A Cumbrian vet practice has opened a specialised Rehab Room to help its clients.

The new facility at Paragon Veterinary Group’s Dalston centre is equipped with the latest kit to help rehabilitate dogs after surgery and with issues like arthritis, joint, spinal, ligament and tendon problems.

Donna Hall, the veterinary nurse behind the development said: “It’s not common for vets to have this, I’m not aware of anyone having a rehab room in first opinion practice although referral clinics have them.”

Donna, who is a Veterinary Rehabilitation Therapist with a Diploma in Canine Exercise Rehabilitation, runs Paragon’s mobility and laser clinics.

She had the idea for a new specially designated room which would allow enough space for dogs to undertake physio and prescribed exercises, such as walking over poles and obstacles, in an indoor setting.

“The new room is twice the size of the usual consult rooms,” said Donna. 

“It’s wonderful. It was amazing when I had the first clients in.

“They appreciated it and it feels very rewarding because I have found the dogs seem more relaxed. It doesn’t look like a consult room.”

Donna carries out mobility assessments and devises treatment plans including physio, massage, range of motion exercises and exercises using equipment like weaving poles and wobble and balance boards. 

She also uses some leading tech in the form of a Pulse MAG machine and a Class IV laser, both of which are used to help cells repair and reduce inflammation and pain.

Part of a covered outdoor run was rebuilt to create the Rehab Room and features include frosted glass so nervous dogs are not frightened by people walking past, anti-slip rubber flooring and an access ramp.

Anxious dogs can also access the Rehab Room from a side entrance if they are stressed by coming through the practice front door.

“I’m proud of it and just want to be in there all day every day,” said Donna.

“I really do find rehab work rewarding. Usually, you are seeing an improvement, and it’s very rewarding when a dog can start to do things they were struggling with.”

Rufus, a four-year-old cross breed who had been hit by a vehicle, is a good example of Donna’s rehab work and was one of the first to try the new room. 

X-rays showed Rufus had a complicated fracture in his right hind tarsus and following surgery from a specialist, which saved the leg, Donna began rehabilitation work with him, supported by his owners.

“We started with some massage and passive range of motion exercises, these progressed to weight shifting exercises, active range of motion exercises and then eventually to strengthening exercises,” said Donna. 

“The exercise difficulty will continue to increase at the correct speed to enable him to return to full function and get back to all the things he enjoys. 

“Rufus is now 12 weeks post-op and is doing really well.

“His owners have been dedicated to his rehabilitation plan, even buying some equipment so they can follow through with it at home.

“A well-rounded team effort to give Rufus his life back.”

Paragon Veterinary Group has Small Animal, Equine, Farm and Advanced Breeding divisions and centres at Dalston, Newbiggin, Shap and Wetheral.