Acupuncture

Acupuncture has evolved from the ancient Chinese practice of inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to help relieve pain, strengthen the immune system, and support recovery. Over the past few decades, Western research has expanded understanding of acupuncture’s benefits, confirming its role in various conditions—either alongside conventional medicine or when other treatments have proved less effective. Studies have shown that acupuncture stimulates the release of the body’s own natural pain-relieving chemicals, such as endogenous opioids and serotonin, and can also be beneficial in certain internal disorders affecting the respiratory, reproductive, or digestive systems.

Dogs, in particular, often respond well to acupuncture, owing to their highly developed nervous and emotional systems (the limbic system). During treatment, many animals show noticeable changes in behaviour or demeanour, appearing calmer or more relaxed. While some patients respond after a single session, most experience progressive improvement over a course of three treatments, spaced one to two weeks apart. Around ten percent of animals may not show a measurable response.

Dr Marvin Firth provides acupuncture in the comfort of your home, tailoring every treatment to the individual animal following an in-depth history and physical examination. For patients who do not tolerate traditional needling, laser acupuncture using a Class IV laser may be considered as a gentle and effective alternative.

In the UK, only qualified veterinary surgeons may perform acupuncture, and Dr Firth is an Associate Member of the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists with formal training in veterinary acupuncture. Many insurance policies may cover acupuncture—clients are advised to confirm this directly with their provider before commencing treatment.

Payments for referral patients are due at the time of treatment. Please contact Dr Marvin Firth for further information on booking and fees.

Chiropractic

Veterinary chiropractic can be a valuable treatment option for dogs experiencing musculoskeletal discomfort, reduced mobility, or performance-related issues. As with all complementary therapies, assessment and treatment are undertaken with the consent of your primary veterinary surgeon, and a full clinical history is obtained prior to examination.

The chiropractic assessment follows a structured and methodical approach, similar to that used in human and equine practice. Each joint of the spine and limbs is carefully evaluated to identify areas of pain, restriction, or reduced motion (often termed “fixations”). Where appropriate, precise and controlled adjustments may be applied to restore mobility, alleviate discomfort, and support overall function. Chiropractic treatment may also play a role in rehabilitation following injury and in improving comfort in chronic conditions.

Dr Marvin Firth, an Internationally Approved Veterinary Surgeon in Chiropractic (IVCA), provides chiropractic treatment exclusively within the home environment, allowing patients to be assessed and treated in a familiar and low-stress setting.

Research in veterinary medicine has increasingly explored the role of chiropractic care, with studies suggesting potential benefits in improving joint mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life in certain musculoskeletal conditions. While evidence continues to develop, chiropractic is commonly used alongside conventional veterinary care as part of a multimodal treatment approach.

Some insurance policies may cover chiropractic treatment; clients are advised to confirm this with their provider prior to booking.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy plays an essential role in maintaining mobility, supporting recovery, and enhancing comfort in animals with injury, illness, or age-related stiffness. It focuses on restoring normal movement, improving muscle strength and flexibility, and reducing pain.

Dr Marvin Firth provides physiotherapy exclusively within the home environment. This approach allows animals to be evaluated and treated in a familiar, low-stress setting where their natural movement and comfort can be best assessed. As a highly experienced veterinary surgeon, Dr Firth combines clinical understanding of anatomy, pathology, and biomechanics to deliver targeted, evidence-based physiotherapeutic care.

Physiotherapy can benefit a wide range of conditions, including post-surgical recovery, neurological disorders, joint disease, muscle strains, and mobility issues. Treatment plans are tailored individually, often combining manual techniques with controlled exercise programmes, stretching, and supportive modalities such as laser therapy or acupuncture.

Dr Marvin Firth frequently integrates physiotherapy with additional therapies—including veterinary chiropractic adjustment, acupuncture, and Class IV laser therapy—to achieve the most comprehensive and effective outcome for each patient. By combining these complementary modalities, it is possible to reduce recovery times, enhance patient comfort, and help prevent recurrence of injury.

Many insurers recognise the benefits of veterinary physiotherapy and may cover part or all of the cost. Clients are encouraged to confirm coverage directly with their provider prior to booking.

Class IV Laser Therapy

Dr Marvin Firth is pleased to offer Class IV Laser Therapy—a safe, non-invasive, and highly effective treatment that supports healing, reduces pain, and enhances recovery for a range of conditions in dogs, cats, and horses. Treatments are provided in the home, allowing pets to remain calm and comfortable in familiar surroundings.

Laser therapy (also known as photobiomodulation) has been widely used across Europe and the United States for more than 15 years and is supported by a growing body of research in both human and veterinary medicine. The therapy works by delivering specific infrared wavelengths of light deep into tissues, stimulating cellular processes that promote healing and reduce inflammation.

Key benefits of Class IV Laser Therapy include:

• Reduction of pain and inflammation
• Acceleration of tissue repair and wound healing
• Improved blood flow and oxygen delivery to injured tissues
• Enhanced nerve function and faster recovery following injury
• Reduced formation of scar tissue
• Increased metabolism and cell regeneration

Conditions commonly treated include:

• Osteoarthritis and joint disease
• Muscle, ligament, or tendon injuries
• Spinal or back pain
• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Post-surgical wound healing
• Traumatic or chronic skin wounds
• Intervertebral disc disease
• Lick granulomas and localised infections
• Chronic inflammatory conditions (e.g. cystitis, otitis, or feline asthma)

What to expect during treatment
Laser therapy is painless and well tolerated—no sedation is required, and most patients find it relaxing. Pets often enjoy the gentle warmth created by the laser and frequently rest or sleep following their session. Owners are encouraged to remain with their animal throughout the treatment for reassurance and comfort.

Dr Marvin Firth personally performs all laser therapy sessions, tailoring each plan to suit the individual patient and condition. Acute problems may initially require daily or alternate-day treatment, while chronic cases usually begin with two to three sessions per week, gradually reducing as improvement is seen. Some chronic conditions, such as osteoarthritis, may benefit from periodic maintenance treatments every few weeks.

Laser therapy is often integrated seamlessly with acupuncture, physiotherapy, or chiropractic care, forming part of a comprehensive rehabilitation and pain management programme delivered by Dr Firth. Many insurance policies include coverage for laser therapy, so clients are advised to check with their provider before beginning treatment.