Canine Physiotherapy in Lancashire by GGVetPhysio
Gill Griffiths B.Sc.(Hons) MRAC NAVP
Phone 07949 838152
About Canine Physiotherapy
Canine Physiotherapy is becoming
increasingly popular amongst pet owners thanks to the level of care and
rehabilitation benefits it offers dogs.
Dog physiotherapy can be used to treat a number of problems, from joint conditions to rehabilitation post-surgery, nerve injuries and muscle strains.
It is also used to address obesity and reduced fitness in dogs, and because they are prone to age-related changes, physiotherapy is an excellent way to slow down the effects of getting older for as long as possible.
Thanks to advancements in surgical techniques, dog physiotherapy has been proven to enhance a dog's treatment outcome and help them get back to being fit sooner. Certain methods can also reduce the need for medication to avoid relying on pain relief on a long-term basis.
Physiotherapy for Working and Sporting Dogs
Like any athlete, our sporting dogs are extremely
focused. Whatever their field, be it agility, obedience or trialing,
their drive to perform often allows them to carry on training and
competing despite being in pain.
These dogs are athletes and need to be managed as such. Only by being in the best possible physical condition will they achieve their maximum performances and potential.
Canine physiotherapy can help maintain fitness and improve performance and PREVENT INJURY.
Pre and Post-Operative Rehabilitation
If a surgical intervention is planned, for example cruciate repair, “pre-hab” can enhance recovery, reduce the risk of complications and reduce post operative recovery time.
Post-operative physiotherapy can aid the return to “normal”, help with pain management and find ways to stimulate a demotivated dog.
Older Dogs
As dogs age they tend to slow down and lose some muscle mass, balance and coordination just like us.
They then find it harder to exercise and can put on weight. Increased weight aggravates any joint problems such as arthritis and also cardiac and respiratory problems making exercise harder and further reducing mobility.
Physiotherapy, alongside appropriate veterinary management, can help prevent or delay this downward spiral keeping your dog as active and healthy as possible.
Injured Dogs
Unfortunately, as with humans, injuries can
occur, for example following road traffic accidents or strains during
exercise. Physiotherapy can help reduce pain, enhance healing, restore
movement and aid the return to function.
The physiotherapy assessment determines the specific treatment required by your pet.
The Assessment
History – This may
involve discussion with the owner, and/or vet.
Observation – In standing assessing conformation/posture/muscle development and symmetry.
Gait – Observing your dog move in a straight line, walking, trotting, circling and reversing and performing other sensitising tests if indicated.
Palpation – Feeling for muscle pain, spasm, tenderness and assessing joint ranges of motion.
The Treatment
Following the assessment your canine physio will devise a treatment plan specially tailored to your dog’s problems. Treatments include some or all of the following:
- Manual therapy techniques i.e. joint manipulation, joint mobilisation, soft tissue stretching/massage.
- Electrotherapy treatment i.e. H-wave, ultrasound, muscle stimulation.
- Muscle strengthening exercises i.e. abdominal strengthening exercise techniques.
Individual Care
I work closely with the individual patient, veterinary surgeon and you, the owner, and provide a unique treatment plan for every patient. This treatment program will be revised and updated as the treatment progresses.
Please see my page on "What to Expect During Treatment
All treatments are carried out after veterinary consent to treat
This procedure is part of the Veterinary Surgery (Exemption) Order 1962, which states "All physiotherapy treatment undertaken must be under veterinary referral"
DO NOT let anyone treat your animals without veterinary consent.
Share this page on facebook
Home