New Site for Operation K9

Beverley’s leading canine hydrotherapy and rehabilitation centre Fit4Dogs has a new owner.

Rebecca Wilkinson, a veterinary nurse who has run Operation K9, a canine wellness business in nearby Scarborough since 2014, has taken on the business from founder Kirsty Skeates.

The centre will be renamed Operation K9 Beverley and will continue its dedication to providing care for dogs in the region who need treatment following surgery, injury and conditions such as arthritis and to improve dogs’ fitness and well-being.

Rebecca said: “I’ve worked with Kirsty from the beginning of her hydrotherapy business so I’m really looking forward to meeting dogs and their owners who are already using the facility and learning what they need and how I can help them.

“As a vet nurse and rehabilitation specialist, I’m planning on bringing innovative, state-of-the-art equipment and delivering specialist training for the existing team.

“We’ll also be tailoring the treatments to meet the specific needs of each individual dog, working alongside the referring vets and supporting pet parents.”

Former owner Kirsty added she was thrilled to be handing over the business to her long-standing colleague and mentor.

She said: “I have every confidence that Rebecca and the team will continue to provide clients with exceptional care and service.”

The new Operation K9 branch, on Annie Reed Road, is equipped with a water treadmill and hydrotherapy pool and is soon to introduce new aquatic massage therapy. It also offers treatment rooms for dogs in need of physiotherapy and laser therapy.

Rebecca and the team of four hydrotherapists are registered with IRVAP, the Institute of Registered Veterinary and Animal Physiotherapists, and the Beverley site is set to host training events for pet professionals and owners.

“We hope to make Operation K9 the go-to place for people looking to improve the health, fitness and well-being of their dogs across Beverley and East Yorkshire,” Rebecca explained.

“As a leading rehabilitation centre, we also plan to be an education hub for pet professionals looking to improve their understanding of small animal complementary therapies.

“We’re looking forward to continuing the work Kirsty has done in caring for dogs in the region and supporting existing and new clients who want the very best for their pets.”

To find out more, visit www.operationk9.co.uk, follow us on social media or call 01482 888509

 

Why Veterinary Acupuncture? – By Jody Lam

Hear what our resident Acupuncture Vet Jody Lam has to say about her treatments

Acupuncture is an amazing treatment method that was developed centuries ago in the Far East.  It involves placing very small needles in very specific locations throughout the body.  The needles are very fine and placement of them is generally painless.  These needles stimulate the nervous system, having profound effects on many body systems.  Also, in the area local to the needles, the body responds by releasing chemical messengers that relieve pain and promote healing.

What conditions can be treated with acupuncture?

Because of the unique way that acupuncture works, it can be beneficial for many conditions, both short and long-term.

The majority of my patients are having acupuncture treatment for chronic joint diseases, such as (osteo)arthritis.  Acupuncture  can really benefit these patients in several ways.  The treatment can help to reduce pain (either alongside, or instead of, pain medication), it also reduces the muscle spasm that often occurs as part of the body’s response to lameness/limping/stiffness. Muscle spasm reduces the body’s ability to shift weight between the limbs, and so makes it harder for the pet to cope with the joint pain; relaxing these muscles can make a huge difference to them.  Acupuncture works really well alongside other treatments such as hydrotherapy and laser, as they all provide benefits in different ways that complement each other.  Because arthritis is a progressive disease we often need to use many approaches to keep your pet comfortable as their joints worsen over time.

As the nervous system is involved in all aspects of physical well-being, acupuncture can be of benefit for most health conditions.  Other problems in pets that I have treated successfully with acupuncture include: urinary incontinence, spinal problems, lick granulomas, Horner’s syndrome and feline hyperaesthesia.

All patients have a full clinical examination at the start of their treatment and I review the medical history from their usual vet.  With ongoing cases I can work alongside your regular vet, continuing to keep in touch with them whenever possible to ensure the best care.

Are there any patients who acupuncture cannot help?

A small proportion of humans and animals do not respond to acupuncture treatment and so if there is no benefit seen after the first 4 sessions then it may be that they do not respond.  Some conditions take longer for a response than others.

Most of my patients are dogs, but I also treat several cats and the occasional well-behaved horse! Rabbits also benefit from acupuncture.

Will my pet enjoy the treatment?

The majority of my patients really enjoy their sessions, they rush over to greet me and are very settled throughout.  It can be hard to know what to expect which is why I have a video recording of a treatment on my website www.blossomandthrive.co.uk.  The pet needs to be fairly still for the needle placement but this can usually be achieved with the help of treats when necessary! Once the needles are in place the aim is to leave them in for around 15 minutes, but the pet does not need to lay still for that time.  During this time the body releases endorphins which are chemical messengers that promote relaxation, so often the patient lies down or is more settled during this phase.  Then the needles are removed.

Are there any side effects?

Rarely are side effects experienced.  Some animals are a little stiff for the first day or two after a treatment (more common in the early stages).  A tiny proportion is patients experience a reaction where this persists, but this reaction can be easily reversed by placing a single needle. Spinal cases and animals that have been in pain for some time are the most likely to have some side effects in the early stages of their treatment.

How often is treatment required?

The initial course is weekly sessions, usually for 4 treatments.  After this it is tailored to the patient and their condition; most arthritic pets then move to fortnightly treatments on an ongoing basis.  If the acupuncture is to promote healing or recovery then it can end once the healing/recovery is complete, for example after surgery or non-healing wounds.

Will my insurance company cover the cost?

Many insurers will cover acupuncture treatment and so will reimburse your costs.  It is worth contacting them to find out in advance.

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