Plus-Hex CLINICAL
ABSTRACT As a career , veterinary nursing offers many opportunities for development , diversification and specialisation , in areas ranging from small animals and exotics to emergency and critical care , surgical nursing and rehabilitation .
In this article , the author reflects on her career path as a veterinary nurse , which also led her to qualify as a small animal hydrotherapist – a role she has found particularly enlightening and rewarding .
The author is keen to make other veterinary nurses aware of the benefits of career development and diversification by sharing her experience .
As well as reflecting on her own career journey , she provides an insight into working in the field of patient rehabilitation through a hydrotherapy case study involving a 4-year-old dog with forelimb lameness .
Keywords hydrotherapy , rehabilitation , veterinary nursing , career diversification
Introduction
In 2016 , I qualified as an RVN . After working in practice for a few years , in 2021 I was given the opportunity to train in small animal rehabilitation at Blue Bear Animal Rehabilitation in Essex . I went on to qualify with a Level 3 certificate in small animal hydrotherapy in March 2022 . My passion for rehabilitating animals has continued to grow ever since .
When working as a hydrotherapist , I enjoy the consistency of seeing patients regularly for their therapy sessions – this continuity enables me to invest in them deeply and to form a connection with them and their owners . I also enjoy the fact that I am always learning , as there are new techniques and adjustments that can be made to treatment plans as an animal progresses and becomes stronger .
I am continuing to fulfil my love of veterinary nursing by working as a locum veterinary nurse ( VN ) in emergency and critical care . I enjoy balancing hydrotherapy work alongside this , when I can , as it brings variety to my career and I find hydrotherapy really enlightening and rewarding .
I am extremely proud to be a VN and , now more than ever , I appreciate the way in which the hard work and expertise of VNs can be transferred to similar fields . This means we can diversify our careers in lots of interesting , rewarding and enriching ways – we just have to be brave enough to make the leap !
If you are thinking of diversifying your career , I would recommend that you start by researching your area of interest , with a particular focus on which of your skills are transferable to the field and what other qualifications you might need . These could range from a quick part-time top-up course to more extensive study over several months or even years .
You will also find it helpful to speak to others already working in the field , to discover the reality of the role . For example , small animal hydrotherapy is a very physical job , which involves working in a pool while wearing a wetsuit , carrying out resistance movements through the water , working with animals on an underwater treadmill ( UTM ), and often spending time bent over supporting patients . All this takes its toll on your body , so you need to be physically fit to undertake the role of a hydrotherapist .
Veterinary nursing skills are sought after in many other fields , including animal handling , animal behaviour , client relations , diet and nutrition , and veterinary pharmaceuticals and equipment , to name just a few ! Like me , you might be lucky enough to find a role that fits alongside and complements your role as a VN .
In this article , I will offer an overview of hydrotherapy , the field into which I diversified , and share some insights into a patient ' s rehabilitation journey , with a case study of a dog with forelimb lameness that I treated with hydrotherapy .
Learning outcomes
• Understand hydrotherapy and how it can benefit patients in their rehabilitation
• Understand how VNs can diversify their careers and transfer their skills into animal rehabilitation
• Understand the subjective nature of factors that can affect a patient ' s rehabilitation journey
• Understand why specific hydrotherapy techniques and modalities are used in rehabilitation .
What is hydrotherapy ?
Hydrotherapy is a form of physical ( and mental ) therapy ; put simply , it is the rehabilitation of a patient using water . It is classified as an alternative or complementary therapy [ 1 ] . The water offers pain relief ( through its warm temperature and the buoyancy it provides ) and improved circulation in the animal ' s joints and muscles through the natural hydrostatic pressure of the water , which , in turn , promotes healing . The resistance of the water as the patient moves through it causes the muscles to flex and extend – increasing core strength and muscle mass – while the body is being supported .
Volume 38 ( 5 ) • October 2023
25