REC Veterinary Physiotherapy

17/08/2024

When Harri met... Comet?

A lovely surprise stop-by the clinic one day by Miss Harri resulted in the cutest friendship with my own boy Comet.

Harri is a little shy of people after a rough start in life, but she loves other dogs. Comet can be a typical collie, bold, a little pushy and a little OTT, but he just knew to be gentle and kind with Miss Harri. They became good friends fast and they are just adorable together.
Just look at them almost mirroring each other 🥰

22/05/2024

Never stop learning!
Busy day in Loughborough learning all about osteoarthritis at the Congress! Learnt so much already and so excited to put it all into action to help your pets! Ready for day 2 tomorrow!

23/03/2024

Last minute I know but UK Hoopers are holding their last indoor winter show tomorrow (Sunday) at Hafod Equestrian, Trefnant, hosted by Barking Mad Dog Services. First dog runs at 9am!

Come and see what Hoopers is all about!

Sat nav/Google maps: Hafod Y Green Nursing Home (Equestrian Centre is down the same drive but then to the left).

05/03/2024

The difference in just 4 short weeks!

Bobby has done so well in his recovery after he was found on New Year's Eve extremely emaciated, weak and very very poorly. Thanks to the dedication of foster dad Adam from K999 - dog behaviourist and North Clwyd Animal Rescue, he has been putting in his gym sessions and has already gained 4cm all-round! He still has a bit to go to build his back leg strength a little more, but he is doing great! Way to go Bobby!

30/01/2024

Meet little Bobby, the superstar!

Bobby is an absolute gentleman and an absolute pleasure to treat! I met Bobby last week to help him rebuild his strength after he fell on hard times. Bobby was found and handed into the vets on New Years Eve extremely weak and emaciated. North Clwyd Animal Rescue took over his care a few days later once he was stable, and he has been in foster with Adam from K999 - dog behaviourist ever since. We do not know any of his history or how he came to be this way so please no speculation and horrible words. The important thing is he is now safe and is well on his way to recovery. Adam has done an amazing job already and is working really hard at helping Bobby build his strength.

I am so excited to continue helping Bobby on his journey and I promise you, whoever adopts this little softie will be one very, very lucky person!

Follow North Clwyd Animal Rescue and K999 - Dog Behaviourist to keep up with Bobby’s story

21/01/2024

Something a little bit different from the usual dogs. Yes physiotherapy can be done on cows too!

Having grown up on a dairy farm and doing what I do, I love that Fluffy Feather Farm are showing us exactly what is involved in helping a downer cow recover, right down to the luxury massages and leg movements. Cows can go down for a number of reasons, and because of their size, it can be really hard for them to get back up. But their weight means that being down for a long time can cut off the circulation to their legs and give them dead legs, just like how when we get dead arms or legs. And so getting them back up and keeping the blood flowing is super important for recovery.

Great job Team Fluffy Feather Farm!

13/01/2024

Looking for something to do on a Sunday? Why not come down tomorrow to the UK Hoopers Competition at Hafod Equestrian, Trefnant and see what Hoopers is all about!

Hoopers is a great low-impact sport that is amazing for all dogs, including young, old, reactive and dogs who can't do other sports for whatever reason! Comet loves his hoopers and we will be having a play or 2 in the ring tomorrow. See you there! Starts at 9am

🐾🐾 We’re looking forward to seeing you all this Sunday! 🐾🐾

Remember to have a look through the show info on https://hoopers.online/
Have a read through the rules while you’re there. Most questions that people have will be there either in the rulebook or the show info 😁

The venue had burst pipes this week, we have fortunately managed to get a portaloo delivered on site, phew!
This does mean that there will be no running water on site, so please bring water for your dogs and your own mugs for any hot drinks (we will be bringing some bottled water with us, but obviously won’t have loads)
We’ll have a cake sale on too so bring some pennies 🧁🍰☕️

See you there!!

25/12/2023

Merry Christmas!!

Myself and Comet are wishing you all a very Merry Christmas! Thank you for all being fabulous!

Comet heard on the mistletoe and wine that there is an opening for one of Santa's Reindeer, so is auditioning for the part. Do you think he'll get it?

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30/11/2023

As you can see, Laser therapy is super stressful...

