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Canine Physiotherapy

Why will your dog benefit from veterinary physiotherapy?

Veterinary physiotherapy has many potential benefits in the dog. These include improving quality of life, reducing the incidence of pain related behavioural problems, improving performance and comfort and potentially even extending life. Additionally, veterinary physiotherapy can be used alongside veterinary care to aid rehabilitation of the dog following surgery, reducing pain and enhancing recovery. 

Common Conditions Treated:

There are a variety of conditions that a dog may suffer from resulting in them needing physiotherapy. Some of these conditions include: ​

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Orthopaedic conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia 

  • Muscle disorders such as soreness and weakness

  • Neuromuscular conditions which are those affecting the peripheral nervous system

  • Post surgical conditions 

  • Wounds

  • Trauma injuries 

What will your appointment involve?

An initial appointment will begin with a full assessment of your dog. First, I will observe the dog statically to assess conformation and identify any potential musculoskeletal issues. This is followed by a dynamic assessment which will involve watching the dog move at walk and trot and on a small circle to identify any lameness's or problems. Neurological testing may also be carried out if necessary. Once dynamic assessment is complete, I will palpate your dog, feeling for any pain or muscular and skeletal abnormalities. During palpation, the range of motion of the dogs joints will also be assessed. 

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Following assessment, necessary treatments will be given and a detailed treatment plan including various home exercises will be formulated, tailored specifically to the requirements of your animal. Carrying out home exercises is greatly important to get the best results from physiotherapy treatment. 

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Initial appointments are expected to last around 1 to 1 1/2 hours whilst follow up appointments will be around 1 hour depending on the individual. During follow up sessions, a briefer assessment of the dog will be carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment previously given and identify if progress has been made. 

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Regularity of appointments will depend on the individual and their condition. 

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