Physiotherapy -an unusual case for treatment

摘要

As veterinary nurses, we are unfazed by explosive leavings, whatever the direction. We are proficient in ignoring the rancid smell of anal glands on our clothes. And we are top of the class in smiling and nodding as people tell us how lucky we are tocuddle with puppies all day long. However, in between the regular glamours of the job, we are challenged by more and more irregular cases, those that force us to delve into our repository of knowledge generated throughout our academic careers. In particular, in terms of physiotherapy, although we have been armed with the foundations, we tend to think of physiotherapy as it relates to canine and equine practice, as research is limited otherwise. So, when we are faced with these cases, how do we approachthem? How do we care for and facilitate the recovery of other species, outside the 'norm'? To demonstrate the novel use of physiotherapy techniques in the recovery of a candidate patient, a case study of a Galah cockatoo that suffered significant traumato her right leg is being used. This case is discussed below in detail, including the initial examination, the examination by a specialist avian vet, the physiotherapy treatment plan employed and the bird's recovery to date.