Avonvale Veterinary Centres offer a well-equipped and comprehensive physiotherapy service for your pets.
Poppy Carroll, our Registered Veterinary Nurse has been with Avonvale since 2010 and has since qualified as a Veterinary Physiotherapist. Poppy is a fully insured small animal physiotherapist who is registered with ASSVAP (Association for the Scientific Study of Veterinary and Animal Physiotherapy).
We recognise that a multimodal approach is imperative when it comes to patient care. There are many benefits to physiotherapy and when we combine this knowledge with veterinary care and hydrotherapy we can make our patients stronger, happier and healthier.
Recognising the need for physiotherapy
Animals, just like people can suffer sprains and strains, and have bad backs, sore hips, aches and pains. To keep them comfortable physiotherapy could be a treatment option.
For your pet to receive physiotherapy, a referral will need to be done by the treating veterinary surgeon.
Veterinary physiotherapy can help with the management of:
- Arthritis
- Rehabilitation before and after orthopaedic surgery
- Soft tissue injuries- tendon, ligament or muscular
- Neurological rehabilitation
- Angular limb deformities
- Weight management
The following signs may indicate the need for an appointment:
- Struggling to get up or showing stiffness or weakness
- Overweight
- Limping
- Reluctance to play or less enthusiasm to get moving
- Painful or swollen joints
- Licking their joints
- Slowing down on walks
What to expect when you come for an appointment
Your appointment will need to be made at our Kenilworth practice. This will include an assessment and will reflect the veterinary surgeon’s recommendation. Following on from the assessment manual therapy, laser, ultrasound, muscle stimulation and/ or exercises will be chosen on an individual plan tailored to your animal’s needs. There will be padded floor mats and bedding available to ensure your pet is comfortable during the appointment.
The treatments chosen will be dependent on your pet’s response and this will also determine the number of treatments needed. This will be discussed with you during your appointment.
Treatments that may be included:
- Manual techniques for joints and soft tissues
- Proprioception and balance exercises
- Ultrasound
- Laser
- Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
- Tailored treatment and exercise plan for your animal- this includes fun animal gym equipment!
After your pet’s treatment
Your animal may drink more water than normal after their treatment and may be lethargic so an easy afternoon with a gentle walk and perhaps a nap or two will be adequate.
If you feel that physiotherapy may be an option for your pet, Poppy or your Veterinary Surgeon will be more than happy to talk things through with you.
To make an appointment please call the Kenilworth surgery on 01926 854181
