VETERINARY PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Case Studies
Here are a couple of case studies for you to peruse the diagnostic process and reassure you that Ellie is professional in her analysis and compilation of her treatment plan for every individual animal.
Sparco
D.O.B: 2013
Breed: ISH
Diagnosis -Wound and then a Splint to the inside Cannon bone RF
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Medication: Antibiotics initially for 10days
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Background
Sparco was turned out after being clipped and unfortunately came in to the stable with a mild open wound. Owner used a poultice, honey dressings, aloe vera cream but it did not reduce the bone formation (splint) it was producing.
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Initial assessment
Ellie performed a full health check. No lameness was present. Bandaging at all times.
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Treatment plan
Massage through the shoulders and thoracolumbar due to any offloading and weight bearing compensatory.
Laser Therapy was used 2 minutes x2 per day.
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Outcome
The use of Laser therapy cured the production / cell reformation and bone reduction within 3 – 4 weeks.
Horse was back in full work and sound throughout.
Millie
D.O.B 2019
Breed: Labrador
Diagnosis – Bilateral Hip Dysplasia
Medication: Metacam, Homeopathic drops, Cartrofen, Salmon oil.
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Background
Millie was a veterinary referral from Marlborough Veterinary Practice due to her condition and age operations were not an option until she is older. Millie owner recognised her limping and having an abnormal skip. Therefore, Physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy are Millie options in the mean time quickly. In dogs, hip dysplasia is an abnormal formation of the hip socket that, in its more severe form, can eventually cause crippling lameness and painful arthritis of the joints. It is a genetic (polygenic) trait that is affected by environmental factors.
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Initial assessment
Ellie performed a full health check and muscle mass measurements. We observed Millie standing, walking and sitting very slanted and abnormal with the hock joints pointing outwards and a very roached back. Significant muscle wastage bilaterally HL’s, Ataxic gait. Millie is laterally twisting her fore limb causing her elbows to twist. (LH is weaker than RH )
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Treatment plan
Initially Millie attended to have weekly physiotherapy treatment and every month an increase of approx 1inch muscle tone/mass. 2 months later receiving physiotherapy and Millie is no longer on Metacam, able to encourage longer walks up hills and soft ground. Use of the wobble board and core strengthening exercises have been excellent and Millie has improved week by week showing no signs of discomfort and turning into a professional example in using the physio equipment.
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Outcome
Millie is proving to be pain-free and continuing fortnightly physiotherapy to support her hip joints, increase tone, muscle mass, proprioception and gait patterning. Homework is essential for Millie with the aim to strengthen the quadriceps muscle groups.
