Zoo Animal
Lameness CPD

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This expert workshop is designed to empower zoo professionals to proactively manage musculoskeletal health in their collections. It is suitable for Veterinary Professionals, Curators, Team Managers, and Zookeepers.

Musculoskeletal issues and subtle lameness are common in zoo species yet often missed until chronic conditions develop. This course covers multiple taxa (mammals, birds, and reptiles) and emphasises a crucial holistic approach to prevention and early intervention.

Professional memberships

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Key Learning Outcomes

The workshop utilises theory and practical case studies to cover the following:

Identification skills: developing skills to spot subtle gait changes, varying severities of lameness, and compensatory stance changes
Monitoring techniques: learning evidence-based methods for tracking lameness, including gait-scoring, video assessment, and analysing functional tasks
Pathology prevention: understanding how to minimise or delay the development of common pathologies like osteoarthritis, in conjunction with veterinary treatment
Holistic management: examining the importance of integrating husbandry, environment, and behaviour for successful musculoskeletal health and treatment
Taxonomic differences: specific considerations for biomechanics, gait, and musculoskeletal health across different taxonomic groups (mammals, birds, reptiles)

Booking and Certification

This workshop can be run over one or two days depending on your needs. Contact us to arrange a bespoke workshop for your collection. Upon completion, attendees receive a certificate and a digital copy of notes for ongoing professional development.

Who we have worked with

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Lameness Workshop - Reviews

I attended Louise and Matthew’s first BIAZA certified ABWAK training day about recognizing lameness in Zoo species. Many exotic species have evolved to hide all signs of pain to ensure their survival and so this goes massively undiagnosed and untreated. Shackleton’s workshop effectively gives zoo keepers, veterinary professionals and enthusiastic hobbyists basic tools to identify changes in body movements that indicate underlying musculoskeletal problems which will cause the animal pain. Recognizing these problems allows for early detection and more effective treatment and this will have a huge positive impact on animal welfare. As an exotics vet with a special interest in chronic pain I highly recommend this workshop.

Amazing course, second we've done with Shackleton Vet physio, and they are incredibly informative and interesting'

'Highly recommend this workshop (Identifying and support Lameness) to all animal care professionals. Held earlier in the year as an internal workshop and what the team learnt was invaluable to the animals in their care.

Attended Matt’s first ABWAK workshop on lameness in zoo animals a few days ago and was very impressed with the experience! Matt is very knowledgeable on identifying lameness and went through things so thoroughly for those in the workshop. Not only does he specialise in domestic animals but exotic zoo animals from most taxa too, which few animal physiotherapists do. Came away with so much new knowledge, I feel much more confident now that I could begin to identify an animal that is starting to show signs of lameness which is a massive help in my field and for the progression of animal welfare in zoos. Highly recommend attending a workshop by Shackleton physiotherapy if you’re a keeper and want to really understand the science and intricacies of lameness and how to manage and prevent it.

Happy Clients

Sophie Armitage

My Springer, Dash, has undergone two surgeries on his front legs, and Louise has been instrumental in helping him rebuild his muscle, strength and fitness. Dash absolutely loves Louise, and it’s clear how much care, patience and understanding she puts into every session. Her handling and attention to detail throughout his rehabilitation programme have been amazing. The detailed reports after each session and the tailored exercise plans have been invaluable, giving me something positive to focus on and a clear plan to follow during what has been a really difficult and worrying time. Louise has not only helped Dash physically but has supported me, too. Watching your dog go through surgery and rehabilitation is incredibly stressful, and I was so worried about everything! Having Louise’s knowledge, guidance and reassurance along the way has made such a difference to both of us. Thank you!

Joanne Smith

Very happy with the service have seen massive improvement with my dog, has helped when ever I have asked for advice. Has guided me through all the exercises and movements to improve my dogs life, I am very happy with everything would highly recommend

kate hughes

Matt has being seeing us with our dog after a spinal disc injury. From the beginning , he has been very professional and super knowledgeable about the condition of our dog. We have had online support and messaging facility on what’s app between appointments, which has been enormously helpful. We have been given targeted exercises to do between sessions and our dog has been accessed at home at each session and a report sent through to us each time . Our dog received laser therapy at each session and I believe this helped greatly as well. We have seen an huge improvement in our dog’s condition and the advice we have been given has been invaluable. We would have no hesitation in recommending Shackleton veterinary Physiotherapists

Jelly Ellie

After months of our 5 yr old Labrador limping on and off following a deer chase, and different diagnoses/solutions from different vets a chance recommendation led us to Matthew. I was a bit sceptical at first but after a six session exercise and lifestyle plan the limp has gone and we can all enjoy normal doggy life again. The information provided by Matthew and on the website is excellent and easy to follow. The instant availability of support really helps. I can’t recommend Shackleton Physio enough. It was a pleasure to meet and work with Matthew. We’ll be continuing with the exercises as part of ongoing play and interaction - both our dogs love the ‘games’. Thank you from Sue and Rue

Ebony McKay

The team at Shackleton Veterinary Physiotherapy have helped my rabbit regain his quality of life after getting a head tilt, from laser sessions to enrichment suggestions and of course physio, my boy is now much more sound and able to manoeuvre with stability and confidence. Honestly an amazing service that I reccomend to people at my place of work, and even to my in-laws!

E Hay

We have a 10 yr old Lurcher who has some behavioural issues (anxiety and reactivity). A few people have suggested a pain assessment as hidden pain might be contributing to her reactivity, and in addition as she is aging we are noticing a few changes in her movement. Matthew visited the house where he could do a physical examination, ask some lifestyle questions and see her in her own environment. This also enabled him to see if we can make any changes at home to make her more comfortable. The assessment took just over an hour an a half, was very detailed and left us with a couple of choices for next steps, including a possible physio referral and fully supported exercise program

Sally Kemp

We can’t thank Matthew enough for his support and advice with our 3 year old dog and her sciatica. Matthew is supportive and very caring remaining in touch between sessions, this offers reassurance and clarity to keep on track. The rehabilitation programme provides holistic support, with advice and guidance not only for Rosie but also environment factors in the home and how and where she walks. The programme helped us to measure Rosie’s progress and make adjustments with practical solutions offered at each session. Having access to the online video information has been really helpful. They are informative and clear offering extra reassurance. The programme, has offered us a step by step approach backed up by Matthew’s extensive knowledge and support for which we are grateful.

Louise Murtagh

Olive's agility trainer guessed that she had a couple of problems and suggested her being checked out by a physio. Within 10 minutes of arriving Matthew diagnosed the issues and we started our rehabilitation programme. A couple of months in and she's made such good progress. She's acting like a giddy puppy in the training arena and it looks like her pain has subsided. Can't wait to start strengthening exercises soon.

Mallyfairclough Mally22

12 weeks ago we thought our dog would never walk again after a spinal stroke, now he is walking on his lead and running round the garden. Matthew was recommended to us by a friend and his guidence and advice has been the catalist for Stans recovery. Matthew has provided a physio schedule for Stan that had delivered results that we didnt dream possible and his friendly and polite manner is second to none. I would highly recommend Matthews physio services to anybody who has a loved pet that is struggling with mobility.

Lisa Lisa

Absolutely fantastic. The work both Matt and Louise have done with my dogs is outstanding. It’s rare to find people truly passionate about what they do and they genuinely care about their clients. I can’t thank them enough for the continued support for Toby koda and Rosie and I’m sure the others will have their turn too. I truly can’t recommend Shackleton veterinary physiotherapy enough.

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Zoo Animal Lameness CPD