Practical Physiotherapy for Veterinary Nurses

Reflecting a rapidly growing area of interest in veterinary practice, this practical, pocket–sized guide to small animal physiotherapy has been designed for quick reference, providing the ideal guide for busy practice veterinary nurses when they really need it. 

Practical Physiotherapy for Veterinary Nurses is divided into four key sections, covering the areas of musculoskeletal, neurological, respiratory physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. It includes hands–on technique photos throughout to ensure procedures are carried out correctly and safely.  This guide will help VNs be involved in rehabilitation programmes which focus on returning the patient to the highest level of function possible.

This book is accompanied by a companion website at www.wiley.com/go/carver/physiotherapy–veterinary–nurses, which contains videos and self–test questions and answers.

Gait analysis

History taking

Physical examination

Exercise plans

Physiotherapy treatment techniques

Presenting conditions

Pain management

Physiotherapy musculoskeletal assessment

Self–assessment questions

Self–assessment answers

Key features of upper and lower motor neuron lesions

Surgical and none surgical conditions

Physiotherapy case studies

Medical presenting conditions

Physiotherapy treatment plans

Veterinary patient assessment, diagnosis and treatment

Physiotherapy patient assessment

Self– assessment questions

Self–assessment answers

Chest Auscultation and interpretation

Interpretation of blood gases

Cardio respiratory monitoring and electrocardiograms

Respiratory presenting conditions

Respiratory physiotherapy treatment techniques

Respiratory physiotherapy assessment

Chest x–rays

Physiotherapy case studies and treatment plans

Self–assessment questions

Self–assessment answers

The aims of hydrotherapy

Pool chemistry

Properties of water

Hydrotherapy for specific conditions

Hydrotherapy treatment programmes and case studies

Self–assessment questions

Self–assessment answers

References

Abbreviations

Appendices

Donna Carver BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, Dip AVN (surg), RVN, MCSP

Donna works as part of the Pain and Rehabilitation service at The University of Glasgow, School of Veterinary Medicine, providing physiotherapy and hydrotherapy to small animals. She started her veterinary nursing career in small animal general practice. She has previously worked at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh, as a surgical veterinary nurse, and returning later as an animal physiotherapist/veterinary nurse. Donna is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and has given numerous CPD seminars in physiotherapy and rehabilitation.