Adapting to unforeseen challenges
There is always the possibility that external factors , beyond the control of the therapist or the owner , will set back a patient ' s progress . Unfortunately , Malbec faced just such a challenge . She had built up enough strength to safely transition to once-weekly swimming sessions and was progressing well . However , on 13 October 2022 , her owner reported that Malbec had shown signs of intermittent lameness on her right forelimb over the previous week after being a little too exuberant at home .
Malbec was reviewed by the referral centre and , together with her multidisciplinary hydrotherapy and physiotherapy team , a plan was made to adapt her treatment . Her walks were restricted to 10 minutes twice daily and she was re-prescribed anti-inflammatory pain relief medication and new exercises to carry out at home . Because more control was needed over Malbec ' s movement , it was decided that her hydrotherapy sessions should return to the UTM , with a focus on paw placement and gait retraining , to ensure that her right forelimb moved through the flight arc with correct flexion and extension as she walked , to reduce any subsequent lameness .
The road ahead for Malbec
Collaborating as a team alongside the referring veterinary surgeon , we are continuing to build Malbec ' s strength and are working with her owners to maintain her progress , despite the setback . At the time of writing , we are awaiting a veterinary review , but in Malbec ' s two most recent UTM sessions ( Figure 4 ) she has been walking very well , with a consistent and even gait and stride length , and no subsequent lameness presenting , which is a positive and encouraging result .
Conclusions
VNs are highly skilled veterinary professionals who , if they wish , can broaden their horizons , learn new skills and share their knowledge to promote animal health and welfare in a variety of ways and across a diverse range of disciplines .
As Malbec ' s case study demonstrates , there is a wealth of interesting and rewarding opportunities available to VNs all over the world , both inside and outside the veterinary profession . It can be exciting and enriching – personally and professionally – to explore these opportunities .
Acknowledgements
The author would like to thank Catie Mattock , Claire Larkins , Eleanor Buist , Malbec ' s owners , and the staff and clients at Blue Bear Animal Rehabilitation .
Assessment of learning
1 . Which of the following is an example of a condition that would be treated solely on the UTM ?
( a ) Intervertebral disc disease ( b ) Hip dysplasia ( c ) Elbow dysplasia ( d ) Osteoarthritis
2 . Which of the following is the reason it may not be safe for very overweight patients to swim in the therapy pool ?
( a ) They will sink
( b ) The hydrostatic pressure of the water may constrict their internal organs , which are surrounded by fat
( c ) They will not fit in the swim jackets ( d ) They are unable to access the ramp
3 . True or false : once a patient has been referred to the pool for swim sessions , they can never be referred back to the UTM .
( a ) True ( b ) False
4 . What are two of the main therapeutic benefits of a patient swimming in the pool ?
( a ) Promotes global muscle build-up ( b ) The therapist can measure stride length ( c ) Hydrostatic water pressure increases blood circulation
Figure 4 . Malbec continues on her journey to rehabilitation .
( d ) The patient can float away
30 Veterinary Nursing Journal