Integrated Veterinary Services

28/08/2025

Active Recovery, Not Just Rest 🌿

After an intense weekend, my dogs had a rest day — but today, I chose a light jog instead of training, stretches, or treatment. Why? Because movement itself is a therapy. It lubricates joints, stretches, and helps the body relax.

While we still have competitions on the block, the dogs don't have a watch telling them to slow down; that's on me. I use the following guidelines for building a moderate recovery set.

✔️ Pace — requires light concentration, but allows sniffing and exploring
✔️ Stride — smooth, even, no forced changes
✔️ Breathing — relaxed, no strain
✔️ Duration — mild to moderate, on stable terrain

It’s about picking the right movement, at the right time.

26/08/2025

📣Seminar Speaker📣

🐶Small Animal Speaker🐶

Nicky Grant BSc Hons Physiotherapy, MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy, MCSP, HCPC, RAMP

Nicky leads the team at the Win Clinic in Wellington, Somerset—a physiotherapist-led clinic that treats canine, human, and equine clients. The clinic is a specialist centre for small animal rehabilitation and welcomes a wide variety of dogs, from elderly companions to elite military working dogs.

Nicky has a particular expertise in sporting and working dogs, with a strong focus on optimizing canine performance and managing sports-related injuries and rehabilitation.

Title:
Physiotherapy Considerations in the Management of Elite Working Dogs.

19/08/2025

This last year has seen a substantial rise in research and review articles looking at the role of the gut bug population in dogs in relation to their behaviour

This new review article by Crisante 2025 provides some good consideration
Alongside some new research looking at dogs and aggression tendencies in relation to gut bugs.

I m really looking forward to delving into this fresh science as part of my 5 day Aggression in dogs for Professionals course in Devon in just a few weeks time - there are still a couple of places available if there is interest - more info in this link

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Av191yZ1B/?mibextid=wwXIfr

References for 3 new science papers on this topic:

Crisante, A., Newberry, F., Clegg, S.R., Mitchell, G.L., Pike, T.W., Ratcliffe, V., Spain, A., Wilkinson, A., Zulch, H. and Mills, D.S., 2025. A critical review of research concerning the gut microbiome in dogs and its relationship with behaviour. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, p.106755

Pellowe, S.D., Zhang, A., Bignell, D.R., Peña-Castillo, L. and Walsh, C.J., 2025. Gut microbiota composition is related to anxiety and aggression scores in companion dogs. Scientific Reports, 15(1), p.24336.

Sun, N., Xie, L., Chao, J., Xiu, F., Zhai, H., Zhou, Y., Yu, X. and Shui, Y., 2025. Study on the Correlation Between Aggressive Behavior and Gut Microbiota and Serum Serotonin (5-HT) in Working Dogs. Veterinary Sciences, 12(6), p.526.

19/08/2025

🥰

🥹🥰 One last photo of the latest addition to the Whiskers Family 😍💖

With little Aurelie celebrating her 6th month we start the count down to our Vet, Alexia, returning to the wonderful world of wagging tails and shiny whiskers . ⏳👀

We are looking forward to welcoming her back in just 4 weeks!!! 🥳✨

🌟 Leave us a review! - https://tinyurl.com/WhiskersVets
📞 01626 835002
✉️ [email protected]
🖥 https://whiskersvets.co.uk/
📄 Register today! - https://whiskersvets.co.uk/register/
📆 Book an appointment - https://whiskersvets.co.uk/book-appointment/
🧡 Join our Wellness Club - https://whiskersvets.co.uk/wellness-club/ 🐾💛

19/08/2025

https://www.dachshund-ivdd.uk/symptoms-treatment/chondroitinase-injection/?sfnsn=scwspwa&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR4tH3GW1j-EieCHUSWaKCmkR5wNZxLTV7K_6vl-OHCvqgmo4itiLq8zYMJGXQ_aem_x2calMEJuz-rEl44hbG5bA

New page

19/08/2025

CAMBRIDGE VETS OFFER NEW INJECTION TREATMENT FOR DOGS WITH IVDD

A new enzyme injection treatment for dogs with severe intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is now available at the Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital (QVSH), offering a safe, less invasive, and more affordable alternative to surgery for some patients.

