Obese dogs treated with treadmill

The new practice has extra dog hospital kennels

Fat dogs and those with exercise intolerance will be able to use a treadmill to lose the pounds at a new veterinary practice in Bristol.

The University of Bristol has opened its first small animal operation to treat cats, dogs and exotic pets.

Facilities include a hydrotherapy unit, spa, treadmill and pool for orthopaedic and obese dogs.

The site of the clinic means first opinion and referral practices are adjacent and closer to the hospital.

The expanded first opinion small animal practice has the facilities to treat exotic pets with a suite of specialised wards and treatment rooms and is dedicated to the training of Veterinary and Veterinary Nursing undergraduates.

The expansion has given the department the opportunity to increase the number of dog hospital kennels and to create suitable long stay cat kennels.

Dr Frank Taylor, head of the School of Veterinary Science, said: "The University's School of Veterinary Science is a recognised centre of excellence in the south and south west of England and we are extremely proud of our latest building.

"It provides wonderful new facilities, including increased kennelling for hospitalised cats and dogs and a suite of specialised wards and treatment rooms for some of the more exotic pets that are increasingly seen on a daily basis in veterinary practices around the UK."