Danielle Hudson Veterinary Physiotherapy

07/01/2025

⁉️How does a physio walk a lame dog when it has snowed I hear you ask⁉️

…we carry them 🙄

05/01/2025

Base narrow forelimb conformation refers to a structural alignment where the forelimbs are closer together than the ideal posture🦵

Causes: genetic factors, developmental issues, or improper handling during growth.

❌Negative Implications of Base Narrow Forelimb Conformation❌

🤕Increased Risk of Injury🤕: particularly in the lower limbs, due to unnatural stress distribution. The alignment can lead to increased strain on the joints & tendons, resulting in conditions like splints, bowed tendons, and joint injuries.

🩼Gait Abnormalities🩼
This conformation can interfere with normal movement patterns, potentially leading to irregular gait patterns. Horses may exhibit a “paddling” motion or cross-firing, where the horse’s legs interfere with one another during movement. These gait abnormalities can hinder performance and efficiency during riding or competitive events.

🕴️Uneven Weight Distribution🕴️
The base narrow conformation can result in uneven distribution of weight across the hooves, which may lead to uneven wear of hooves and increase the risk of lameness or hoof-related conditions such as laminitis.

😫Impact on Performance😫
Horses may struggle with performance in disciplines requiring agility and speed, as their conformation can limit their range of motion or flexibility in the front end.

Conclusion

While base narrow forelimb conformation can be present in some horses without immediate issues, it is essential to monitor these horses for potential negative implications. Understanding the implications can help in making informed decisions regarding their training, care, and potential use in competitive disciplines. Regular veterinary assessments and proper farrier care can mitigate some of the risks associated with this conformation.

12/12/2024

08/12/2024

🚨HOCK SWELLING 🚨

This is NOT normal!


🥕This youngster presented with an abnormal gait and a very low grade bilateral hindlimb lameness.
🥕To palpate she was just too sore for a 3 year old turned away.
🥕A vet trip, lameness work up and diagnostic imagining reveal OCD in both stifles and her right hock.

There are various reasons, often indicating an underlying issue that requires attention. Here are some evidence-based reasons for hock swelling in horses:

1. **Injury or Trauma**: Direct trauma to the hock, such as kicks orfalls, can cause swelling due to bruising, hematoma formation, or soft tissue damage. Studies indicate that traumatic injuries are among the most common causes of localized swelling in performance horses.

2. **Arthritis**: Osteoarthritis, particularly in the distal hock joints, is prevalent in older or heavily worked horses. Research has shown that inflammation from arthritis leads to joint swelling, pain, and limited mobility.

3. **Tendon and Ligament Strains**: Strains to the digital flexor tendons or suspensory ligaments can manifest as swelling in the hock region. Histological evaluations have confirmed that such strains result in inflammation and edema.

4. **Synovitis**: Inflammation of the synovial membrane can occur due to infection or underlying joint disease, contributing to hock swelling. Diagnostic imaging has highlighted increased synovial membrane thickness in cases of synovitis.

5. **Infection**: Conditions like septic arthritis or cellulitis can lead to significant hock swelling. Veterinary studies emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent joint damage.

Overall, hock swelling can indicate several serious conditions requiring veterinary evaluation, particularly if the swelling does not resolve with rest and supportive care.

26/11/2024

🥱Post physio snooze 🥱

👩‍💻www.hudsonvetphysio.co.uk
📞07854081174

20/11/2024

🫏Another wonkey donkey added to the team🫏

👀 Watch this space

8 y/o mare recently sold to a teenager for all round purposes.

They have had continuous issues with the saddle and performance. The owner has given her time off and restarted her with the same issues reoccurring and now worsening.

After her most recent new saddle fit she refused to walk forward and would buck when encouraged.

After a thorough assessment which revealed a bizarre hindlimb gait, severe scar tissue around the R hip and a very sore L back, this very wonky lady is off to the vets to find out what is going on behind the skin.

This mare is so so so genuine to have not seriously injured her rider when she herself is clearly in so much pain.

