Aroha Kuri - Animal Care

08/02/2026

Jumping on the AI band wagon 😂🐾😍

08/02/2026

'The Elbow Episode' With Ben Walton

Did you ever wonder why you see so many French Bulldog puppies that fractures their elbow? Do you have a spaniel with a strange, intermittent forelimb lameness? This ones for you...

This week, Robyn Lowe sits down with Ben Walton, RCVS Specialist in Small Animal Orthopaedics at Movement Referrals: Independent Veterinary Specialists and Clinical R&D Director at Fusion Implants, for a clear, practical breakdown of one of the profession’s most important and challenging elbow conditions: humeral intracondylar fissures (HIF) and humeral condyle fractures.

Ben shares unique insight from years in general practice, academia and specialist surgery—to help make sense of why these lesions occur and how we should approach them today.

What you’ll learn

➡IOHC vs HIF – what the terminology shift means
➡Why the historical label “incomplete ossification” has moved on, and how reframing the description to HIF changes our expectations for healing and treatment.
➡We revisit the historical term “incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle (IOHC)” and how it arose from early work in American Cocker Spaniels.
➡Ben explains how case follow-ups with CT showed normal elbows later developing fissures, challenging the original ossification-failure hypothesis and why the use of Humeral Intracondylar Fissure (HIF) is descriptive rather than speculative about pathogenesis

✅Adult Spaniels V Juvenile Frenchies
We explore why adult dogs tend to have sclerotic, low-healing-potential fissures, and why French Bulldogs were found to be at above average risk of elbow fractures while young, compared with spaniels, which are predisposed to the injury in adulthood. We also explore how this isn’t just a “breed conversation” – it’s an age conversation.

✅How to recognise HIF in practice
Key history patterns, examination tips, and why radiographs have real limits—especially when coronoid disease sits high on the differential list.

✅Signalment & prevalence
In adult Springer Spaniels, HIF must always be on your list for forelimb lameness – missing it can mean a future (potentially catastrophic) Y-fracture with a highly challenging, high cost, high-risk repair.

✅History clues
Why lameness worse after intense activity or triggered by a jump/outburst then slowly improving can nudge you towards HIF. “Stiff after rest, then walk it off” may push you more towards Osteoarthritis / coronoid disease – but it’s never black and white.

✅Clinical examination tips
Where HIF sits among your differentials alongside medial coronoid disease.
Why some manipulations (torsion with the elbow extended, squeezing across the condyle) might increase suspicion – but also how flexor entheseopathy and other pain generators can muddy the waters. The bottom line: clinical exam alone cannot reliably separate HIF from other elbow pathology, so we have to be honest about uncertainty.

✅Why CT is so valuable
From definitive diagnosis to planning safe screw corridors, CT can transform both investigation and surgical success, particularly in dogs with narrow or variable anatomy.

✅Surgical options explained clearly
Ben outlines the pros and cons of different surgical methods including transcondylar screws, the HIRS, and anatomic plates, and asks the osteotomy question; a brief look at why proximal ulnar osteotomy has been proposed—and why many surgeons remain cautious despite interesting biomechanical research.

💬This episode is packed with practical guidance, clinical nuance and evidence-based reasoning for veterinary teams managing forelimb lameness that we suspect is HIF related and presents us the question - what decisions do we make between skeletally immature V adult dogs with a HIF?

Whether you’re in first opinion, or referral practice, it’s a must-listen. This one is quite a 'meaty' clinical podcast - but if you are an owner of a 'at risk' breed, or have a spaniel with a suspicious forelimb lameness - maybe this one is for you too.

🎧 Listen now on Vet Voices On Air
https://open.spotify.com/episode/42ghWcfQHm4ctKNV1pCE4g?si=GLDEuvPjQcqaUtYxwzgAhA

A special thank you to Digital Practice; powering seamless client communication in your clinic and helping keep our podcast on the air visit https://digitalpractice.vet

