Terry Chapman BSc, MSc, PGDipAPhys, RCH, MIRVAP(VP)(ICH), MCHA
Terry opened Pool4Paws in January 2011 after completing his Canine Hydrotherapy, Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation qualifications. Terry has many years experience in Hydrotherapy & Rehabilitation and treats dogs from all over the South West. Due to his extensive knowledge and experience in this field he is also the EQA for ABC awards and carries out inspections of the training centres offering the Canine Hydrotherapy qualifications.
Terry also works as an advisor to K9 Hydro Services Training Centre and is responsible for quality assurance. Terry is on the board of the Institute of Canine Hydrotherapists (ICH) and co-opted onto the council of IRVAP (Institute of Registered Animal & Veterinary Physiotherapists) where he advises on CPD and is on the approval panel for qualifications in the Hydrotherapy, Physiotherapy and rehabilitation sector for IRVAP.
Carly Nairn RVN, CertCFVHNut, RCH, MIRVAP(ICH), MCHA
Carly joined Pool4Paws in April 2018 after working as a head veterinary nurse for 17 years. During this time Carly has gained several years experience working with orthopaedic and neurological cases. Carly completed her Canine Hydrotherapy qualifications in 2018 and soon became very experienced treating dogs of all sizes in the pool and Water treadmill.
Carly has a special interest in Canine Nutrition and Obesity and can give advice on weight loss programmes. Carly also has extensive knowledge and experience with laser therapy and provides training to vet practices and other laser therapists all over the UK.
Carly is also working as a co-opted member to the board of the Institute of Canine Hydrotherapists (ICH) to work in the CPD sector.
Terry and Carly kindly agreed to answer the following questions:
What are your feelings on how we currently manage this common debilitating condition in dogs?
The multi modal approach to the senior dog has significantly improved in recent years. The management of the senior dog is progressing due to practitioners working together as a multi-disciplinary team holistically. The senior dog is complicated and complex and requires the input of a number of professionals to devise an individual treatment plan and management strategies.
As a hydro therapist what do you feel is essential for managing canine arthritis effectively?
Effective pain management is the key to management of canine arthritis and the elderly dog usually from your registered veterinary surgeon or specialist pain management veterinary surgeon. The next step is a multimodal approach integrating land based physiotherapy techniques with an aquatic hydrotherapy programme. It’s paramount you use specific treatment plan and management strategies specifically for the senior dog. Integrating physiotherapy and hydrotherapy optimises the treatment plan and you gain better results. The treatment plan should be proprioceptively enriching using a range of Movement Enrichment Treatment Techniques for the senior dog. Therapeutic husbandry and home plan specifically for the senior dog would be also essential.
How do you see treatment options for arthritis progressing over the next ten years?
Through education and learning things are advancing very quickly and therapists have the options of further education for example higher level qualifications and courses focusing specifically on the elderly dog. This in turn will advance the therapists and allow them to offer new treatment techniques and improve their skills in this complex area. Groups such as CAM also share valuable information to all interested parties.
If you could have the opportunity to give one tip/piece of advice to an owner with a dog suffering from arthritis what would it be?
After seeking effective pain management contact your canine hydrotherapist/physiotherapist who specialises in senior dogs, be proactive about your senior dogs mobility rather than reactive. Getting the right exercise home programme keeps your dog as mobile as possible for as long as possible.
