Treatments
Hydrotherapy is a fantastic form of treatment and exercising, it uses every muscle in the anatomy. It gives full extension of the limbs and the warm water improves circulation which aids healing. The buoyancy of the water adds to these benefits by making all this exercise non weight bearing relieving the pressure on sore joints and limbs.
To improve strength and joint mobility we use our underwater jets at different settings to form a current for your pet to swim against when the jet setting is lowered this will massage your pets limbs. And promote mental well being.There are several different reasons why hydrotherapy is a vital part of a fitness or rehabilitation program, following injury, surgery or illness.Of course a dog does not have to be ill or injured to swim In a hydrotherapy pool. Many dogs swim for fitness, to build stamina or just because its great fun.
Its also a great way to tackle the growing problem of obesity in dogs as swimming improves the cardiovascular system specifically the heart and lungs as they work harder in water. A great all round work out for your dog!
Hydrotherapy can be used to treat any of the following conditions:
Pre and post operative conditioning
Arthritis – reduction of pain and increased mobility
Hip dysplasia – especially useful for young dogs restricted to lead exercise
CDRM (Chronic Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy)
Spinal injuries
Recovery from multiple injuries – including fractures & neurological damage
Cruciate ligament injuries and post operative recovery
Muscle strengthening, maintenance and restoration
Relief of pain, swelling and stiffness
Relaxation of muscle spasms
Cardiovascular fitness (heart & lungs)
Obesity (weight loss in conjunction with diet)
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Canine Massage
Clinics ran by Liz McIntosh ICAT (Dip)
Liz studied with the institute of Complementary Animal Therapies (ICAT) to gain a Diploma in Canine Massage. As an ICAT therapist Liz has full professional indemnity and public liability insurance.Liz only works with veterinary consent. Canine Massage Treatments are available at Holmcroft in our treatment room.
Canine massage therapy is a gentle manipulation of soft tissue including the skin, muscles, ligaments and tendons. A number of different techniques (Massage movements) are used to vary pressure and the way it is applied over all parts of the body affecting both superficial and deep tissue layers. As one of the most beneficial forms of touch, it stimulates the bodies natural healing ability and productions of pain killers from natural chemical (endorphins) within the body. Gentle stretches are used to complement the massage techniques and encourage full range of movement. The stretches are only done when your pet is thoroughly warmed up. Different types of equipment can be used , such as a gym ball to assist with the stretching, or poles placed on the ground to heighten the dogs awareness of its own body.
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Physiotherapy
Clinics ran by Carla Dixon MCSP ACPAT Cat A
Furry Friends Physio
Carla Dixon is a Chartered Physiotherapist who is qualified to treat humans and animals. She graduated from the University of Hertfordshire in 2001 with a Bsc (Hons) in Physiotherapy. She is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (MCSP)and is registered with the Heath Professions Council.
She still treats human patients in the National Health Service. In 2007, Carla obtained a post-graduate diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy from the Royal Veterinary College (University of London)and is a category A member of the association of Chartered Physiotherapist in animal therapy(ACPAT) Carla only works with veterinary consent and is insured to treat both humans and animal patients. Physiotherapy Treatments are available at Holmcroft in our treatment room.
Physiotherapy uses physical agents to help heal tissues and return your pet back to normal function. A full assessment of each pet is done before any treatment can take place. The types of treatments that can be used by a Physiotherapist include manual therapies, electrotherapies, gait re-education, and exercise and rehabilitation programmes to improve strength, range, motion, fitness and proprioception. Physiotherapy also includes advice and education relevant to conditions being treated.
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In Care Patient Unit
At Holmcroft we understand how difficult it can be to look after your pet pre surgery, post surgery of when they are ill. We have set up our in-care patient unit to bridge the gap between surgery/ illness and being strong enough for you and your pet to cope at home.
Not everybodys circumstances let them take care of there pet in the crucial few days after discharge especially if you are in full time employment, elderly or have young children. Quite often your pet will need physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and rehabilitation to aid there recovery, this can mean 1 to 2 hours appointments each week if not daily.
This can cause owners problems with there day to day life. By having the in-care patient unit on site we can make sure your pets receives all the follow up treatments as and when they are needed. We can also offer respite care for owners of pets that are geriatric or disabled. Some of our inpatients are too vulnerable to be in kennels. Our in-care patient unit can be for long of short term stays.
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Transportation
We offer fully insured transportation to and from our center for treatments. And also veterinary transportation when needed.
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Professional Dog Washing
We offer a professional dog washing service while you wait. We give your dog a warm shower and shampoo followed by drying with our powerful hot air dryer