A new research project at the Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital (QVSH) is exploring how a tailored physiotherapy program can benefit dogs living with osteoarthritis. The study is is being led by a VetMB student in collaboration with our experienced physiotherapy team and is tailored to understand arthritis management in dogs receiving physiotherapy.
The overall aim of the study is to assess changes in weight bearing, range of motion, and overall quality of life in dogs receiving a personalised six-week physiotherapy program. By doing so, the team hopes to determine whether structured physiotherapy can offer measurable improvements in the management of osteoarthritis in canine patients.
Dogs eligible to take part in the study will already have a diagnosis of osteoarthritis and be referred to the physiotherapy team at the Queen’s Veterinary Hospital. Pet owners will be asked to complete three short questionnaires - each taking around five minutes - throughout the six-week program, helping to build a clear picture of their dog’s progress.
Throughout the program, non-invasive measurements will be taken at three timepoints - before treatment begins, midway through, and after completion. These assessments include monitoring weight bearing and joint range of motion, all of which will be performed during regular physiotherapy appointments, requiring no extra visits.
There is no extra cost for the additional assessments included in the study. Owners will receive a personalised summary of their dog’s results at the end of the program. This feedback may offer helpful insight into your dog’s response to physiotherapy, while also contributing to a broader understanding of osteoarthritis treatment in dogs.
All data collected will be anonymised and used for academic research as part of a student project. No individual dog or owner will be identifiable in the final analysis.
Full information about the study can be found on this information sheet.
For further information about the study, please contact:
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Hanna Lewis, VetMB Student – hll50@cam.ac.uk
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Matthew Scott, Veterinary Physiotherapist – physiotherapy@vet.cam.ac.uk