No matter how well the saddle would fit this mare (even though her current one doesn’t as it bridges at the back… so it can’t fit) this mare will always have back pain for as long as her muscle symmetry is unequal.

Hoping for the vets to reveal what exactly is going on so we can start to strength this lady up!

18/11/2024

⭐️IT’S STARS WEEK⭐️

I have THE biggest soft spot for this pudding and had the pleasure of giving him a final go over before STARS down in Aintree!

🍀Wishing Hannah Mckay the best of luck for her and Boris 🍀

Keep your eyes out for this one this week & in the future 👀

🦄A very special pony 🦄

10/11/2024

😴My exact feels on admin 😴

Do absolutely love a good spreadsheet though 🤩

📞07854081174
👩‍💻www.hudsonvetphysio.co.uk

05/11/2024

🫵They need you🫵

Horses can’t speak and tell you they are starting to feel sore or stiff.

📣They CAN’T self advocate so they need you to do it for them.

🗯️Yes they can buck, rear, plant, swish their tails, bite and go lame when they are in pain.

🗯️But because of them being a prey specie, by the time they are displaying these behaviours they are already at a 7/10 on a pain scale.

❌ Don’t let it get to that stage and get physio regularly to iron out any niggles before it becomes a reason for them to complain.

✅Preventative is better than cure, ALWAYS!

Getting a physio every 6-12 weeks if your horse is being ridden 4 x a week is recommended if your horse has no issues or injuries.

28/10/2024

🌚A bay Thoroughbred gelding, sweat pants & a creepy smile …. It’s giving my teen years vibe 🌚

📞07854081174
👩‍💻hudsonvetphysio.co.uk

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27/10/2024

💡Laser therapy & wound healing 💡

🚨BARBED WIRE injury day 0 vs day 19 after laser therapy programme 🚨

🔦Laser therapy is a non-invasive therapy that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular processes that promote FASTER RECOVERY and TISSUE REPAIR.

🔦When applied to a wound, therapeutic lasers pe*****te the skin, energising cells and enhancing their metabolism.

🔦This stimulation prompts increased collagen production, which is essential for the structural integrity of new tissue.

🔦Laser therapy improves blood circulation to the affected area, delivering vital nutrients and oxygen while accelerating the removal of waste products.

🔦One of the key advantages of therapeutic laser therapy is its ability to reduce inflammation and pain.

🔦 Laser therapy not only speeds up healing but also minimises discomfort for patients.

🔦Studies have shown that wounds treated with laser therapy exhibit reduced scar formation.

📞07854081174
👩‍💻hudsonvetphysio.co.uk

24/10/2024

Whatchoo lookin at 👀

A somewhat unimpressed mare whilst I statically analyse her booty… can’t say I blame her!

A very very very interesting difference seen between this session and 5 months ago. This post will follow!

📞07854081174
👩‍💻hudsonvetphysio.co.uk

24/10/2024

👻👻👻👻

🎃🐾 Get Ready for a Spooktacular Time at Our Doggy Halloween Party! 🐾🎃

Join us for some fang-tastic fun on November 2nd at 9:45am at K9 Freedom Fields!

✨ Awards include ✨
👑 Best Dressed
🎉 Best Newcomer
🏆 Best Experienced Dog
🎃 Clear Rounds on our Spooky Course & more!

Whether your pup is a total hoopers beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s something for everyone.

🕸️ Costumes encouraged
🐶 Spaces are limited—book your spot now!
https://bookwhen.com/aimhigher/e/ev-sb38-20241102094500

📍 Location: K9 Freedom Fields
📅 Date: November 2nd, 9:45am

20/10/2024

Pre physio vs post physio 😴

Physiotherapy can indeed be tiring and may lead to feelings of sleepiness afterward for several scientifically backed reasons:

⚡️Muscle Fatigue
Physio involves exercises that target specific muscle groups. When these muscles are worked beyond their usual capacity, they become fatigued. Muscle fatigue occurs due to the depletion of energy stores (like glycogen) and the accumulation of metabolic byproducts (like lactic acid), leading to a feeling of tiredness.

