Kent & Sussex Veterinary Physiotherapy
Welcome to Kent and Sussex Veterinary Physiotherapy
Kent and Sussex Veterinary Physiotherapy is run by Sara Barnes, ACPAT Chartered Physiotherapist. Sara is a Category A member of ACPAT, is fully insured to treat animals and specialises in the treatment of horses and dogs via veterinary consent or referral.
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Covering a radius of up to 40 miles from her base in Maresfield, East Sussex, Sara uses her 29 years of experience as a ACPAT Chartered Physiotherapist to provide specialist physiotherapy assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of equine and canine patients. Sara also has 10 years’ experience using the “Saddletech” computerised saddle fitting system and is well placed to offer advice on all aspects of saddle fit for remedial and rehabilitation cases. She specialises in the treatment of acute and chronic soft tissue(i.e. muscles, tendons, ligaments) injury and joint dysfunction, as well as rehabilitation programmes after surgery, injury or neurological problems. She also offers treatment and advice to owners for the management of geriatric animals and sporting or working animals. She has worked closely over many years with other professionals in the local area, such as Vets, Saddlers, Farriers, Dentists, Behaviourists and Hydrotherapists to achieve the optimum return to function for each case.
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As they are unable to speak, animals will demonstrate their discomfort in alternative ways and the ability to assess their “body language” can give vital clues to their state of wellbeing. The following can all be symptoms of musculo-skeletal discomfort and if your animal is exhibiting any of these symptoms, then physiotherapy could help:
Horses:
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Change in temperament from normal
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Stable vices such as windsucking or crib biting
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Irritability with rugging or grooming
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Refusing to be caught or change in rolling habits
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Reluctance and fidgeting or bad temper whilst saddling, girthing or mounting
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Changes in posture, “sway back”, reluctance to stand square
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Increased spookiness and fear reactions
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Lameness
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Schooling problems such as stiffness on one rein, inability to track up, reluctance to work on the bit, not going forward or rushing and over or under reactive to leg aids, rearing, bucking , napping
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Head shaking
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Teeth grinding
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Refusing fences or knocking them down
Dogs:
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Difficulty getting up after rest
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Stiffness or lameness
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Yelping when handled
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Changes in posture
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Agility problems such as measuring fences, refusing, dropping out of the weaves and change in jumping style or speed
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Reluctance to jump into car or on/off a bed
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Difficulty with stairs or uneven ground
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Sensitivity to being groomed or handled
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Uncoordinated movement
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Repetitive licking or chewing of skin
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Difficulty with toileting or incontinence
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Changes in anxiety levels or fear reactions
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Altered reactions to other dogs