THE SPAW!

When should my pet begin treatment at THE SPAW?
It is important for most patients to begin rehabilitation as soon as possible after surgery.  2 or 3 days is ideal.  Initial post-operative treatments are gentle and geared towards advanced healing and reducing the risks of post-operative complications.

Once healing begins, rehabilitation takes a more active course to maximize strength and endurance.

We acknowledge and respect the bond between you and your pet by combining state-of-the-art rehabilitation equipment with loving and compassionate care.

The team, which consists of you, your pet, the doctors and veterinary staff work towards one goal: to achieve the highest attainable quality of life for your pet.

Whether your pet is an elite athlete, a senior with arthritis or a valuable family member recovering from an injury, we will provide your pet with the best possible conditioning, injury diagnostics and physical rehabilitation.
  • Wed: 9:30AM-5:00PM
  • Fri: 9:30AM-5:00PM
  • Sat: 9:30AM-3:30PM
  • Dr. Jeff Bowra,

    Dr. Jeff Bowra,

    Dr. Jeff Bowra graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1994. He is married to Toni and they have 3 daughters Chloe, Riley and Olivia and one son Brody. They share their home with Bunny the pug, Ratatoula the Chihuahua, Loosefur, Mouse and Moonlight the cats and 2 guinea pigs. Outside of work and family he still enjoys playing hockey and following the Vancouver Canucks. He also loves to escape to the family cabin on the Sunshine Coast as much as possible to go boating and fishing (but not a lot of catching).

    He took over the Aldergrove Animal Hospital in 1997 which is dedicated to family pet care. He especially enjoys surgery and dentistry.  He has a special interest in canine sports and rehabilitation medicine with a focus on coursing and racing sight hounds. He is proud to have the first veterinary hospital in Canada to have an underwater treadmill and therapy pool.

    He is a member of the American Canine Sports Medicine Association. He targets his continuing education towards sports medicine and rehabilitation and networks with experts in these fields all over the world. He has taken Advanced Training in Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation through the University of Tennessee and the Canine Rehabilitation Institute in Florida.
    Years in Practice:
    Apr 07, 1994
    Education:
    Ontario Veterinary College
  • Dr. Mark Smith

    Dr. Mark Smith

    Dr. Smith completed a Bachelor of Science at the University of Guelph.  He graduated  from the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) in 1992 and spent 6 years in small animal general practice.  He completed a one year small animal medicine & surgery internship at OVC and one year surgery internship at Affiliated Veterinary Specialists in Orlando, Florida.  He then completed a 3 year small animal surgery residency and master's of Veterinary Science at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003.  Board certification by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons was attained after a rigorous examination process.

    He operates at Canada West Veterinary Specialists in Vancouver and has provided a mobile surgery service in the lower mainland since 2003.  Special interests include orthopedics, minimally invasive surgery, soft tissue reconstructive techniques.  He has enjoyed working with Dr. Bowra and his successful rehabilitation therapy team for the past 9 years.
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2003
    Education:
    Ontario Veterinary College
    Specialties:
    orthopedics, invasive surgery, soft tissue reconstructive techniques
  • Jennifer Panko

    Jennifer Panko

    THE SPAW is pleased to announce a new addition to our team!

    Jenn Panko has recently moved from Cambridge, Ontario to join the team at THE SPAW.  Jenn is a Registered Veterinary Technician and Certified Canine Rehabilitation  Practitioner.  She also holds a post graduate certificate in Osteoarthritis Case Management and is pursuing designation as a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner through the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management.

    Jenn has a wide variety of experience in orthopedic, neurologic, weight loss, and conditioning rehabilitation.  She is excited to share her skills with The SPAW clients and externship students.

    Her professional interest include care of the senior pet and pets having special needs, nutrition, weight management programs, behaviour, radiology, dentistry, and canine, feline, and equine rehabilitation.  Jenn is looking forward to exploring British Columbia with her horse "Player" and dogs "Wheagles" (energetic whippet x beagle) and Katie-Kate (pictured in her Eddies wheels Cart.)
    Years in Practice:
    Apr 09, 2013
    Education:
    University of Tennessee
    Specialties:
    orthopedic, neurologic, weight loss, conditioning rehabilitation