Meet the Student: Priscillia Renaux

TCAP animal physiotherapy student Priscillia, embarked on her journey to professional practice as a direct result of ‘living the patient experience’ with her beloved dog, Hermès.

Q: YOUR JOURNEY TO TRAINING TO BECOME AN ANIMAL PHYSIOTHERAPIST IS A LITTLE ‘SQUIGGLY’ – WHERE DID IT START?

A: Moving from Luxembourg to London five years ago was a huge adjustment. Trading a peaceful, rural life surrounded by forests, dogs and horses with the bustle of a big city, was overwhelming, and for a while I felt quite lost and unsure of my path. Finding a job in the legal sector (without being called to the Bar) was also proving challenging, and I struggled to see where I would truly fit.

With hindsight, those first two years in London were probably the most important. As a nature-loving girl who finds happiness in small, real moments, I never thought I’d feel at home in one of the busiest cities in the world. And yet, here we are – we’ve managed to carve out a little bubble of calm in our neighbourhood, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. 

Hermès, of course, was a huge part of that. He had always been a very active dog – he loved swimming, agility, being outdoors – but everything changed when he was diagnosed with hip dysplasia. One day, he simply couldn’t walk. The medication prescribed made him drowsy and unsteady, and it was heartbreaking to watch him lose that spark. 

X-rays showed surgery would be necessary, followed by physiotherapy. That’s when I began to explore the world of animal physiotherapy more deeply. I was surprised to discover it wasn’t always seen as essential post-operative care in the UK, and I wanted to understand why – and how I could help. 

That’s what led me to register my interest in the TCAP course. Pursuing this path has been the most natural and rewarding decision I’ve ever made – and I’m incredibly grateful to be doing so with the support of my partner. It turns out I’m far more adventurous than I ever gave myself credit for! 

After surgery #2 I did manage to get to 1-2 training days and was able to apply what I was learning to Hermès, successfully, but by December 2024, Hermès couldn’t put his paw on the floor again with yet another dislocation!

This time, we managed to get a referral to one of the UK’s leading orthopaedic specialists.

 I’d felt as though I had failed my dog and it was such a relief to find out why our previous attempts had failed. (It was later discovered that the angle at which the cup was placed may have contributed to the recurrence of the luxation.)

To solve the problem, a made-to-measure customised implant was recommended for Hermès which took two months to manufacture. So for two months I had to carry Hermès around – it was hard and meant Hermès had to adapt to living with chronic pain. He was incredibly resilient.

On the 1st April we had our surgery. We’re currently five weeks ‘post op’ and he is walking quite nicely with a check up and x-rays next week with a CT scan to follow six weeks after that.

Believe in the process. Just like with physiotherapy, the results aren’t always immediate, but the long-term benefits are worth it.

Priscillia

Q: WHAT DID YOU TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE SPECIALIST TEAM?

Late on the evening of Hermès’ surgery, I received a call from the orthopaedic specialist. He said something that really stayed with me: “Thank you for believing in your dog – he’s a great boy.”

He also gave me a small heart-shaped token made from the cement used to bond the joint, engraved with our initials. I was deeply moved by this gesture – it meant a lot to me. What I took away from the whole experience is that – even if recovery is slow – you have to believe in the process. Just like with physiotherapy, the results aren’t always immediate, but the long-term benefits are worth it.

Q: WHAT HAS THIS MEANT FOR YOUR TRAINING?

A: I understand animals differently now – they need gentle and consistent care. I can’t wait to complete my practical days, and I want to work in orthopaedics. I’m also attending the CAM (Canine Arthritis Management) symposium – a four day conference/CPD as this experience has really fueled my passion. I’m enjoying it so much more than law!

I can also see the changing (positive) perception of physiotherapy for dogs – awareness is growing.

Q: HOW HAVE YOU FOUND THE PRACTICAL DAYS?

A: They’ve been amazing and the other students have been so supportive. You don’t know what to expect when you start, but the trainers are so experienced and they’re always checking on me to make sure I understand, explaining things clearly to the students. It’s amazing. And emotional!

Q; WHAT DO YOU HOPE WILL BE YOUR FIRST STEP, PROFESSIONALLY?

A: When I qualify, I would like to work in a veterinary practice, shadowing one of the physiotherapists there and working alongside a vet. I’d also like to do a Diploma in Hydrotherapy and then,eventually, open my own practice in Central London where there is very limited provision for dogs.

Q: WHAT STANDS OUT FOR YOU ABOUT TCAP’S APPROACH TO TRAINING?

A: A warm, welcoming approach to training which really boosted my confidence. The fact you can work to your own timeline – the TCAP team have been so accommodating with me having to stop and start my training to accommodate Hermès’ surgery – so the support and flexibility have been superb. 

I don’t think you could find another College who checks in on you more to make sure you’re ok.  I’m so looking forward to my next training sessions this summer!