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Laura Jane De'Ath
BSc (Hons) VetPhys MIRVAP (VP)
Qualification
I qualified as a Veterinary Physiotherapist back in 2018 after receiving a first class BSc Honours degree in Veterinary Physiotherapy at Harper Adams University in the UK, which consisted of 3 years theory/practical and a placement year.
On my equine placement I worked for an elite competition yard specialising in eventing and dressage, which was a valuable experience gaining insight into how a team of professionals, riders, trainers, vets, remedial farriers and physios work together to train horses to compete successfully at olympic level. On the canine side, I worked at Physio-Vet in Cheshire where I learnt from specialist small animal orthopaedic Veterinary Surgeon- David Prydie, in all aspects of musculoskeletal/neurological disease, diagnostics, clinical signs and applications, gait analysis, treatment options and rehabilitation protocols including hydrotherapy (underwater treadmill). I also learnt about treating and managing the working and agility dog for performance enhancement.
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After placement, my final year encompassed clinical practice and practical physiotherapy, as well as completing my dissertation on "An investigation into whether or not hay nets as a feeding
mechanism induces muscular discomfort in certain cervical muscles in the horse". I was very honored to be selected to compete in the annual BETA Equine Thesis of the Year competition and managed to reach the final four and presented my thesis to the board.
After Uni, I decided to set up my own business in the UK covering Somerset, Dorset and Devon on a mobile self-employed basis, accredited with NAVP (National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists) and over the 2 years I was practicing I treated a wide variety of conditions in both dogs and horses.
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As I had always sought after the idyl beach lifestyle I decided to take the plunge and moved to Jersey in 2021, and instantly fell in love with the island. Jersey is very much home now, and after recently gaining my business licence here in Jersey, I'm excited to start my new venture Laura Jane Vet Physio.
I am accredited with the Institute of Registered Veterinary and Animal Physiotherapists (IRVAP) and fully insured under their group insurance plan covering professional indemnity and public liability.
Post Grad- Practicing in the UK
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Earlier Days
My interest in vet physio sparked from my experiences in rehabilitation with my first horse Reba when I was 15 years old. As Reba, suffered multiple conditions; musculoskeletal and reproductive, and consequently the behavioral repercussions of being in pain, I had one to one experiences with specialist veterinary surgeons at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) when I was still at school.
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In 2012, after comprehensive diagnostics, Reba was diagnosed with Impinging Dorsal Spinous Processes (IDSP) of T14-T15 commonly known as Kissing Spine. After researching and discussing treatment options with the veterinary surgeons at the RVC, I was keen to find a less invasive treatment option and I discovered a research paper on a new innovative technique - Interspinous Ligament Desmotomy; which had emerged and was being trialed and tested by the pioneering veterinary surgeon in 2012. After liasing with vets at the RVC and the pioneering veterinary surgeon, he agreed to come to the RVC for the first time to operate on Reba using this new technique to treat her impingement and demonstrate the technique to fellow veterinary surgeons. Subsequent to Reba's op, I sought the help of rehab professionals, physiotherapists, acupuncturists, and equine osteopaths to help me rehab my Reba, where I gained invaluable first hand experience of post-op kissing spine rehab while I was still doing my A levels.
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It was through Reba's rehabilitation process and being the sole carer for her, which inspired me to start my journey to qualify as Veterinary Physiotherapist, so I could continue to help identify, address and alleviate areas of pain and discomfort in animals to help improve their comfort and quality of life.