Veterinary Physiotherapy - Safe and ethical treatment of exotics
It's just a few weeks until our very first course on the safe and ethical treatment of exotic species (Veterinary Physiotherapy). After years of requests from veterinary physiotherapists and preparation in the background, we are very excited to deliver our new comprehensive course.
As there is no standardised text or training for exotic species in physiotherapy, we are extremely passionate about bringing skills and knowledge from the veterinary and zoological industries to close the knowledge gap. We aim to empower clinicians with the tools to treat animals at a world-class level and avoid traditional approaches that could be contraindicated or unethical.
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What makes our course unique?
Shackleton Veterinary Physiotherapy:
As well as working as a zookeeper and having a wealth of experience in teaching zoo sciences and Veterinary Physiotherapy at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, we have delivered zoo consultancy, physiotherapy, and CPD services to several major UK zoos, and beyond. As well as delivering CPD to zoo vets, nurses, and zoo keepers including Chester, London, Whipsnade, Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Singapore, Australia, Crocodiles of the World, and Crocodile Bank (India). We regularly treat a variety of exotic species ranging from great apes, rhinos, and Komodo dragons, to pet exotics such as Parrots, Rabbits, and bearded dragons.
As well as completing contemporary research on Komodo dragon gait and lameness (with the support of 5 major Zoos, biomechanics experts, and conservation organisations), we have also been invited to become a member of several organisations including the Osteoarthritis Alliance (Clinical Advisor – Exotics), The British Veterinary Zoological Society (Associate member – First therapist member), The Association of British Wildlife Animal Keepers, and where invited to write the first ever chapter on the ethical use of physiotherapy on captive species, in a book covering the managing of aging captive species with authors from a variety of experts in the zoological and veterinary fields.
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Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park:
Askham Bryan is considered one of the leading educational zoological collections in the UK, has a passionate team of experienced zookeepers, and welcomes over 20,000 visitors annually. As well as being an educational collection for delivering courses from college to university level, it actively participates in research and conservation projects from the UK and worldwide. It is an active member of The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It boasts a contemporary animal center, with high-quality interpretive/education design, and well-themed enclosures to enhance animal welfare and the visitor experience (that is an expectation of the modern zoological collection).
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Guest lecturers and industry experts
This new course has been a long time in the making, and is delivered by 4 experts from their respective fields, Between them they have worked within major zoological collections, and have been actively involved in research, conservation, veterinary care, training, husbandry, education and the mentorship of zoological and veterinary professionals. Our two guest lecturers were chosen not just because of their reputation and success in their respective industries, but because of their passion and drive for the continued improvement of animal welfare.
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Lauren Lane - Centre manager, Askham Bryan Conservation Centre
- Animal Science, Conservation, and Associated Enterprises Manager.
- Wealth of experience draws from both the animal world and the education sector
- Recently nominated for Woman of the Year by The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).
- She has been actively involved in BIAZA groups like the Reptile & Amphibian WG (Working Group), Terrestrial Invertebrate WG, and the formerly named Living Collections Committee.
- Was also a Trustee for North Wales Reptile and Raptor Sanctuary,
- Regularly organising and supporting Zoo and Veterinary CPD, keeper exchange programmes and collaborations
- She is involved in students’ paths from entry to Masters level, setting up future leaders in the industry.
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Caitlyn Boyd, BSc (Hons) PGDipVetPhys MSc MAPDT MIRVAP(VP) —Vet Physio, Animal Behaviourist and animal science instructor
- Graduate in Bio-Veterinary Sciences and obtained a Master’s degree in Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare.
- Has a wealth of experience treating behavioural cases on veterinary referral
- She is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers
- Has worked with a variety of domestic animals and exotic species
- Has worked alongside/learnt from some of the most senior behavioural experts in the UK
- Is a fully qualified Veterinary Physiotherapist (University of Nottingham - School of Veterinary Sciences).
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