My name is Jenny Coates and I am a qualified veterinary physiotherapist and canine massage therapist.

I qualified in 2013 and treat agility dogs, dogs with orthopaedic conditions, post injury/surgery dogs and older dogs with reduced mobility.  I have a significant number of clients with ‘nervous dogs’ and I have had a great deal of success with these dogs.

Before 2013 I was a chemistry teacher and junior rowing coach.  I was lucky enough to coach crews that were successful at national events and some of my athletes were fortunate enough to represent their country successfully at the Junior World Championships.  I was a cox for 18 years and competed successfully at a national level winning Gold at National Championships and reaching the semi finals at Henley Royal Regatta.

I now combine my teaching and veterinary physiotherapy skills teaching two days a week at Nottingham Veterinary School on the Veterinary Physiotherapy MSc.  I do occasionally have students shadow me for the day, if you would prefer not to have students present then please let me know.

I live with my border collies and they are the reason I am a veterinary physiotherapist.

One of my dogs was diagnosed with severe hip dysplasia at the age of 18 months.  Gwen had become less inclined to join us on the sofa in the evening, she had stopped going up the stairs and I felt that she was ‘sitting funny’.  Gwen was X-rayed and I was told that she would have a life of discomfort and limited activity. Gwen lived to almost 12 and with sensible exercise, regular physiotherapy and a good quality joint supplement she lived a happy and active life.

My dogs Mac and Hudson both compete in agility.  The strength and conditioning work I have done with them helps to keep them injury free.  The massage and electrotherapies allow me to head off any ‘niggles’ before they become a real issue.

My love of agility began with my first dog Merlin. 13 years was not long enough but he remained active to the end.