Questions about our physiotherapy treatments.
We offer a 30-minute physiotherapy or hydrotherapy session or a full session that can last up to an hour, which combines both physio and hydro.
We supply treats, toys, and towels during the session. However, if you would like to bring along your pet’s favourite toy or treat to help encourage them or have any dietary requirements, then please feel free to do so. During the colder months we ask that you bring your pets coat along, so we able to pop this on after hydrotherapy.
This can vary from patient to patient so we are unable to tell you how many sessions your pet will need. We assess each patient and will update you on their progress at the end of every session to put a plan into action, to ensure they receive the best possible care.
Most insurance companies will cover physiotherapy and hydrotherapy; however, we advise that you talk to your insurance company to check your policy before your first appointment. Our client care team can help you with any questions you may have regarding insurance.
Yes, we can prescribe exercises for you to continue with your pet at home, once we have carried out an assessment to ensure we are giving the correct exercises.
This varies from patient to patient and will depend on the reason for your pet’s referral. This can range from straight away to a few months. Please seek advice from your Vet if you are unsure.
Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of chronic pain in our pets and presents a considerable welfare concern. Up to 35% of dogs of all ages and 80% of dogs over 8 years old are affected by osteoarthritis. Cats and small pets also suffer from osteoarthritis but are very poorly diagnosed. Developmental diseases such as hip or elbow dysplasia also predispose osteoarthritis.
Aging itself isn’t a disease, if you feel your pet is looking stiff or slowing down, they’re most likely painful.
The first step is to seek an assessment and diagnosis from your vet. Osteoarthritis can be very successfully managed with a programme of physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and appropriate pain medication, but timely diagnosis is the key.
The following tips are recommended for all pets, but particularly those with osteoarthritis and mobility concerns, to help them to lead happy, pain free lives.
- Ensure your pet has non-slip surfaces to walk on around the house and a comfortable supportive bed that they can easily access and is away from draughts.
- Keeping nails short and hair around the pads trimmed will aid grip and reduce additional stress on joints.
- Keep your pet warm in cold/damp weather with a coat or jumper, particularly if they are poorly muscled.
- Prevent jumping in or out of the car by lifting them or using ramps.
- Walking on well fitted Y-shaped harness rather than a collar will allow you to support your pet when necessary and prevent stress on their neck.
- Weight management is crucial. Ensuring your pet maintains a slim, well-muscled body condition will reduce pressure on their joints and help to keep them strong.
- Feeding a good quality joint supplement from as early an age as possible helps to support joint health.
- Multiple shorter walks are better than one long walk followed by sitting for prolonged periods.
- Consistent exercise is key, try to keep walks a similar length throughout the week.
- Chasing balls puts considerable uneven stress on your dogs’ joints. We would strongly recommend stopping this activity.
- Seek referral to a qualified veterinary physiotherapist who can aid in optimising your pets’ function and keeping them fit and active.
For more information, please visit Canine Arthritis Management.