Exotic Veterinary Physiotherapy

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The safe and ethical treatment of exotic species CPD

This comprehensive two-day CPD event is designed to exceed CPD requirements for insurance company exotics coverage and provide veterinary physiotherapists with the underpinning knowledge and confidence to treat a variety of exotic species ethically and effectively.

It is led by Shackleton Veterinary Physiotherapy’s zoo and exotics treatment specialists, featuring guest lectures and practical sessions from respected professionals across the zoo and behavioural science industries.

Location

This CPD event is based at one of the UK’s foremost educational zoological collections, the Wildlife and Conservation Park at University Centre Askham Bryan, near York.

Professional memberships

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Key Learning Outcomes

The course offers a comprehensive introduction to the field, covering essential clinical and management topics:

🦴 Pathology and treatment: understanding pathology, contraindications, and specialist considerations for exotic species
⚠️ Treatment limitations: exploring the limitations of traditional, solely hands-on treatment approaches in a zoological context
⚖️ Behaviour and ethics: integrating behavioural considerations and training techniques into rehabilitation protocols for safe and ethical treatment
🤲 Management systems: guidance on world-class husbandry and care systems for exotic animals
🌡️ Environmental parameters: assessing the role of environmental parameters and enclosure design in pathology and recovery
🧑‍🔬 Practical training: hands-on sessions covering assessment, behaviour, handling, and ethical treatment techniques

Booking and Certification

This workshop runs over two days. Contact us for costs and information on upcoming course dates. Upon completion, attendees receive a CPD certificate.

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Who we have worked with

Exotic Veterinary Physiotherapy - Reviews

This was an incredible course, never heard off and full of interesting and mindblowing information. Matthew and the whole team (Louise, Lauren and Caitlin) were incredibly knowledgeable and experienced. We managed to work with a great variety of species who all had different needs and requirements. I cannot wait till I am able to come to another course with the Shackleton team!!!! Such an exciting CPD!!!! Many thanks

The speakers’ enthusiasm for the topic and animal welfare in general was infectious. Not only has this opened up the possibilities of other species that could benefit from rehabilitation but it will undoubtedly improve the way I approach my day to day cases too. If you're looking to treat more than just dogs, cats, and horses as a vet physio, I couldn't recommend this workshop highly enough.

The 2 day course was a great insight on how we as Vet Physios are able to put our skills into the exotic animals within human care without directly touching them. The course gave examples on a wide variety of animals including large zoo, reptilians and aquatics. Matt and team gave a real variety of knowledge towards the subjects spoken about and we were able to implement a few skills on animals in practicals. The knowledge shared has given me a greater understanding of not only the exotic species spoken about but also how to relate it back to the companion animals. Overall a very well rounded 2 days with transferable skills between all animals.

This was an amazing course! I have learnt so much and it was a perfect mix of practical and theory. The lecturers were exceptionally knowledgeable. I only wish it could have been longer. I’ll be back for the next installments!!

Great introduction into the implementation of physio and its uses for exotic animals. Was informative and interesting. Also has a great element into widening how to address physiotherapeutic techniques in potentially more nervous animals that require more outside the box thinking. Would love to attend further courses!

This was an excellent course and I would highly recommend it to any Vet Physio even if you do not plan on directly treating exotics. The knowledge gained on this course was both applicable to exotics and other species (dogs etc.). This course helped me to expand my knowledge as a Vet Physio and open my eyes to new ways of thinking of cases and new treatment techniques that could be applied to any animal or species.

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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