Adding laser therapy to my practice was the best thing I have ever done, I have seen so many dogs get their life back just from a few short sessions of laser!

Laser is great at helping tissues heal after surgery and injury, provide pain relief from long-term conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, and it can even slow down and attempt to prevent conditions such as arthritis! It's fantastic at getting nerves firing again after a neurological injury and can even help just with tight and aching muscles! A perfect all-rounder!

Interested in learning how laser could help your pet?
Pop me a message and I'll be happy to answer all of your questions!

16/11/2023

Laser therapy has so many benefits and I have seen it help multiple dogs become more comfortable and puppy-like again.

Get in touch today to see how laser therapy can help your dog!
📞 07734 382578
📧 [email protected]

27/10/2023

What an amazing day!

Today I have spent the day in Leicester at the IRVAP Animal Therapy for the Future Conference learning from some of the best in the industry about how I can take your dog's physiotherapy to the next level. It was a fantastic day seeing all the new therapy products that have come on to the market and catching up with friends. It has definitely given me loads of ideas!

IRVAP is a professional association for rehabilitation therapists that help support and promote members' education, practice and conduct. This means by choosing a Therapist who is a member of IRVAP (or another association or regulatory body), you can be assured that your dog is being treated with the best techniques by someone who is professional and up to date with the latest research. I am proud to be a member of IRVAP and would like to thank them for an amazing and informative day.

No for the 3 hour drive home... 💤💤💤

10/10/2023

Take a look at the first 2 photos. Can you spot the problem?

Here's a clue, it's to do with her coat...

Do you see the large "cow slick" on each side of her ribs and the line down her back legs? Take a look at the last 2 photos.

It's ok if you didn't spot them. Coat changes can be difficult to spot, and it can be very easy to put them down to other factors. In Zeva's case here, she had been swimming the day before and so being a long coated collie, her mum put it down to her coat drying funny. But it very quickly become clear during our session that this wasn't the case. Instead, this is a very good example of myofascial tension.

Zeva has arthritis in her left hock (ankle), which means she can shift her weight forward onto her front legs. The day before, she had a fantastic time running around a forest splashing in muddy puddles. And she wasn't lame or showing any obvious signs of discomfort. But dogs, particularly collies, are very stoic, meaning they are very good at hiding little niggles. Naturally after her walk, Zeva's muscles will have stiffened slightly. Add in her weight shifting, there is a lot of tension going through her front end muscles.

But how does this affect their coat?
Between the muscles and skin is a layer called fascia which allows the skin to move freely over the body. When the muscles get tight, the fascia becomes tight which pulls on the skin and the hair follicles, causing the hair to stick up into lines or patterns. It also sticks the skin down making it difficult to move, like your dog wearing a t-shirt that is too small.

It is not always this drastic, Zeva's wet coat exaggerated the lines. But even a small change in their coat can be a sign of something else going on.
Not sure if your dog has a similar issue? Book them in for a nose-to-tail assessment now
📞: 07734 382578
📧: [email protected]

01/10/2023

Today I've been at the PATS Show in Telford, which is the UKs largest pet industry expo. I've been gathering lots of goodies and talking to loads of different people across the Pet industry, and it's got me thinking.

If I had the availability to have a little shop or become a stockist of something, what would you like to see? Just thinking ahead for the future

30/09/2023

As owners, you have a massive part in your pet's recovery and pain control, and I'm not just talking about giving them pain relief. There are many things within your house or day-to-day life that can make things difficult for a pet in pain, but making just small changes can make a massive difference!

🪵 Wood, laminate or tile flooring can be slippery for your pet and can jar painful joints - Place some non-slip mats or rugs down in walkways and doorways, and by the stairs, their bowls and their bed to help them get their grip.

🪜 Stairs and Steps can be uncomfortable and put pressure on sore joints - Consider a stair gate to reduce their access to the stairs and slow them down when they go up or down the stairs, assisting them if needed.

🥣 Bowls that are on the floor can put extra weight on the front legs and back, making eating and drinking uncomfortable - Raise their bowls to chest height so they don't have to lean forwards.

