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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 or support then your Vet may well refer you to a specialist referral centre, offer you Veterinary care within your own general practice by an in-house surgeon or mobile surgeon known as a Peripatetic Vet, visit an Animal Hospital or attend a Physiotherapy Clinic.
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 The Moores Orthopaedic Clinic 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.
Animal hospitals provide a wide range of veterinary services, including routine health care as well as urgent medical attention. Equipped to perform basic surgeries and diagnostic services they are often the first point of contact for pet owners seeking medical care. Staffed by general practice veterinarians, animal hospitals address common health issues and may refer pets to specialist centres for more complex treatments.
Veterinary Physiotherapy Clinics such as The Canine Fitness Centre work under prescription (referral) from First Opinion Vets and Referral Centres to provide musculoskeletal and neurological rehabilitation for pre and post surgery. Not all clinics are alike; where the Canine Fitness Centre is led by Physiotherapists with specialist training and experience, other clinics are not required to have such extensive experience.
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