01/01/2026

NEW DOG LEGISLATION EXPLAINED

Important new legislation⚠️
Important to read if you own or walk dogs, as well as if you'd like to know your rights as a livestock owner!
UK law is being significantly updated in England and Wales through the new "Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill" to tackle dog attacks on livestock, including horses!
The new legislation has just been given final approval by the House of Lords, allowing it to be sent to the King for Royal Assent and finally being enshrined on the Statute Book.
Here is an overview of the changes....
Dog owners & walkers: livestock worrying law important update
The law on dogs and livestock worrying has recently been updated in Britain. These changes matter and they apply even on public footpaths and rights of way.
This post explains:
• what has changed
• what counts as evidence
• what “under proper control” actually means
• whether seized dogs are killed
What has changed in the law
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) legislation has been modernised. Key points:
➡️ Unlimited fines
The old £1,000 cap has gone. Courts can now impose unlimited fines reflecting the real harm caused.
➡️ More animals protected
'Livestock' now clearly includes alpacas and llamas, as well as sheep, cattle, goats, pigs and others.
➡️ More places covered
The law applies:
– in fields and enclosures
– on public footpaths
– on roads
– while livestock are being moved
➡️ Stronger police powers
Police can now:
– seize and detain dogs
– enter premises with a warrant
– collect forensic evidence
🔴 Worrying vs attacking livestock
This is crucial.
➡️ 'Worrying livestock' includes:
• chasing
• running at
• harassing
• causing fear or panic
• being loose among livestock and not under proper control
No injury or physical contact is needed.
Stress alone is legally recognised harm. It can cause:
• miscarriages
• mis-mothering
• exhaustion
• broken limbs from fleeing
• long-term fear responses
➡️ Attacking livestock involves:
• biting
• grabbing
• injuring
• killing
⚠️Both worrying and attacking are criminal offences.⚠️
What counts as evidence now…
Livestock worrying often happens out of sight. The law now reflects that.
🔴 Evidence may include:
• Injuries to livestock (including stress-related harm)
• Bite marks, wounds, post-mortems
• Blood, tissue, or DNA
• Evidence from the dog (blood, saliva, bite patterns)
• Collars, leads, towels or other items
• Disturbed ground, damaged fencing
• Witness statements
• Livestock behaviour (panic, scattering, distress)
• The dog itself, which may be seized for examination
⚠️ A case does not need someone to witness the moment of chasing if evidence supports what happened.⚠️
What “under proper control” REALLY means
This is the most misunderstood part of the law.
🔴 A dog is under proper control only if the handler can PREVENT it from worrying livestock at all times.
That means the handler must be able to:
• stop the dog before it approaches livestock
• prevent any chasing or rushing
• act instantly not “afterwards”
• maintain control even if animals move or run
If the dog is stopped after it has approached or chased livestock, control was already lost.
➡️ On a lead
A dog on a lead is usually under control only if
• the lead is short enough
• the handler can physically restrain the dog
• the handler is paying attention
Flexi leads, long lines, or dragging leads in livestock areas are often not considered proper control.
➡️ Off lead
A dog can be under proper control off lead but the bar is very high.
If a dog:
• runs towards livestock
• hesitates before recall
• “only chases for a bit”
• comes back after animals flee.......it is not under proper control.
“Friendly”, “well trained”, or “never done it before” makes no difference in law.
⚠️NB Presence alone can be an offence⚠️
A loose dog among livestock, fence-running, or stalking can already count as worrying, even without a chase.
The law is about risk and stress, not intent.
A practical rule used in policing: If a reasonable livestock keeper would feel at risk with that dog there, it is not under proper control.
⚠️ Are seized dogs killed?⚠️
No not usually, dogs are not automatically destroyed under livestock worrying law.
Dogs may be seized:
• to prevent repeat incidents
• to gather evidence
• during investigation
Courts usually focus on owner responsibility, not punishing the dog. Destruction orders are rare and would only arise under other legislation if a dog posed an unmanaged, serious risk.
In short
⚠️ Livestock do not need to be bitten for an offence
⚠️ Stress and chasing are recognised harm
⚠️ Evidence can be physical and forensic
⚠️ “Proper control” means preventing risk, not recalling afterwards
⚠️ Responsibility rests with the handler
🔴 Please feel free to share as clarity prevents heartbreak. 🔴
*This post is a general summary of current UK livestock-worrying law and practice, based on publicly available legislation and guidance. It is not legal advice and cannot account for individual circumstances.*

30/09/2025

🎉🐾 Exciting News! 🐾🎉

I’m honoured to share that I’ve been named a Finalist for the Land-Based and Environment Learner of the Year Awards! 🌟

This recognition comes after completing my Level 2 Animal Care Technical Certification at Sparsholt College, and it means so much to see the hard work and learning journey celebrated in this way.

Through Aroha Kuri Animal Care, my goal has always been to provide the very best care and support for animals and their people and continuing to learn and grow is a big part of that mission.

A huge thank you to Sparsholt College, my mentors, and everyone who has supported me along the way. 💚

19/09/2025

🎄🐾 Aroha Kuri Animal care – Available this Christmas 🐾🎄

Heading away or just need an extra hand over the festive period? Aroha Kuri will be available throughout the whole of Christmas here in the Worthy Down.

