Treatment Options
There are many different recommendations that might be made. Below are just a few examples of the treatment options that might help an individual pet:
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves inserting very fine needles into the body. It is mainly used for pain management and works by blocking pain messages and encouraging the body to produce its natural painkillers. It is particularly good for muscle pain and arthritic pain.
The initial course of treatment is usually once a week for four sessions. After four weeks we will know whether acupuncture is working for your pet and will work out a long-term plan for maintaining its effect.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a very effective way of supporting older osteoarthritic patients and also younger patients that are recovering after joint surgeries or fracture repairs. It will improve range of motion in joints and alleviate stiffness. It can be used as a preventative measure or to help the body heal. It can also improve muscle tone and help treat non-healing wounds
Physiotherapy treatments range from massage, stretches, joint manipulations to using various pieces of equipment including therapeutic ultrasound. There will also usually be exercises to perform at home.
Weight Control
When animals are less mobile it is common for them to gain weight, which exacerbates any underlying problems. Weight control is therefore an essential part of any treatment plan. Our nurses will work out a suitable weight reduction programme with you.
Medication
Many different drugs are available to manage and control chronic pain. They can be used temporarily while other treatments take effect, or longer term to enable the patient to have a better quality of life. The exact drugs that may be suitable vary from condition to condition and from individual to individual. The benefits and side effects of each one will be discussed at length during the clinics.
Exercise modification, hydrotherapy & surgery
Exercise programmes are designed to encourage normal movement, increase fitness and strength. Hydrotherapy performs the same functions but can be more helpful where weight bearing needs to be limited. Occasionally surgery can be useful to reduce pain. For example, young animals with severe hip dysplasia may benefit from a hip replacement.
Joint Injections
There are a number of situations in which injections into the joint may help a patient. We have a range of options including corticosteroids, platelets and stem cells which aim to reduce joint inflammation and slow down the progress of arthritic change through to Arthramid injections which form a spongy shock absorbing cushion in the diseased joint making it much more comfortable.
To make an enquiry or book an appointment please call 01765 602396 or complete our Referral Form by clicking here.