How we help you improve your pet's quality of life
Helping you, help your pets feel better!
Our team provides Veterinary Physical Rehabilitation treatment modalities to patients. With our Mobile unit, we are able to reach many more homebound and otherwise inaccessible patients.
Physiotherapy has been used in human medicine for decades, and human surgeons will routinely refer their patients for post-operative rehabilitation, to improve the outcomes of surgery and to restore the patient to function. In South Africa Veterinary Physiotherapy is a recognized profession and Veterinary Physiotherapists are professionals registered with the South African Veterinary Council.
Animal Health and Hydro is registered with the South African Veterinary Council and are owned and managed by Veterinarian Dr Tanya Grantham (BSc(Hons); BVSc; Certificate of Safety and Competence in Veterinary Acupuncture CertSCVA UK; Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner CCRP Univ.of Tennessee; Caninology Canine Body Worker (CCBW USA).
We are also proud to offer a specially designed underwater treadmill at most of our branches. We use various other types of equipment in the treatment of our patients including a therapeutic laser, a Photizo light unit, a dry treadmill, various gym balls, balance equipment, we use the Flexiness Range which is specially designed for pets and many more.
DOGS
CATS
RABBITS
HORSES
SOME EXOTICS
SOME FARM ANIMALS
Navigating the world of pet nutrition and supplements can be a daunting experience for many pet parents. What your pet consumes plays a significant role in their quality of life and overall longevity, making dietary choices an essential aspect of their care. Have you ever felt a sense of confusion while browsing the pet food aisle at your local store? With an overwhelming array of options, it can be difficult to determine the best choice for your beloved furry companion. Like most devoted pet owners, you treat your pets as cherished family members and aim to provide them with the best nutrition possible within your budget. Understanding pet nutrition and ensuring your animal companions receive a balanced, healthy diet is more than just a task—it's a profound responsibility we carry as caretakers of their well-being. Proper nutrition not only keeps our pets happy but also supports their long-term health and vitality.
Pain management in dogs and cats is crucial not only for their immediate comfort but also for their long-term well-being. Early intervention when an animal starts to experience pain can prevent the development of a condition known as "wind-up pain." Understanding the significance of early pain management and recognising wind-up pain's implications can significantly enhance the quality of life for our animal companions. Dr Dani runs a Veterinary Specialist Pain clinic from The Holistic Hub. She is a remarkable individual. Dr Dani is a qualified veterinarian registered with the South African Veterinary Council, with over ten years of experience in private practice. Dr Dani has a special interest in cross-species pain management. She runs a specialised pain clinic helping her patients better manage chronic pain to help improve their quality of life. She is registered with the IVAPM (International Veterinary Association of Pain Management) .
HOME VISITS & IN-HOSPITAL
Dr Tanya Grantham is passionate about professional and personal development and offers a number of online courses aimed at veterinary professionals and pet-parents. We strive to continuously have new courses under development. Some of our courses include : Dr Tee's Canine Physical Rehabilitation for Veterinary Professionals aimed at Veterinarians, Veterinary Nurses, and Animal Health Technicians, Dr Tee's Foundational Veterinary Acupuncture Course for Veterinarians, and Dr Tee's Pain Prevention Protocol for Pet-Parents. Dr Tee also collaborates with our professionals to bring you more learning opportunities. Currently we offer Jessica Evan's Puppy Fitness Course and soon will be offering courses on pet nutrition, an intro to Kinesiology for pet-parents and more.
Hydrotherapy is an excellent therapeutic option for patients experiencing chronic conditions or facing challenges related to weight-bearing exercises. It is particularly beneficial in cases involving post-operative recovery, pre-operative preparation, developmental issues, or neurological conditions, where traditional forms of physical activity may be too strenuous or impractical. The buoyancy of water reduces the strain on joints and muscles, allowing for a safer and more controlled exercise environment.
In addition to its rehabilitative applications, hydrotherapy is highly effective for improving overall physical fitness. It helps build stamina and endurance, tones and strengthens muscles, and enhances agility.
VETERINARY ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is widely recognized for its effectiveness in managing pain, but its benefits extend far beyond pain control. This ancient technique has been shown to promote wound healing, alleviate nausea, support stroke rehabilitation, and play a significant role in regulating the nervous and immune systems. By stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture triggers the release of neurotransmitters such as endorphins, serotonin, and adrenaline, which contribute to pain relief, mood enhancement, and overall well-being. Additionally, acupuncture induces several localized effects, including nerve stimulation, which can enhance sensory and motor function.
FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENTS
A comprehensive functional assessment is the cornerstone of any successful rehabilitation program. This initial evaluation is essential for gaining a detailed understanding of the animal's current physical condition, including strengths, weaknesses, and any underlying issues. By identifying these factors, the veterinary physiotherapist can design a personalized and effective treatment plan tailored to the unique needs of your animal companion. Periodic reassessments are equally critical throughout the rehabilitation journey. As the animal progresses, regular evaluations help track improvements, identify any new challenges, and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
Electrical stimulation therapy, or e-stim, has established itself as a vital component in veterinary physiotherapy, offering powerful methods for managing pain, promoting recovery from injuries, and boosting the physical performance of animal athletes. By applying controlled electrical currents to targeted muscles and nerves, e-stim aids in activating the body’s natural healing mechanisms and enhancing neuromuscular functionality. Techniques such as Electrical Muscular Stimulation (EMS), Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), and Faradic treatments are key components of this therapy.