Spaces are limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment. 🐶🐱

Message me directly for availability, prices, or just a chat about how I can keep your pets happy and cared for while you enjoy the festive period.

✨ Reliable, local, and here to help our community – because pets deserve a little Christmas cheer too! ✨

25/06/2025

Exciting News from Aroha Kuri!

I’m incredibly proud to share that I’ve officially passed my Level 2 Technical Certificate in Animal Care at Sparsholt College — and I was honoured to receive the Endeavour Award, the only student in the level 1 & 2 work based and technical students to receive it.

This qualification has been such an important step in my animal care journey. The Level 2 Technical Certificate at Sparsholt is a nationally recognised course that provides a solid foundation in key areas of animal care, including:
• Animal health and welfare
• Feeding and accommodation
• Animal behaviour and handling
• Animal biology
• Safe working practices in an animal care environment
• Practical care of a wide range of animals, from companion pets to exotics and livestock

The course combines hands-on experience with in-depth theory, giving me the skills and confidence to offer high-quality, compassionate care through my business, Aroha Kuri.

Receiving the Endeavour Award was a huge honour — it recognises outstanding perseverance and commitment. Having joined the course mid-year, after relocating from Lincolnshire to Hampshire, I had to quickly catch up on two new units and settle into a new learning environment. I worked hard, stayed focused, and was so proud to achieve distinctions and a merit in my assignments.

And the journey doesn’t stop here — I’m excited to announce that I’ll be returning to Sparsholt in September to begin the Level 2 in Equine Studies, where I’ll deepen my knowledge even further and continue building toward a future centred around animal welfare and professional care.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me, believed in me, and trusted me with their beloved animals. I’m so excited for what’s ahead — and proud to bring even more knowledge and care to Aroha Kuri.

17/06/2025

Hot Forecast Due 🌅 Met Office Heat will build through the week. On Wednesday the highest temperatures values in the UK are expected to be around 27ºC.

Is it true that if we use cold water on heat stroke pets they will go into shock?

One of the most common things we still hear is that we can only use tepid water on a pet with heat stroke, incase they get some complications like hypothermic overshoot, peripheral vasoconstriction hindering a cooling response, and cardiogenic shock...

We have heard not to use cold water in case it causes shock... this rarely happens!

But guess what? In a recent study over 26% of dogs presented with heat stroke died, with flat faced breeds making up nearly half of heat stroke cases seen in the study.

You should:

💧Get someone to call the local veterinary practice and tell them you're going to travel down with a heat stroke patient
💧Pour, hose or if possible immerse the pet in very cold water (this should obviously be done under constant supervision, ensuring the head is fully above water and immersion should not be attempted if the animal is too large, or you are unable to do so without hurting yourself)
💧NB: If using a hose pipe, make sure it has run through until cold, as they can often contain water that is extremely hot in the tubing initially
💧Do not drape in towels and leave them in situ. Keep the cold water flowing.
💧Move to a cool, shaded area
💧Prepare to transport to vets in a cold, air conditioned car

In studies they found that:

🌅International consensus from sports medicine organisations supports treating EHS with early rapid cooling by immersing the casualty in cold water.
🌅Ice-water immersion has been shown to be highly effective in exertional heat stroke, with a zero fatality rate in large case series of younger, fit patients.
🌅Hyperthermic individuals were cooled twice as fast by Cold Water Immersion as by passive recovery.
🌅No complications occurred during the treatment of three older patients with severe heat stroke were treated with cold‐water immersion.
🌅Cold water immersion (CWI) is the preferred cooling modality in EHS guidelines and the optimal method applicable to UK Service Personnel
🌅Studies suggest using either ice-water or cold-water immersion

The best intervention is PREVENTION, but if you find yourself with an animal with heat stroke, using cold water either by pouring, hosing or ideally (if safe) immersion then this may help reduce their temperature to safe levels while you transport to a veterinary practice.

Read more below:

https://www.vetvoices.co.uk/post/cool-icy-cold-or-tepid

16/06/2025

🌞🔥 Warm Weather Warning: Protect Your Pets This Week! 🐶🐱🐰🐹🐴

With temperatures rising between 26°C and 29°C across the UK this week and Sunday expected to be particularly hot it’s essential to take extra precautions to protect your pets from heat stress and heatstroke.

At Aroha Kuri, we believe prevention is key. Here’s how to keep all your animals safe, happy, and cool in the warmer weather:

🐾 Dogs
• 🕕 Walk early morning or late evening – Pavements get dangerously hot midday.
• 💧 Keep water available at all times – Indoors and outside, with ice cubes if possible.
• 🧊 Cooling tools – Offer cool mats, damp towels, or a shallow paddling pool.
• 🚗 Never leave in a parked car – Even for a few minutes, it can be fatal.

