Age-related, degenerative condition of intervertebral discs resulting in deminished shock-absorbing capacity leading to disc herniation and spinal cord compression.

Fibrocartilaginous cushions between the vertebrae that allow movement in the spinal column, are supportive and act as shock absorbers.

Seizures not related to an underlying cause e.g. intoxication, kidney disease, liver disease, brain malformations, tumours or inflammation.

Application of ice or cold therapy to a specific area to reduce pain, swelling and inflammation to promote healing.

A hyperextension injury occurs when a joint or muscle is extended beyond its normal range of motion. In dogs, the most common joint affected is the carpus (wrist) and can be a result of degeneration or trauma.

The warmth of the water provides a medium that assists with pain relief and the reduction of muscle spasm. By immersing a patient, buoyancy support is provided and this facilitates mobility and creates a more optimum environment for normal movement patterns. Beneficial for increasing flexibility, strength, core stability and cardiovascular fitness.

Hydrocephalus is a condition where there is a build-up of excess cerebrospinal fluid  (CSF) in the brain. The excess fluid typically causes increased pressure on the brain and signs can include a dome-shaped, enlarged head, seizures, behavioural changes and blindness.

The long-bone between the shoulder blade and the elbow.

Hock osteochondritis dissecans is a disease mainly seen in immature large and giant breed dogs. The condition results in the formation of a cartilage flap on the articular surface of the talus within the hock joint, this causes pain and subsequent lameness.

The hock joint is located in the hind limbs and is the equivalent of the human ankle joint. The hock joint is a complex joint comprising of a number of small bones articulating with the tibia (skin bone) and metatarsal bones (toes). Ligaments on the inside and outside part of the hock joint hold the bones together. Each side of …

Solid tissue fragments or surgical samples are sent to pathology labs and cut into slices the thickness of a human hair. These are stained and examined to identify the exact type of tumour present.

Abnormal development of the structures that make up the hip joint leads to subsequent joint deformity. ‘Dysplasia’ means abnormal growth. The developmental changes appear first and because they are related to growth, they are termed primary changes. Subsequently, these changes may lead to excessive wear and tear. The secondary changes may be referred to as (osteo)arthritis (OA), (osteo)arthrosis or degenerative …