🛏️ Uncomfortable beds puts pressure on already sore joints and can add to tight muscles - Make sure they have a thick, comfortable bed that supports their joints and helps them get a good nights sleep. To test this, drop to your knees on your pet's bed. Does it hurt? If the answer is yes, it's time to get a new bed.

🚗🛋️ Jumping on/off furniture and in/out of the car increases the weight put through their joints. Did you know your pet puts up to 4 times their body weight through their front legs when they land? - Use a step or ramp to reduce the height your pet has to jump and assist them if possible. For smaller pets, try lifting them instead. This also applies to cats.

⚖️ Being just a few grams overweight puts extra pressure through your pet's body - Make sure your pet stays a healthy weight. You can easily monitor this at home using the Body Condition Scoring system.

⚽ Too much exercise or play can aggravate painful joints - Keep an eye out for signs of pain and fatigue during your dog's walks and play time, and encourage more mental stimulation such as sniffing, searching or tricks. Using their brain is much more tiring than physical exercise. Try throwing their toy into long grass whilst they wait then ask them to find it. Or scatter their food in the garden and let them use their nose.

📔 Do you know what triggers your pet's pain? - Keep a good day-bad day diary and make a note of the weather, their exercise and any trips or stumbles to see if you can spot any triggers. This way you can be more Proactive rather than Reactive.

28/09/2023

"My dog wants to play with other dogs again!"
"My dog has started bringing me his ball again! I can't remember the last time he did this!"
"My dog is no longer hiding in her bed all the time!"
"I have my cuddly dog back!"

These are just a few of the things I have heard my owners say after just a couple of physiotherapy sessions. Dogs are wanting to play again. They are enjoying having cuddles again and are no longer keeping themselves to themselves. They are being dogs again.
And all because they are no longer in pain.

Physiotherapy helps reduce pain by relaxing painful muscles and joints, helping your dog move around much more freely. It also stimulates nerve fibres, interrupting the pain signals as they travel to the brain and closes the "pain gate". Physiotherapy can also influence pain levels by speeding up your pet's recovery time after injury, increasing their muscle and core strength so that painful joints are more supported and by reducing swelling which removes nasty toxins from around the joint or tissues.

At REC Veterinary Physiotherapy, I offer a range of different treatments that can all help your pet be pain-free in their own way. After a thorough assessment, we will identify exactly what your pet needs and pick the right treatments that will help them the best.

To find out more about how each treatment can help, check out the Treatments page on my website, or get in touch for a free, non-obligatory chat.
📞: 07734 382578
📧: [email protected]
🖥️: www.recvetphysio.co.uk

26/09/2023

What can cause pain in our pets?

Unfortunately, just like in people, there are many reasons why your pet may be experiencing pain. This can range from a simple cut or bruise to more serious injuries, chronic conditions or illness.

Some of the issues that physiotherapy can help include:
🐾 Arthritis
🐾 Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
🐾 Cranial Cruciate Rupture
🐾 Patella Luxation
🐾 Fractures
🐾 Muscle Tears and Pulls
🐾 Tendon and Ligament Ruptures
🐾 Slipped Discs
🐾 Nerve degeneration
🐾 Compensatory Muscle Pain from Overloaded Muscles

If your pet suffers or has previously suffered from one of these conditions, or another issue that affects their bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments or nerves, then physiotherapy can help!
Get in touch today to have a free, non-obligatory chat about how we can help your pet become pain-free!
📞: 07734 382578 (call, text or WhatsApp)
📧: [email protected]

23/09/2023

We've talked about the signs of pain in dogs, but do you know the signs of pain in your cat?

We all would like to think we do. Cats can be a lot harder to notice the symptoms of pain. They're more independent, they go outside unsupervised and they often prefer their own space. Cats are also quite stoic, meaning they don't show any signs of pain until they can't hid them anymore. Often the first sign of pain we notice is lameness. However, the signs can be there way before any lameness starts.

🐾 Has your cat become a little more grumpy than usual?
🐾 Has your cat stopped grooming themselves or started over grooming?
🐾 Has your cat's coat started looking like a zig-zag or sticking up, particularly down the back or over the hips or shoulders?
🐾 Has your cat started hesitating when jumping up?
🐾 Has your cat stopped eating and drinking as much?

The list sadly can go on. But if you have answered yes to any of these questions, or if you have noticed any of these other signs in your cat, they may be in pain.

