A NEW rehabilitation centre has opened in Colchester - but here it’s animals which are getting all the attention.

The Blue Bear Animal Rehabilitation Centre in Copford, owned by Claire Larkins, is kitted out for animals to have fun, get fit and rehabilitate after surgery.

It also helps some to live better with chronic conditions like arthritis or hip dysplasia.

Features including an aquatic treadmill and pooches can practise their doggy paddle while being supported by buoyancy aids to improve their muscles while not putting pressure on their joints.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Hydro - Lulu using the aqua treadmill helped by Claire Larkins (left) and Catie Francis

Hydro - Lulu using the aqua treadmill helped by Claire Larkins (left) and Catie Francis

Claire, 37, said: “I spent a lot of time looking for the right premises because I’m not someone who likes to do something with a ‘That’ll do attitude’.

"It took long time for us to find the right place and to build it to what it is now.“There are several hydrotherapy centres about but we’re lucky here as we managed to find a place big enough to enable us to install an eight metre by four metre pool and also have enough space for consultancy rooms for veterinary nursing clinics.

“We’re also one of the few centres in Essex to have a top of the range extended chamber with an aquatic treadmill which is large enough to fit a Great Dane with two therapists.”

Blue Bear offers hydrotherapy, canine sports massage and laser therapy which is for dogs and cats but also works for smaller animals like guinea pigs...despite not being particularly easy to work with.

Because it is a complementary service to veterinary treatment, animals need a referral before being checked in.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Fitness - Lulu uses the aqua treadmill at the Blue Bear animal rehabilitation unit

Fitness - Lulu uses the aqua treadmill at the Blue Bear animal rehabilitation unit

Costs vary according to treatment but the cost of the first hydrotherapy pool treatment and initial consultation is in the region of £50 - £35 for the hydrotherapy session and £15 for the consultation - and £35 for subsequent hydrotherapy pool sessions.

The cost of the specialist aquatic treadmill also varies depending on how many staff are needed to help with the therapy. It can cost about £55-£65 for an initial consultation including the first session and in the region of £50 for a treadmill session after that.

Each animal is unique so Claire and her team of ten, including behavioural therapist Lauren Watts, work hand-in-hand with owners and go at the pet’s pace.

She said: “We see lots of older dogs and dogs with osteoarthritis, that’s one of the main things we help with, and we can also help with palliative care.

“Just to be able to have a paddle in the pool gives them such relief from aches and pains.

“We also see a lot of spinal cases and also dogs which have had cruciate ligament surgery at the back of their knee.

“When it ruptures it’s painful and they have to undergo surgery to repair it so we see an awful lot of those dogs come in post-surgery.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Blue Bear Animal Rehabilitation Unit open in Copford..(from left)Jan Upsher, Claire Larkins, Dawn Hooper and Fiona Watson.

Therapy - Honey in the pool with Catie Francis. Hydrotherapy not only boosts mobility and makes for a happier dog

“But also been able to get out and have mental stimulation on the equipment really does them wonders.”

As an animal lover herself, Claire’s two dogs and cat are her children so she gets immense joy from seeing her clients progress.

“You feel such elation seeing a dog come back to life, it’s incredibly rewarding,” she said.

“Every day provides new challenges and it’s such an inspiring way to work.

“It challenges us as therapists to be on top of our game all the time and to make sure that what we’re doing is of paramount importance to the animals. It’s all about them.”

Call 01206 213999 for more details.