The treatment, called percutaneous intra-discal chondroitinase injection, involves delivering an enzyme directly into the damaged intervertebral discs. This enzyme dissolves the central part of the disc, potentially relieving pressure on the spinal cord.

The QVSH in Cambridge recently worked with colleagues from Texas A&M University in the United States, to run a clinical trial involving 54 dogs who had lost the ability to walk due to IVDD. The trial, now published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, showed that dogs receiving chondroitinase injections recovered the ability to walk at a similar rate to those who undergo other forms of treatment for IVDD.

The procedure is now available at the QVSH as part of a low-cost IVDD treatment package including a full neurological consultation, MRI scan, and injections into multiple discs for a total cost of £1,750. We are still accepting dogs for the original trial, where pet owners who are unable to afford traditional treatment may be offered the injections at a significantly reduced fee of £400, but with no MRI or CT scan.

What Dogs would meet the criteria for treatment?

A : The treatment is aimed at dogs who are severely enough affected that they are unable to walk ie would otherwise normally be recommended for surgery. For the specific trial we have been running we have to see them within 48 hours of becoming unable to walk; for the new protocol where we offer MRI as well the time limit is not as strict.

For further information about chondroitinase injections for IVDD or about the ongoing trial, contact the QVSH on 01223 337621, or alternatively email Professor Freeman at [email protected] or the neurology service at [email protected].

And see the links below.

IVDE Chondroitinase trial | The Queen's Veterinary School Hospital https://share.google/UDZoQQItpxesbiZHF

Published Trial Results
https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/263/6/javma.24.12.0790.xml?tab_body=fulltext&fbclid=IwQ0xDSwMQh41leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHpWvYwUsUddJIbBt4tuOJLsE4hE5Qj2HRVVlu8yCGeighD0tEELP61kr6ie4_aem_ZtV-82cHTjaDWYOKt2xIyg

https://www.dachshund-ivdd.uk/symptoms-treatment/chondroitinase-injection/

30/07/2025

19/07/2025

🐾 Understanding Your Dog’s Sleep Stages

Did you know dogs experience distinct sleep stages essential to their health?

✅ Non-REM (Deep Sleep)
• Promotes physical restoration
• Supports immune function
• Conserves energy

✅ REM (Rapid Eye Movement) Sleep
• Brain is highly active
• Critical for memory consolidation and learning
• Supports emotional regulation

Dogs have shorter sleep cycles than humans, typically alternating between these stages every 20–30 minutes. Puppies spend even more time in REM sleep as they process new experiences.

Why it matters:
Healthy sleep supports your dog’s physical recovery, learning ability, and overall well-being. Ensuring your dog has a calm, comfortable sleeping environment can make a big difference in their health.

19/07/2025

Say goodbye to restrictive harnesses and hello to the PerfectFit Harnesses 🐶✨

Designed with comfort, safety, and movement in mind, the PerfectFit Harness is made up of three adjustable pieces for a truly custom fit, no matter your dog’s size, shape, or breed.

✅ Allows natural movement
✅ Prevents rubbing and chafing with soft padding
✅ Easily adjustable as your dog grows
✅ Backed by expert fitting advice
✅ Available in a range of stylish colours

CAM’s own team trusts PerfectFit for their dogs, and now you can too. Ideal for dogs with arthritis or mobility issues, this harness supports better movement and comfort, whether you're heading out for a gentle stroll or an adventurous hike.

💬 CAM founder Hannah says:
“I'm so excited that Canine Arthritis Management is teaming up with PerfectFit! I've been a longtime fan of their harnesses - they're lightweight, non-restrictive, beautifully made, and stylish too. This partnership is truly a PerfectMatch for enhancing mobility and improving the quality of life for dogs with arthritis.”

🛒 Find your dog’s perfect fit today at:
https://perfect-fit-dog-harness.com/harness.html

17/07/2025

Picture credit Barking Brains