Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral from my vet?
Do I need a referral from my vet?
The law (The Veterinary Surgeons Act) states that any type of treatment on an animal which is not carried out by a vet must be referred to the professional treating by their Veterinary Surgeon. Therefore veterinary physiotherapists cannot treat animals with any pre-existing conditions, previous or current injuries or other diagnosed conditions without veterinary consent. This also ensures that your animal gets the best care possible, with your therapist and your vet liaising over the course of your animals' treatment and rehabilitation. A healthy animal with no diagnosis may not require consent to treat, this is determined on a case-by-case basis.
The law (The Veterinary Surgeons Act) states that any type of treatment on an animal which is not carried out by a vet must be referred to the professional treating by their Veterinary Surgeon. Therefore veterinary physiotherapists cannot treat animals with any pre-existing conditions, previous or current injuries or other diagnosed conditions without veterinary consent. This also ensures that your animal gets the best care possible, with your therapist and your vet liaising over the course of your animals' treatment and rehabilitation. A healthy animal with no diagnosis may not require consent to treat, this is determined on a case-by-case basis.
You must notify Brize Veterinary Physiotherapy if your veterinary surgeon has advised that treatment should be stopped or suspended for any reason.
You must notify Brize Veterinary Physiotherapy if your veterinary surgeon has advised that treatment should be stopped or suspended for any reason.
Jennifer is a member of the Institute of Registered Veterinary and Animal Physiotherapists (IRVAP), the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (NAVP) and registered with the Animal Health Professions' Register (AHPR) which all insist on high standards for members, including working with prior veterinary consent.
Jennifer is a member of the Institute of Registered Veterinary and Animal Physiotherapists (IRVAP), the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (NAVP) and registered with the Animal Health Professions' Register (AHPR) which all insist on high standards for members, including working with prior veterinary consent.
How can I prepare for our appointment?
How can I prepare for our appointment?
Please ensure your animal is clean and dry. Wet and muddy coats and feet can affect the 'feel' and make treatment challenging. Horses should be in ready for their appointment, ideally on hard-standing.
Please ensure your animal is clean and dry. Wet and muddy coats and feet can affect the 'feel' and make treatment challenging. Horses should be in ready for their appointment, ideally on hard-standing.
Please do not feed your animal within 2 hours of your appointment.
Please do not feed your animal within 2 hours of your appointment.
Please give your dog an opportunity to go to the toilet and empty its bowels prior to your appointment.
Please give your dog an opportunity to go to the toilet and empty its bowels prior to your appointment.
Any animal presenting with sickness, diarrhoea, flea infestation or other communicable disease cannot be treated: please inform Brize Veterinary Physiotherapy as soon as possible in advance.
Any animal presenting with sickness, diarrhoea, flea infestation or other communicable disease cannot be treated: please inform Brize Veterinary Physiotherapy as soon as possible in advance.
What will happen at our appointment?
What will happen at our appointment?
All animals are treated with care and respect, and it is important to us that we work with rather than on your animal so that we can get the best results. This may necessitate allowing time for your animal to relax before any hands-on assessment is initiated at the first session.
All animals are treated with care and respect, and it is important to us that we work with rather than on your animal so that we can get the best results. This may necessitate allowing time for your animal to relax before any hands-on assessment is initiated at the first session.
Regardless of the species being treated, a thorough history will be taken first. This will be followed by static and dynamic (gait) assessments, then a hands-on physical examination (palpation). Findings will be explained, and treatment options discussed.
Regardless of the species being treated, a thorough history will be taken first. This will be followed by static and dynamic (gait) assessments, then a hands-on physical examination (palpation). Findings will be explained, and treatment options discussed.
Exercises may be prescribed as homework between sessions to prolong the effects of treatment.
Exercises may be prescribed as homework between sessions to prolong the effects of treatment.
Is the cost of veterinary physiotherapy covered by insurance?
Is the cost of veterinary physiotherapy covered by insurance?
Many insurance companies will reimburse costs for veterinary physiotherapy, you are advised to check your policy before booking an appointment.
Many insurance companies will reimburse costs for veterinary physiotherapy, you are advised to check your policy before booking an appointment.
Brize Veterinary Physiotherapy supports the principle of insuring against unexpected accidents or illnesses. Please note that we do not deal with direct claims. You will need to settle your account with Brize Veterinary Physiotherapy and obtain a receipt that will allow you to claim back your costs.
Brize Veterinary Physiotherapy supports the principle of insuring against unexpected accidents or illnesses. Please note that we do not deal with direct claims. You will need to settle your account with Brize Veterinary Physiotherapy and obtain a receipt that will allow you to claim back your costs.
Jennifer is registered with AHPR and IRVAP which are both commonly accepted by insurance companies for claims.
Jennifer is registered with AHPR and IRVAP which are both commonly accepted by insurance companies for claims.
What aftercare will my animal need following treatment?
What aftercare will my animal need following treatment?
Each animal and each treatment is individual, so there is no 'one size fits all'. As a general guide, most animals may feel more tired than usual immediately after treatment and need a period of rest followed by active recovery such as turnout or a gentle short walk. Jennifer will guide you with specific recommendations following your appointment.
Each animal and each treatment is individual, so there is no 'one size fits all'. As a general guide, most animals may feel more tired than usual immediately after treatment and need a period of rest followed by active recovery such as turnout or a gentle short walk. Jennifer will guide you with specific recommendations following your appointment.
Horses: Depending on the issues identified and treatment provided, it is beneficial to allow the horse to adjust before being worked again. It is generally advised to allow your horse 24-48 hours off ridden work with as much turnout as possible (unless on restricted turnout or box rest) to allow them to move freely.
Horses: Depending on the issues identified and treatment provided, it is beneficial to allow the horse to adjust before being worked again. It is generally advised to allow your horse 24-48 hours off ridden work with as much turnout as possible (unless on restricted turnout or box rest) to allow them to move freely.
Dogs: Following treatment, it is common for dogs to feel tired. Ideally, keep your dog warm and avoid strenuous activity for at least 24 hours. Allow them to rest immediately after treatment, followed by active recovery such as a gentle walk.
Dogs: Following treatment, it is common for dogs to feel tired. Ideally, keep your dog warm and avoid strenuous activity for at least 24 hours. Allow them to rest immediately after treatment, followed by active recovery such as a gentle walk.