Rehabilitation Services
Many patients of the furry kind benefit from rehab just as people do. This is indicated after surgery, specific injuries or in helping to ease the pain associated with arthritis. We use most of the same modalities as are used for people to maintain range of motion, prevent muscle atrophy, build strength,relieve pain and stiffness, build proprioception and neurologic retraining to return to the best function possible.
Each patient is fully evaluated before any rehabilitation begins insuring that no other injuries or pain exist. Full communication occurs with your referring veterinarian (and surgical specialist if one is involved) to insure continuity of care and the best recovery/outcome for your companion. By evaluating the whole patient we can uncover problems that were never diagnosed/addressed that can be exasperated by having to move differently than normal. This will allow for the best outcome and gives you the most information.
These are the modalities we commonly use:
- Underwater Treadmill Therapy
- Therapeutic laser
- Massage–with stretching and range of motion
- Cavaletti rails, rocker board, peanut balls etc
- Therapeutic ultrasound
- Cryotherapy (cold compresses)–or heat
- Incline treadmill
These are the conditions that we commonly treat :
CCL, Canine Cruciate Ligament (TPLO, extra capsular, TTA)
HD Hip Dysplasia (Total Hip, TPO, FHO)
MPL Medial Patellar Luxation
OCD Osteochondritis (elbow, shoulder, hock)
IVD Intervertebral Disk Disease–surgical or non surgical
fracture recovery
Osteoarthritis
Hip Dysplasia (HD)
Elbow Dysplasia (FCP,UAP,OCD)
Spine (Lumbosacral Disease, articular facet OA)
Stifle (Post CCL, other)
Hock/Carpus/Toe
Weight Management
Overweight (up to 20 % over ideal)
Obesity (20% or more over ideal weight)
Injury/lameness
Medial Shoulder Instability
Iliopsoas Muscle Injury
Biceps Tendonitis
Supraspinatous tendonitis
Neurologic (our neurologic caseload is limited in that our Certified Doctor is only working weekly so we can’t hospitalize and complete daily rehabilitation therapy for these patients yet–and we often refer these cases to the UW veterinary rehabilitation)
Disk degeneration
Degenerative myelopathy
Much of our time is spent discussing how to PREVENT another injury by achieving ideal weight and supplementation with evidence based joint supplements and anti inflammatory diets and supplements.
We also will spend time discussing at home exercises to strengthen weak muscles and improve range of motion. Integrative care and preventative nutrition is the best for your pet!
