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Conservative Management

Conservative management involves non-invasive treatments to address orthopaedic, soft tissue, and neurological injuries and conditions, either as an alternative to surgery, or as "prehabilitation" before surgical interventions. It focuses on pain relief, improving function, and promoting healing through a planned approach which optimises rest, controlled movement, nutrition, rehabilitation, manual therapy, exercise, and education, supporting recovery and quality of life.

 

Whether your dog, cat or horse is conservatively managing an orthopaedic or neurological condition, a well-planned approach to treatment is vital for the best possible outcome. To support your animal effectively, it’s important to have a clear management plan and closely monitor their progress and comfort throughout the process. Below are some common conditions often benefitting from conservative treatment.

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Dalmatian Dog

Dogs

Dogs need a careful balance of rest and rehabilitation. Controlled exercise, pain management, physiotherapy, nutrition, hydrotherapy and environmental adjustments all help prevent setbacks and promote healing. ​​ - Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) degeneration/rupture - Patella luxation - Hip dysplasia - Elbow dysplasia - Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) - Trauma Recovery - Age related weakness - Neurological deficit - Osteoarthritis - Ligament sprains - Muscle or tendon strains

Cat

Cats

Cats are masters at hiding discomfort, which makes joint and mobility issues easy to miss. During rehab, they need a gentle balance of rest and movement to support recovery and long-term mobility. Controlled activity, pain management, physiotherapy, and thoughtful environmental changes, like soft bedding, easy-access litter trays, and ramps, can help reduce discomfort, prevent setbacks, and promote steady healing. - Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) degeneration/rupture - Patella luxation - Hip dysplasia - Spondylosis - Trauma Recovery - Age related weakness - Neurological deficit - Osteoarthritis - Ligament sprains - Muscle or tendon strains

Animal brown horse

Horses

Conservative management for horses often includes managed rest, controlled hand-walking, targeted physiotherapy, and a gradual return to work. Adjustments to saddle fit, hoof balance, and turnout routines are frequently necessary to support healing and comfort. - Joint inflammation and osteoarthritis - Ligament sprains - Muscle or tendon strains -Overriding Dorsal Spinous Processes (ODSP) / Kissing Spine - Soft tissue injuries - Nerve pain management - Cystic lesions and mild joint issues​ ​

Find Out More

coming soon

Webinars for conservative management coming soon

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Not every injury requires surgery, but every injury benefits from a well-designed management plan. These physiotherapy-led webinars will help you understand how physiotherapy supports effective conservative management for common injuries.

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You'll learn:

  •  Which injuries respond well to conservative care (e.g. sprains, soft tissue strains, mild joint instability)

  • How to balance rest and controlled movement

  • Practical at-home strategies for pain relief, rehab, and recovery

  • What to avoid to reduce re-injury risk

help at home

  • Explore supportive tools designed for daily use and long-term comfort. Resources include:

    • Owner's guides

    • Conservative management planner

    • Return to function planner

    • Chronic pain tracking

       

Click here to help your animal at home

Conservative Management

Other Useful Resources

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Horse Grimace Scale

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Equine Pain Scale

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Canine Pain Scale

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Glasgow Pain Scale

References​

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