Massage therapy offers a wide range of benefits, making it a valuable tool in both rehabilitation and overall wellness. One of its primary advantages is the stimulation of venous flow and the improvement of lymphatic drainage, which work together to reduce swelling and promote efficient circulation. Additionally, massage helps to realign muscle fibers, release tension within the tissues, and address muscle tightness caused by compensatory movement patterns or holding postures. This can significantly alleviate pain and discomfort, enhancing mobility and overall comfort. It can also play a crucial role in recovery after training sessions and competitions, helping to relieve post-exercise muscle fatigue, improve performance, and prevent injuries.
Photobiomodulation, a term commonly used in medical settings, refers to the therapeutic application of lasers or light-emitting diode (LED) devices for healing and rehabilitation. This innovative technique utilizes specific wavelengths of light to penetrate tissues and stimulate biological processes, promoting repair and recovery in targeted areas of the body. Its benefits are diverse, making it a valuable tool in both acute and chronic condition management. In acute cases, it has shown remarkable potential in assisting the healing of abscesses, burns, wounds, and acute musculoskeletal injuries. It is also effective in reducing inflammation associated with conditions such as ear infections, providing relief and accelerating recovery.
Kinesiotape is a versatile tool in veterinary physiotherapy, offering benefits such as pain relief, improved circulation, and enhanced lymphatic flow. By interacting with the skin and underlying sensory receptors, kinesiotape decompresses tissues, lifts the skin, and promotes better blood and lymph circulation, aiding the body's natural healing processes. It can also regulate muscle tone, either activating or relaxing muscles depending on the application technique. This makes kinesiotape particularly useful for managing injuries, reducing inflammation, and supporting recovery in both acute and chronic conditions. Its adaptability allows it to be used effectively in canine and equine rehabilitation, making it a valuable addition to physiotherapy practices
Thermotherapy is a valuable modality in veterinary physiotherapy, employing heat to promote healing and alleviate discomfort. Its primary effects include improving blood circulation, enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues, and relaxing muscles. This makes it particularly effective for managing chronic conditions such as arthritis, reducing joint stiffness, and alleviating muscle tension. Additionally, thermotherapy can aid in pain relief by soothing inflamed tissues and increasing the elasticity of connective tissues, improving mobility and flexibility. It is typically used as part of a broader treatment plan and applied carefully to ensure safety and maximize therapeutic benefits. Its versatility makes it a cornerstone in the rehabilitation and comfort of animal patients.
Therapeutic exercise is a fundamental aspect of veterinary physiotherapy, aimed at enhancing an animal's physical health and function through controlled, targeted movements. These exercises are designed to improve muscle strength, joint mobility, coordination, and overall endurance, addressing specific issues such as post-injury recovery, chronic conditions, or developmental challenges. Each exercise program is carefully tailored to the individual needs of the animal, ensuring it is both safe and effective. Therapeutic exercise not only aids in rehabilitation but also contributes to the maintenance of long-term physical health and performance, making it a valuable tool for animals of all ages and activity levels.
Your veterinary physiotherapist plays a vital role in optimising the fitness and conditioning of working animals and animal athletes. We design tailored programs that enhance strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall performance. Through exercises, therapies, and techniques such as hydrotherapy, therapeutic exercise, and massage, animal physiotherapists help maintain peak physical condition while preventing injuries.
For working animals, maintaining fitness is crucial for performing demanding tasks efficiently and safely. Optimal conditioning is essential for animal athletes to achieve top performance and reduce the risk of strain or injury during training or competition.
Gait training is a critical aspect of veterinary physiotherapy, focused on improving the quality of an animal's movement patterns and overall mobility. By assessing and addressing irregularities in gait, physiotherapists work to enhance balance, coordination, and limb functionality. Gait training is particularly important in cases of post-operative recovery, neurological disorders, injury rehabilitation, or developmental conditions that affect movement. Tailored exercises and techniques, such as assisted walking, obstacle navigation, or treadmill therapy, help animals rebuild strength, correct posture, and achieve smoother, more efficient movement. Gait training not only supports recovery but also prevents further injuries, ultimately improving the animal's quality of life and functional independence.
BRACES AND ORTHOTICS
Your veterinary physiotherapist plays a vital role in optimising the fitness and conditioning of working animals and animal athletes. We design tailored programs that enhance strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall performance. Through exercises, therapies, and techniques such as hydrotherapy, therapeutic exercise, and massage, animal physiotherapists help maintain peak physical condition while preventing injuries.
For working animals, maintaining fitness is crucial for performing demanding tasks efficiently and safely. Optimal conditioning is essential for animal athletes to achieve top performance and reduce the risk of strain or injury during training or competition.
Gait training is a critical aspect of veterinary physiotherapy, focused on improving the quality of an animal's movement patterns and overall mobility. By assessing and addressing irregularities in gait, physiotherapists work to enhance balance, coordination, and limb functionality. Gait training is particularly important in cases of post-operative recovery, neurological disorders, injury rehabilitation, or developmental conditions that affect movement. Tailored exercises and techniques, such as assisted walking, obstacle navigation, or treadmill therapy, help animals rebuild strength, correct posture, and achieve smoother, more efficient movement. Gait training not only supports recovery but also prevents further injuries, ultimately improving the animal's quality of life and functional independence.
