Opal

Opal unfortunately suffered lameness and pain caused by bilateral cruciate ligament (knee) injuries alongside her existing luxating  patellas. Opal is a nervous girl, but treatment was adapted using food reward and stimulation such as likit mats so that she felt safe to engage with me during her physio sessions. We strengthened her leg muscles and kept her comfortable before Opal had surgeries on both knees a few weeks apart. Post-surgical rehabilitation began as soon as possible, aiming to build muscle and   increase joint function.   Now just 3 months after her last surgery, Opal is beginning off lead exercise and moves comfortably without   pain relief required and with no lameness present. After a year of restricted exercise due to her injuries, Opal’s freedom means the   world to both her and her   dedicated owners.

Quinn

7-month-old Quinn was presented for physiotherapy following femoral head and neck excision, whereby the top of the femur bone is removed (usually due to injury). Quinn was not using this leg properly after surgery and as a result had obvious muscle wastage. Being a very excitable pup, Quinn was a challenge to keep still enough to treat! With Quinn we aimed to release muscle tension across the surgery site to increase flexibility and allow improved gait. Once Quinn had better function of his leg, the muscle mass began to increase as he actively used his muscles. When Quinn had his vet check-up before his castration, he was moving so well the vet had to remind herself which leg was injured!

Edie

Edie’s owners brought her to the vets because she had become very inactive, not wanting to play or move around much. The vet found Edie to be painful in her back and hips and gave pain relief medication as well as referring her for physiotherapy. Edie began a home exercise programme and a course of laser therapy – within weeks, she was doing so well that we removed her pain relief as she was no longer painful. Edie is now back to playing and interacting with her owners and has lost weight as a result!

Theo

Theo sadly suffered a fracture to his femur when he was just 1 year old. The fracture was pinned to allow for repair and recovery since Theo was still growing. Following surgery Theo was given strict instructions to rest and take pain relief medications. As soon as the vet directed, he began intensive physiotherapy to influence healing and strengthening of the bone and surrounding tissues. Theo’s owners maintained progress between weekly treatment by implementing a home exercise programme – cats really can surprise you with their willingness to participate when empathetic handling is used. Theo is now no longer on limited exercise or pain relief and has full movement in his injured hip, meaning he can get back to being the top predator of his garden.

Reggie

Reggie was adopted from a rescue centre by his owner just weeks before she noticed he was concerningly weak in his hindlimbs. On visiting the vet, it was evident that he very wary when people would touch him on his back and hindlimbs suggesting he was very sore here. Reggie was placed on anti-inflammatory pain relief medications and referred for physiotherapy. With Reggie, we progressed treatment at his pace so that he began to trust and engage in his physio sessions, getting the most out of his treatment. 3 months on and I even get a wag as he comes to say hello on his way into the consulting room! Reggie has improved in leaps and bounds; he is so much stronger standing and out on walks and is much more comfortable for you to work on his hindlimbs too.