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Greyfriars patients help train canine professionals

On Saturday, 5 April, Greyfriars ran their first Canine Rehabilitation for Hydrotherapists and Veterinary Nurses course. A full house of ten students joined course tutors Angela Griffiths, Kirsty Arthur, Lisa Paruit and Karen Lees for a day introducing some of the theory and practice of rehabilitation. Sessions in the classroom were interspersed with poolside and outdoor rehab area work and joining the team for the practical sessions were some of the canine clients who have benefited from Greyfriars’ expertise. Greyfriars believes it is vital for course participants to study a variety of dog breeds and conditions and have a chance to talk to owners about their experiences. Students were given notes about each dog, its history and treatment, asked to look at gait, movements and difficulties and to think about how they might help the patient.


Penny

Maverick and Topsy in the pool

Gigi the miniature wire-haired Daschund

All the dogs played a full part in helping the students to understand the practical implications of rehabilitation and, as the photos show, thoroughly enjoyed themselves into the bargain. Greyfriars is very grateful to their owners who gave their time to bring their dogs to the course in order to help other dogs in the future.

Maverick, a Standard Daschund, collapsed with spinal disc problems which required surgery. To add to Maverick’s problems he suffers from epilepsy and needs daily medication. Hydrotherapy, underwater treadmill and physiotherapy have all helped get Maverick back on his feet.

Golden Retriever, Ella, is one of Greyfriars first clients. Ella had surgery to both elbows, suffers from arthritic hips and recently had surgery for a right cruciate ligament rupture. She visits Greyfriars weekly for hydrotherapy, underwater treadmill and physiotherapy.

Miniature Wire Haired Daschund, Gigi, was given very little chance of walking again following spinal problems, made worse by obesity. She was admitted to Greyfriars as an inpatient for intensive rehabilitation and weight loss. Hydrotherapy, underwater treadmill, acupuncture and physiotherapy were all used to get Gigi back on her feet and walking again.

Patita is a Pharoah Hound x Lurcher, who injured her leg out walking which led in time to muscle atrophy, restrictive scar tissue formation and non use of the leg. Hydrotherapy, underwater treadmill and physiotherapy have helped get Patita back on all four legs and she is relying on her medication less and less.

Yellow Labrador, Penny, has hip dysplasia on her right side which was aggravated by a cruciate ligament rupture. She attends regular hydrotherapy sessions and definitely exhibits a “doggie” sense of humour.

Toy Poodle, Topsy, trained for agility where her lack of willingness to jump was shown to be caused by disc degeneration. Her vet recommended conservative care rather than surgery and Topsy attends regular sessions of hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and acupuncture.

Angela Griffiths’ own pack of Rocky, Aisha and Buffy are well known to clients who see them playing in the paddocks most days. They also assist in the inpatient unit, putting new clients at ease by relaxing them and increasing confidence.

Greyhound Aisha’s potential racing career ended when she fractured a leg at nine months old and ended up abandoned in Battersea Dogs Home. She made a full recovery and was adopted by Angela but in January 2008 she decided to demonstrate her jumping abilities over a fence and got caught up causing multiple injuries to her left stifle. Once out of ‘hospital’ Aisha had to be splinted for 8 weeks and then started on a course of underwater treadmill, physiotherapy and functional rehabilitation and is well on the way to a full recovery with no jumping allowed in the future!

Buffy is the latest member of Angela’s canine family. Originally a trainee assistance dog she was diagnosed with severe hip dysplasia which made her struggle with tasks. Canine Partners decided it was best to rehome Buffy and Angela adopted her in 2007. Buffy has regular hydrotherapy and physiotherapy which have improved her condition so much that it now looks unlikely that hip replacements will be necessary.

Here are just a few comments from the course participants which, we think, show that this course was a huge success.

‘Had a fantastic day. So glad I made the trip up to you. So worthwhile – you have got me hooked! Nice to see you all, so caring and enjoying your jobs. Keep up the good work’.



PS
From Buffy’s mum, Angela Griffiths
Visitors to Greyfriars website during January and February may remember Wizard in his cart on our opening page. Sadly Wizard passed away recently and his owners, Hayley and Mick, bravely agreed to loan his cart to help GSD Kim while he is waiting for a new cart from the USA. We cannot thank them enough for their generosity in helping to make Kim’s life more comfortable.

 


News Archive
 

September 2007 The Good Old British Beach Hut comes to Greyfriars
  The Treadmill Arrives

July 2007 Baxter at the BBC
  Swimming With Wolves
  Spot
  Coming Soon - An Underwater Treadmill!
  Plunge in pooches - "The Dog Collection"
June 2007 Hydrotherapy Referral Centre established - "Veterinary Review"
   
   
2003 Hydrotherapy for Pet Animals - from "Our Cats" by Clare Rodney
  Brought to Heal - "The Times" by Diana Farr
  Sink or Swim - from "Dogs Today"' by Christine Bailey
   



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