⚡️Increased Energy Expenditure
Engaging in physical activity, especially rehabilitation exercises, requires increased energy expenditure. This can result in a caloric deficit and fatigue, making you feel sleepy afterward.

⚡️Nervous System Activation
Physio can stimulate the autonomic nervous system, particularly if techniques like manual therapy or electrical stimulation are used. This activation can lead to a temporary increase in alertness followed by a drop in energy levels as your body returns to a resting state.

⚡️Body’s Recovery Process
After physical activity, a body enters a recovery phase where it repairs muscles, which can be energy-intensive. Hormones like cortisol and growth hormone are released during recovery, and while they are necessary for healing, they can also lead to feelings of fatigue.

⚡️Psychological Factors
Physio can elicit a range of emotions and mental exertion. This mental component can exhaust the mind as well, contributing to overall tiredness.

⚡️Relaxation Response
Many physio treatments focus on relaxation techniques, such as massage or stretching. These can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes a state of rest and can lead to feelings of sleepiness post-session.

⚡️Pain Relief and Muscle Relaxation
Physio may involve techniques to alleviate pain, which can help relax the body. As muscles relax, energy levels can drop, leading to sleepiness.

Overall, it’s important to be mindful of how your dog responds after physiotherapy sessions and ensure to hydrate, rest, and potentially give them a small snack when needed to help offset feelings of fatigue.

18/10/2024

As part of our new ❄️𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤❄️scheme we are launching a four part series which will provide useful information for your Golden Oldies!

Keep your eyes peeled over the next few weeks for this useful information! 👀

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟏: 𝐎𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬 🦴

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬 (𝐎𝐀)?
OA is a chronic, degenerative disease process affecting joint surface cartilage and subsequently joint pain.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐎𝐀 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬?
It is thought that OA is under diagnosed in the older horse population, as a UK study found that many owners perceived reduced joint flexibility as a normal sign of ‘ageing’.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐀?
- Lameness is a tell-tale sign of OA.
- Horses becoming ‘increasingly difficult’ for the farrier to shoe or to pick up their feet.
- Increased sleeping during the day due to the horse feeling like they are unable to lie down and rest at night.

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐎𝐀 𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞?
OA can occur throughout the body. A horse with OA in the forelimbs or neck may struggle to lower their head to graze properly, affecting feeding habits.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐎𝐀?
A thorough clinical examination carried out by a veterinarian is invaluable; the vet may look for joint effusion or new bone formation, along with reduced gluteal musculature. Joint blocks can be useful to localise the pain in a lame horse, and X-rays can be used to establish the level of progression of OA.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐎𝐀?
The aim of treatment is to provide comfort and ideally limit disease progression. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (including bute and meloxicam) can be prescribed and given orally at home. Intra-articular joint medications can also be used.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐎𝐀?
A good joint supplement can be useful; a supplement containing glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, and antioxidative vitamins - such as Hestevard’s Hesteflex - is recommended. Little things that can be done at home to alleviate difficulties of OA include raised feeders and ensuring water/feed sources are close to shelter. Maintaining a low level of exercise, such as maximising the amount of turnout or hand walking, is also very beneficial!

𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐧 𝟎𝟏𝟕𝟎𝟗 𝟗𝟏𝟏𝟗𝟎𝟎 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐯𝐞𝐭𝐬.

🚨𝐀𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐲𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐝𝐲𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭.🏡🦴

Please note, for further work ups a repeat visit may be needed or horses may be asked to come into the Clinic.

18/10/2024

🍀8am view🍀

…. A pinch me moment to take in how lucky I am!!

16/10/2024

💡Laser therapy to finish off the physio session💡

In this instance I am using Laser therapy to help alleviate pain caused by hip arthritis.

Laser therapy works amazingly alongside physio to help reduce pain & swelling and improve musculoskeletal health and happiness 😄

📞07854081164
👩‍💻hudsonvetphysio.co.uk

09/10/2024

🌶️ Sometimes the spicey working dogs just need a neck massage🌶️

📞07854081174 👩‍💻hudsonvetphysio.co.uk