The international “Symposium on Physiotherapy for Animals”, carried out through the collaboration of the Near East University Faculty of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, covered a wide range of topics varying from the treatment of orthopedic and neurological conditions in animals and post-surgical rehabilitation to international training models and professional development in Cyprus.
The “Symposium on Physiotherapy for Animals”, held at the İrfan Günsel Congress Center, brought together experts, academics, and professional representatives from various countries to explore current scientific approaches, treatment methods, and rehabilitation practices in the field of animal physiotherapy.
The symposium, which consisted of four sessions, addressed the international evolution of veterinary physiotherapy education, orthopedic issues in small animals and horses, treatment and rehabilitation options for neurological cases, and the importance of collaboration between veterinarians and physiotherapists. Furthermore, professional organizations shared their perspectives on the development and future of veterinary physiotherapy education in Cyprus.
The symposium, which saw high levels of participation, featured opening remarks by Prof. Dr. Adile Öniz Özgören, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, and Prof. Dr. İsfendiyar Darbaz, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. The event also saw significant involvement from various non-governmental organizations. Dr. Batuhan İ. Dericioğlu, President of the Turkish Cypriot Physiotherapists Association, and Burak Toksoy, President of the Turkish Cypriot Veterinary Medical Association, were also in attendance.
International experiences and treatment approaches were shared…
The first session of the symposium, chaired by Prof. Dr. Selim Aslan and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yasin Yurt, was held under the title “Hybrid Session: The Vienna and Cyprus Models”. Dr. Kathleen Wittek from VetMedUni Vienna delivered an online presentation titled “Veterinary Physiotherapy Education Globally and in Europe”, in which she discussed educational models and international developments in the field. Dr. Şahveren Yücel, Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Turkish Cypriot Physiotherapists Association, shared insights into the initial practices in Cyprus during her presentation, “The First Veterinary Physiotherapy Experience on the Island: The Near East Example”. The second session, chaired by Prof. Dr. Deniz Seyrek İntaş and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tuba Yerlikaya, focused on approaches to orthopedic issues in small animals and horses. In her presentation, “Fundamental Principles and Practices in Veterinary Physiotherapy”, Dr. Kathleen Wittek outlined the core tenets of physiotherapy, while Dr. Kutay Gürünlü discussed the use of osteopathy for musculoskeletal conditions in horses in his presentation, “Osteopathic Applications for Musculoskeletal Issues in Horses”.
The third session was led by Prof. Dr. Vedat Sağmanlıgil and Assist. Prof. Dr. The event, chaired by Özge Özalp, was held under the title “Veterinarian-Physiotherapist Collaboration in the Neurosurgical Problems of Small Animals”. Ali Burak Kaplan, a specialist veterinarian from the Bornova Doğu Veterinary Clinic, examined neurosurgical issues from a veterinary perspective in his presentation, “A Veterinary Perspective on Common Neurosurgical Problems in Animals”. Selin Bozalı Turan, a physiotherapist from the same clinic, addressed the post-operative rehabilitation process in her presentation, “Rehabilitation Approaches in the Post-Operative Period”. Meanwhile, Dr. Ateş Barut discussed the options of surgery versus physiotherapy for neurological cases in his presentation, “To Operate or Not to Operate? Which Neurological Cases Require Physical Therapy, and Which Require Surgery?”
The future of veterinary physiotherapy in the TRNC was assessed…
The final session of the symposium was chaired by Caniz Tonyalı, a specialist physiotherapist and Vice President of the KTFD (Turkish Cypriot Physiotherapists Association), and Assist. Prof. Dr. Feride Zabitler Tepik. Burak Toksoy, President of the Cyprus Turkish Veterinary Medical Association, assessed the future of education in this field from the perspective of professional organizations in his presentation, “The Future of Veterinary Physiotherapy Education on the Island: A Perspective from Professional Organizations”. Dr. Batuhan I. Dericioğlu, President of the Turkish Cypriot Physiotherapists Association, also participated in the session.
Prof. Dr. Adile Öniz Özgören: “The power of science lies not only in what we know, but also in our willingness to learn from one another.”
Pointing out that animal physiotherapy entails ethical responsibilities alongside its scientific and professional dimensions, Prof. Dr. Adile Öniz Özgören, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Near East University, emphasized the importance of accurately understanding the needs of animals. Noting that animals are sentient beings capable of experiencing pain, fear, and stress, and that they require trust and appropriate care, Prof. Dr. Özgören said, “They are feeling creatures. The respect we show for their lives is also a reflection of our responsibility toward the world we inhabit and toward each other.”
Emphasizing that animal physiotherapy requires the collaborative effort of various specialized fields, Prof. Dr. Özgören stated that combining the diagnostic and therapeutic knowledge of veterinarians with the expertise of physiotherapists in movement and rehabilitation allows for a more holistic assessment of animals’ needs. Noting that this collaboration must be conducted with respect for professional authority and responsibilities, Prof. Dr. Özgören said, “Interprofessional collaboration does not mean the blurring of roles; rather, it is the convergence of different areas of expertise around a shared responsibility.” Addressing the students, Prof. Dr. Özgören added, “Throughout your professional lives, you will continue to develop your knowledge and skills. However, remain open to understanding the expertise of other professions and valuing their contributions. The power of science lies not only in what we know, but also in our willingness to learn from one another.”
Prof. Dr. İsfendiyar Darbaz: “Preserving and restoring the quality of a life is just as important as saving that life.”
Speaking at the opening, Prof. Dr. İsfendiyar Darbaz, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Near East University, highlighted the growing importance of animal physiotherapy and rehabilitation in veterinary medicine, noting that the success of a treatment is not limited solely to the resolution of a disease. “Today, the success of a treatment is also measured by the restoration of an animal’s mobility, the reduction of its pain, and the preservation of its quality of life.”, said Prof. Dr. Darbaz. Emphasizing that physiotherapy and rehabilitation play a crucial role, particularly in cases of orthopedic and neurological conditions, as well as following trauma or surgical interventions, Prof. Dr. Darbaz further said, “Preserving and restoring the quality of life is just as important as saving it.” Highlighting the significance of collaboration between veterinarians and physiotherapy specialists in achieving this goal, Prof. Dr. Darbaz noted, “It is vital that these experts work under the supervision of a veterinarian, applying their respective professional competencies within a unified treatment framework.” Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Darbaz stressed that establishing science-based physiotherapy and rehabilitation units in veterinary clinics, developing the necessary infrastructure, and training qualified personnel should be among the primary objectives.
