What is animal osteopathy?
Animal osteopathy works on the same basis as osteopathy for humans. For our animal’s bodies to function well they rely on different structures (bones, muscles, joints, connective tissues and organs) working together effectively. Osteopaths work with the animal’s body, aiming to promote and restore normal function by using a variety of non-invasive techniques such as soft tissue massage, joint mobilisations, stretching and joint manipulations. Osteopaths may also give advice and prescribe exercises for you to complete with your animal to aid their recovery and prevent re-occurrence of symptoms.
What can animal osteopathy help with?
Osteopathy can help a wide range of animals, from family pets, to working animals and elite athletes.
Some of the issues osteopathy could help your animal with:
- Neck and back problems
- Reduced performance
- Aging related aches and pains (e.g. from arthritis)
- Changes in gait
- Behavioural changes
- Assisting rehab following injury or surgery
Does my animal need treatment?
Animals are not able to tell us about their pain in the same way that people can, however they will communicate in their own way.
Signs that your animal may be in pain include:
- Changes in gait or lameness
- Stiffness in an area of the body
- Reluctance to move e.g. a dog may not want to get in and out of the car or up and down stairs
- Sensitivity and defensiveness when touched
- Shifting their weight or reluctance to weight-bear on a limb
- Aggressive behaviours
- Difficulty in walking, stretching or jumping
- Reduced performance
How long will my appointment be?
Please allow 1 hour for equine appointments and 30 minutes for dog/small animal appointments.
Please note that these timings are for guidance. Time spent on treatment may vary depending on your animal’s individual needs and treatment plan.
Veterinary Consent
It is a legal requirement for your animal to be registered with a veterinary surgeon before they can receive osteopathic treatment, written consent is required from your animals veterinarian before they can attend their first appointment and receive osteopathic treatment. With your consent we will contact your animal’s veterinary practice to request this consent.
Payment/fees
Osteopathy equine appointments: £80
Osteopathy canine and other small animal appointments: £60
For other animals including livestock and wildlife please contact the practice to discuss.
Payment is required at each appointment. We accept cash and all major debit and credit cards except for American Express.
Please note: many insurance policies will allow you to claim for osteopathic treatment of your animal, we strongly suggest that you check your cover with your insurance provider before your animal commences treatment. We are unable to invoice health insurance providers directly, however we will be happy to provide you with an invoice for your appointments.
Location of animal appointments
Animal appointment clinics are held regularly at the practice for both small animals and equines.
We understand that in some circumstances travelling to the practice with horses or other large animals/livestock may not be possible, particularly if you have several animals that require treatment. In some instances we may be able to provide yard visits for horses and other large animals, there is limited availability for these and call out charges and travel fees apply. Please email or phone our reception team to request a call back from an osteopath to discuss your requirements.