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The Gold Standard in Physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy for dogs
The Gold Standard in Physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy for dogs
According to the Royal Veterinary College approximately 15-25% of all veterinary visits in the UK are for musculoskeletal or neurological concerns but how do you know who you should be seeing and for what. Our guide below helps you to navigate this complex field of specialists to best care for your dog.
Your pet’s Veterinary Care will normally start here with a First Opinion, Primary Care, General Practice Vet. First Opinion Vets act as the frontline providers for your pet’s health, offering routine check-ups, vaccinations, diagnosing common illnesses, and providing treatments. They are your go-to for general healthcare and preventive care, similar to a family GP for humans.
Traditional Vet Practices are brick-and-mortar clinics where pet owners can bring their animals for a wide range of services, from routine health checks to emergency care. These practices typically offer in-person consultations, diagnostics, and surgical treatments under one roof. Their strength lies in direct, hands-on examination and immediate action for pets in need, providing everything from preventive care to emergency surgery.
Online Vet Practices have emerged as a convenient alternative, offering virtual consultations via video or chat. These services are ideal for advice, triage, and guidance when an in-person visit isn’t immediately necessary. However, they cannot physically examine or treat pets, and any serious health issues will still need to be addressed by a physical vet practice. The primary advantage of online vet practices is their accessibility, especially in non-urgent situations, making veterinary advice more available to pet owners who may have time constraints or live in remote areas.
If your pet need’s specialist care then your Vet may well refer you to a specialist referral centre or offer your Veterinary care within your own general practice by a mobile surgeon known as a Peripatetic Vet.
As of August 2024 there are specialist requirements your Vet MUST follow in making these referrals so that you are fully informed about the options available for your Pet’s care. Our friends at Moores Ortho have set out an easy to read explanation of this on their website.
Referral Centres are specialised veterinary facilities where pets are sent by their first-opinion vet for advanced care. They are often staffed by veterinary specialists who focus on specific fields like orthopaedics, neurology, or oncology. Referral centres have cutting-edge equipment and expertise to handle complex conditions that require more specialised knowledge and treatment than a general vet practice can provide.
Peripatetic Vets, or mobile vets, travel between practices or homes to provide specialised services or routine care. They are often employed for services like specialist surgeries or diagnostic procedures that smaller practices may not be equipped for. This can be especially useful for pets that are anxious or stressed by travel, as well as for veterinary clinics that require additional expertise but do not have in-house specialists. Their flexibility and mobility distinguish them from traditional static clinics.
Allied Veterinary Professionals – including veterinary nurses and physiotherapists – work closely with vets to provide supportive care, rehabilitation, and specialised treatments. Together, these professionals form the foundation of day-to-day veterinary care.
Most allied professionals are not formally regulated like Vets are and you should be very careful to select only those who have the professional competence and training to support your dog. There are laws which govern the treatment of animals however there is no protection against sub-standard training or delivery. As industry representatives and leaders you can be assured that our services are delivered by some of the most competent and well trained therapists in the country.
Clinics such as ours specialise in post-surgical care, mobility issues, pain management, and rehabilitation therapy. We offer services like hydrotherapy, physical therapy, and laser therapy to help pets recover from injuries or surgeries.
Unlike First Opinion or Referral Centres, these clinics focus solely on rehabilitation and recovery, often working in conjunction with the pet’s regular vet or surgeon to ensure optimal recovery.
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