GG Vet Physio - Gill Griffiths NAVP

10/05/2026

09/05/2026

08/05/2026

A wound we treated with k-laser... I think the results speak for themselves.

This was an elderly dog with a wound that wasn't healing. So 5 sessions of k-laser and we have seen a huge improvement.

I love treating wounds with the laser as this is a very vision way to express how well the laser works

05/05/2026

Can we prevent ivdd?

The short answer is “it's unlikely” as this is a predominantly genetic disease. However, we can in many cases help to lessen the extent of this debilitating myelopathy and even increase the age at which our dogs succumb to it.

Chondrodystrophic breeds, i.e. breeds with disproportionately short legs (it's a wonder I'm not one of them, although my torso is shorter!!), are most susceptible to this condition in their earlier adult years (2+). Many of you will know dachshunds are prone but also pugs, French bulldogs, basset hounds, beagles, shih tzus and corgis. This of course is just 1 type of spinal condition that comes under the heading of IVDD. There are others which affect larger breeds.

So how could your physiotherapists alongside your general management help to reduce the risks and extent of the symptoms of IVDD?

These smaller breeds tend to be treated more like “handbag” dogs. Yes their genetics and conformation can predispose them to IVDD, but the causes could be multifactorial.

Exercise

Encourage your dog to go for walks like any other dog. This will inadvertently strengthen their deep core muscles to stabilise their spine.

Physio exercises

Your physio can give you exercises to strengthen your dogs core, maintain and improve range of motion and flexibility, and discuss changes to your management which may help.

Diet

Good nutritional food specific to your dog (rather than human food) will promote good development to prevent injuries and illnesses.

Which leads me to my last point … weight management is vitally important in these breeds to again help protect against this awful disease.

Get in touch now to get advice on keeping your vertically challenged 4-legged friend fit and healthy for the future. Prevention is always better than cure

05/05/2026

Hello, for those who are new here, I'm Gill, I'm a veterinary physiotherapist. I work mainly with horses and dogs offering a holistic treatment working alongside your vets and other professionals involved with your animals care.
I am passionate about tricky horses who run on adrenaline and need to down regulate and improve their emotional response. I adore treating spinal cases in dogs such as IVDD and often treat many dogs with arthritis and hate to think of elderly animals in pain.

I have many animals of my own who rule my life in many ways 🤣 Piper and Winnie our cocker spaniels keep me very busy and bring a burst of energy to our lives. Topper my Thoroughbred mare is just starting her ridden career after her failed attempt at racing so watch this space. You will also hear me chatting about Treacle our children's pony and the absolute star of the show!! There are more so do ask when I see you 😊

Please check out my page and website and do get in touch as I'd love to hear from you 💜 😊

31/03/2026

The Fan

Improving flexibility and suppleness to support your ridden work

Perfect for days exercising multiple horses who need different distances between poles

Varying where the horses enter the poles can challenge proprioception

Improved core strength creating more stability and balance

26/03/2026

Rein back

Another easy exercise to include in your daily routine

Use treats where needed to encourage compliance and stretch of head and neck

Start with one stride and gradually increase

Rein back between poles can act as a guide to keep your horse straight

This exercise can be used as an active stretch for hamstring muscles

19/03/2026

Turn on the forehand

A simple exercise which can be included in your daily routine

Here Treacle rushes and therefore would benefit from slower step, allowing for a bigger cross over

Improved suppleness and flexibility reducing chances of injury in the future