ABSTRACT: The subject of hydrotherapy and physiotherapy for animals is a controversial one at the best of times. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) are currently working together to review Section 19 of The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and The Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order 1962. These stipulate that a veterinary surgeon must diagnose and treat animals and, once a suitable diagnosis has been made, they may then refer onto other individuals to provide specialised treatment such as hydrotherapy and physiotherapy.

Author

Rebecca Winter RVN, A1, Dip A PhysMIAAT, Dip Small Animal Hydrotherapy, Dip Small Animal & Equine Physiotherapy

Rebecca’s career as a veterinary nurse began in 2002 at a first-opinion mixed practice with an orthopaedic surgeon on site. Following qualification she went on to work at two further practices before finally working in a large, small- animal practice as the orthopaedic nurse. Rebecca’s interest in rehabilitation of post-surgical care cases dates from that time. At this point she worked part-time at Hawksmoor Hydrotherapy Rehabilitation Centre and while working here Rebecca completed Diplomas in both Animal Physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy for Small Animals. She is now the Senior Hydrotherapist and Physiotherapist at Hawksmoor, where she treats a multitude of pre- and post-surgical cases as well as those with osteoarthritic and neurological conditions. She is also a member of the committee for The International Association of Animal Therapists (IAAT) and lectures to student physiotherapists and hydrotherapists.

Email: rwinter-animalphysiotherapy1@outlook.com

To cite this article: Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 31 (10) • October 2016 pp312-315

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