL, February. Steiss JE.  (2002)  Canine physical therapy.  Sports Medicine Symposium, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, January.   Steiss JE, Braund KG, Wright JC, et al.  (1999)  Coccygeal Muscle Damage in English Pointers (Limber Tail). Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 13:540-548. Click here to view a video of a Pointer affected with "limber tail."  At the end of the video, the examiner is palpating an area near the tail base which sometimes appears painful in dogs during the acute phase. Video may take a moment to fully load. Limber Tail