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University
Bishop Burton College 2015-2018
BSc Bioveterinary Science (Hons)
I started my higher education at Bishop Burton College in 2015 when I enrolled onto the BSc Bioveterinary Science degree. My goal had always been to be a veterinary physiotherapist, but having little to no interest in the human rout of getting there, and not being able to study the subject outright as a undergraduate course (due to none existing yet!), I decided to take this route. This course suited me well as i had always had a passion for science, particularly veterinary science. However, my interests lied in the biological side of things, how everything worked and how the animals got better, rather than just accepting that those drugs are what were to be given and that was that.
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I also decided to gear my undergraduate dissertation towards the biomechanics of movement by studying the affects a joint supplement had on the stride length of arthritic horses. This investigation enabled me to gain valuable experience with using biomechanics software and with completing subjective and objective lameness assessments which is an important part of being a veterinary physiotherapist and assessing clients for lameness or gait abnormalities. More details on my experience during my dissertation can be seen here.
My graduation day! I was very proud to have made it to graduation and one step closer to becoming a vet physio!
About Me
Me, Myself, and I
My love of animals has always been a huge part of who I am, but it was only during my time at sixth form that I decided to pursue a career in veterinary physiotherapy. This was mainly due to my own dog, Charlie, beginning to struggle with his arthritis. This lead to my family researching potential treatments and so my journey to become a veterinary physiotherapist began.
My Fur Family
My first pet was a west highland white terrier called Charlie. He was the one who put me on the path to working with animals. After Charlie, I loaned a few horses before finally finding my heart horse, Duke.
Duke taught me so much, from correct handling to my first real introduction to physiotherapy in horses. Duke required frequent physiotherapy due to his past and it is thanks to this that I have the experience I do in the field today.
I was also able to gain a great deal of canine handling experience through my time volunteering at an assistance dog charity, Support Dogs. The dogs brought to support dogs for training ranged from rescue dogs to rejected guide dogs and even some puppies, so their levels of training were all varied. Some had issues which needed working past and some were already quite far advanced in their training. This experience greatly improved my training and handling skills which I have no doubt will be invaluable as a physiotherapist.
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My cats, Orion, Lucario, Persephone, and Willow. They were not impressed with my early start one day.
My old dog, Charlie, a West Highland White Terrier
My trotting horse, Duke and my Arab mare, Hayley.
Charlie again
Physiotherapy Experience
My first real experience with physiotherapy in animals was with my current horse Duke. He needed regular massage and pelvic corrections due to being broken in and ridden in an ill fitting saddle. Seeing my physio work on Duke and alleviate his pain in what looked like such a simple way really resonated with me and I began researching how I would become a physiotherapist.
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I also spent some time shadowing a local vet physio who was mainly based at a veterinary practice. Watching her work on her patients and seeing the rapport she had with both the animal and the owner was something I still aspire to build with my own clients one day. This experience also demonstrated just how much time and effort Sarah put into each and every patient that came through her doors. It was not just the there and then that Sarah had to think about, but how her actions would affect the long term. The fluidity required of a veterinary physiotherapist was clearly shown as often what Sarah had planned for that session could not be completed. Be that because the animal had declined in their recovery or because they may have been somewhat less than cooperative in the exercises that Sarah wanted them to do. This highlighted the need for back up plans and versatility within the profession and the need for the ability to think on your feet became apparent.
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However, this did not deter me and I kept thinking of the end goal and how the physio had help Duke become pain free. It is due to this that being a vet physio appealed to me so much, being able to help an animal every step of the way along their road to recovery and helping animals be the best they can be performance wise was and still is something that fascinates me.
I look forward to learning and improving my skills over the next two years ready to be the best veterinary physiotherapist I can be!
Duke's spine was slightly off laterally which was affecting both his and my balance when ridden.
Duke's hips were also dipped laterally which then affected his footfalls on his hind limb as his left hind would swing under slightly. It also resulted in muscle depletion on over his croup.