Canine Physiotherapy
All dogs can benefit from veterinary physiotherapy, whether they are a pet, companion, show dog, working dog or athlete. Veterinary physiotherapy can play a vital role in rehabilitation following injury or surgery, as well as providing pain relief and therapy for long term conditions. It is also a great adjunct for maintenance to stay in tip top condition.
What to expect during a session
Once a full history has been taken, a thorough initial assessment will be carried out. This consists of a static and dynamic gait assessment to look for any asymmetries, abnormalities or offloading. Following the gait analysis, palpation will be used to assess the soft tissue and identify any muscular imbalances. Joint range of motion will also be assessed.
The results of this initial assessment then help to formulate a targeted and effective treatment plan which will include:
manual techniques
electrotherapies
home exercise prescription tailored to your dogs needs
Veterinary Consent and Referral Form
In accordance with the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, it is a legal requirement for Veterinary Physiotherapists to obtain veterinary consent prior to the treatment of any animal. This does not mean that your animal has to see their vet prior to a physiotherapy appointment. The form below provides Avondale Veterinary Physiotherapy with information about you and your pet. Once we receive the form from you, it will then be emailed directly to your veterinarian to gain consent for your animal to receive physiotherapy. Alternatively, you can forward the form to your vet yourself, then return to us upon completion.
Signs that your dog may require physiotherapy include:
Common conditions, problems or injuries that physiotherapy can help with include:
Lameness
Stiffness
Difficulty getting up and laying down
Difficulty/reluctance jumping in and out of the car or onto beds/sofas
Difficulty/reluctance to go up or down stairs/steps/hills
Behavioural changes
Reluctance to exercise or go for a walk
Altered gait / shortened stride
Weight shifting and offloading
Unwilling to be touched or groomed
Tripping or toe scuffing
Reluctant to lift paws
Traumatic injuries
Neurological conditions
Post-surgical rehabilitation
Hip / elbow dysplasia
Age related problems
Soft tissue injuries to ligaments, tendons and muscles
Healing of wounds, abrasions and scar tissue
Fracture repair
Joint problems – osteoarthritis, DJD, swelling, stiffness
Spinal problems - eg degenerative disc disease, disc extrusion, spinal trauma or surgery
Lack of function in day to day activities
Reduced performance in working/competing dogs