🐱 Cats
• 💤 Shady sleeping areas – Let them rest somewhere cool, like tiled floors.
• 🧼 Daily grooming – Especially for long-haired cats, to reduce heat retention.
• 🧊 Chilled treats – Try tuna or broth ice cubes for a hydrating snack.
• 👀 Watch for warning signs – Excessive panting, drooling, or hiding could mean they’re overheating.

🐰🐹 Rabbits & Guinea Pigs
• 🏠 Move hutches out of direct sun – Shade and good ventilation are crucial.
• 🧊 Frozen water bottles – Wrapped in cloth as a cool snuggle spot.
• 🚿 Damp towels over hutches – Helps reduce temperature inside.
• 🔍 Check for flystrike twice daily – Clean bottoms and monitor closely.

🐴 Horses
• 🕗 Ride early or not at all – Avoid work during the hottest part of the day.
• 💦 Ensure plenty of fresh water – Refill buckets and troughs regularly.
• 🌳 Provide field shade or shelter – Natural or man-made.
• 🐝 Use fly masks and sprays – Protect against flies which thrive in warm weather.

❗ Watch for signs of heatstroke:
• Panting or rapid breathing
• Lethargy or weakness
• Drooling or vomiting
• Collapse or confusion

If you suspect heatstroke, move your pet to a cool space, offer water, and call your vet immediately.

(Poppy the French Bulldog is wearing the older version of the RuffWear cooling coat -
https://ruffwear.co.uk/products/swamp-cooler-dog-cooling-vest )

16/06/2025

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15/06/2025

Why does Alfred, my Border Collie, look like he got into a crimping iron the second he gets wet?
Spoiler: It’s not because he’s trying to bring back 2002. It’s science!

Let’s break it down:

1. Double Coat Drama
Border Collies have a double coat:
• A soft, insulating undercoat
• A coarser, protective topcoat
When they get wet, the water penetrates the fluffier undercoat unevenly, while the topcoat lies flat. As it starts to dry, the combo creates those wild, crimped looking waves. Think, wet sheep with attitude.

2. Natural Wave Pattern
Some Collies have naturally wavy or curly hair (especially behind the ears, neck, and bum, the fluff zones). When it’s dry, the topcoat masks it a bit. But get it wet? Boom. Instant floof explosion. The curl comes out to party.

3. Static & Structure
Once wet, the natural oils in the coat redistribute, and as the fur dries, hair shafts can twist or kink based on thickness, coat density, and even how the dog shook off. Basically: Mother Nature’s version of a DIY blowout… with questionable technique.

Does it mean anything’s wrong? Nope.
Crimped hair just means your Border Collie is structurally sound, stylishly waterlogged, and ready to cause chaos on your clean floors.

Alfred may look like a swamp beast post walk, but under the mess, he’s rocking one of the most weather resistant and efficient coats in the dog world.

Drop a pic of your soggy Collie below, crimped hair, don’t care.

12/06/2025

🐾 Safety First, Always! 🐾
At Aroha Kuri, I’m all about happy tails and peace of mind.

When your pup is out adventuring with me, their safety is my #1 priority. That means:

🕵️‍♀️ No public posts of our walk spots – I keep our locations private so strangers never know where we’ve been sniffin’ around.
📍 AirTags for every dog – Every pooch gets geared up with an AirTag while we’re out. Just in case! (We’ve never needed it, but it’s nice to know it’s there.)

Your dog’s walk should be fun, safe, and stress-free—for both of you! 🐶💨

31/05/2025

🌺 Remembering Poppy – The Sassiest Frenchie We Ever Knew 🌺

Meet Poppy, our much-loved French Bulldog, born on Remembrance Day and full of spirit from day one. We had to say goodbye to her in June 2024 after she suffered a stroke at the age of 9. She may be gone, but the hole she’s left behind is huge — she was truly one of a kind.

Poppy was small but mighty, with a personality that could fill a room. She was sassy, opinionated, hilarious, and absolutely knew how to get her way. She had a stubborn streak typical of the breed, but also the biggest heart and endless loyalty for her people. If you knew her, you were either bossed around or snuggled — sometimes both in the same minute!

Living with Poppy taught me a lot about the unique needs of flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds like Frenchies. From managing heat sensitivity to keeping her breathing in check, it takes extra love, care, and awareness to keep these dogs comfortable and safe — especially during walks, play, and warm weather. That experience continues to shape how I care for all pets through Aroha Kuri, especially our snorty, short-nosed friends who need a little extra attention.

Poppy was so much more than a pet — she was family, and she’ll always be missed.