Physiotherapy can help your cat feel more comfortable by relieving their pain and building their strength to support painful joints. I also work with you to help you figure out a management plan that works best for you and your cat.
Get your cat booked in today for a pain check and to start their physiotherapy journey!
📞: 07734 382578
📧: [email protected]

20/09/2023

Do you know the signs of pain in your dog?

We all would like to think we do. But dogs are very stoic, which means they only show us lameness when they cannot hide it anymore. And often the first sign of pain we notice is lameness. However, the signs can be there way before any lameness starts.

🐾 Has your dog become a little more grumpy than usual?
🐾 Has your dog started spooking at noises, movements or generally become more nervous?
🐾 Has your dog's coat started looking like a zig-zag or sticking up, particularly down the back or over the hips or shoulders?
🐾 Has your dog started hesitating when they go up/down the stairs?
🐾 Has your dog started sniffing more on walks or lagging behind you?

The list sadly can go on. But if you have answered yes to any of these questions, or if you have noticed any of these other signs in your dog, they may be in pain.

Physiotherapy can help your dog feel more comfortable by relieving their pain and building their strength to support painful joints. I also work with you to help you figure out a management plan that works best for you and your dog.

Get your dog booked in today for a pain check and to start their physiotherapy journey!
📞: 07734 382578
📧: [email protected]

13/09/2023

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month

Throughout the remainder of September, I will be sharing tips, tricks, things to look out for, anything you need to know about pain in our pets.

Is there anything you want to know? Let me know in the comments below and I will do my best to help! Or drop me a message to ask your question in private.
Tel: 07734 382568
Email: [email protected]

05/09/2023

Sponsored Dog Brag Post!

Massive congratulations to Gambler and Sarah for being crowned 3rd place in the PAWC World Championships! After a slow start, G certainly saved the best for last and ran an amazing CLEAR round to secure the bronze medal!

Gambler's little sister Seven also represented Team UK and ran her socks off in her first ever international competition at only 23 months old! Seven pulled off 2 amazing runs with only a few faults and tried her hardest all weekend.

Gambler and Seven receive monthly physio to keep them in tip-top champion quality condition. I am so incredibly proud of these 2 and their amazing Mum for being such superstars! Congratulations!!

28/08/2023

Today is Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day, where we take a moment to remember all of our much loved pets who are no longer with us but are still walking beside us.

We sadly lost one of the REC family recently. Georgia had such a beautiful soul and never let anything get her down. Her little tail literally never stopped wagging and would do absolutely anything... as long as treats were involved. I first met Georgia just over a year ago when she started showing signs of a partial disc herniation. From the get go she never failed to make me laugh and just had to put the Georgia spin on anything we asked her to do. I will honestly miss this bouncy, hoppy, happy little girl, my biggest thoughts and wishes are with her parents.
Rest easy Georgia 🐾 🌈

26/08/2023

It's National Dog Day!

Here is just a small collection of some of the dogs that make up the REC Family!

Think your dog may benefit from physiotherapy? Drop me a message to start their journey with REC Veterinary Physiotherapy
📱: 07734 382578

14/07/2023

So proud of 2 of my sponsored dogs, Lupa and Gambler who joined forces yesterday to WIN the Pawstrading Ltd Pairs Final at the UK Hoopers Big Finals Weekend!

These 2 get regular physiotherapy to keep on top of any niggles and keep them strong and in winning form. Congratulations Lupa and Gambler!!

Book your sports dog in now for a mid season check over and treatment! Limited spaces available left in July
📞 call or WhatsApp: 07734 382578
📧 email: [email protected]

01/07/2023

The only photo I got from today. How cute is little Pudding trying out the Fitbone for the first time!

01/07/2023

All set up and looking like it'll be a great day at the North Clwyd Animal Rescue Fun Dog Show at Hafod Equestrian Centre. Open 11am-3pm, come down and join in the fun!

12/06/2023

Due to the thunderstorm on Saturday night wiping out my WiFi router, I am experiencing some technical difficulties with my emails!

I am hoping to have this sorted by Wednesday at the absolute latest, but in the meantime please call, text or WhatsApp me and I will get back to you as soon as I can!

Thank you!