PHYSICAL REHABILITATION

Diseases and Injuries Treated

Currently most of our patients are dogs with 

• Cranial cruciate ligament disease
• Femoral head and neck resection (FHO)
• Hip dysplasia
• Fractures stabilized with casts or implants
• Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD)
• Elbow dysplasia
• Osteoarthritis
• Obesity
• Coxofemoral, elbow, and stifle luxations
• Neuromuscular dysfunction due to intervertebral disc disease, spinal tumors, fractures, and degenerative myelopathy

Aquatherapy

Use of an underwater treadmill or swimming may be a part of the overall rehabilitation. Underwater treadmills provide buoyancy during exercise, increase muscle blood flow, and encourage joint movement while decreasing the stress. It can help with pain and swelling and provide a high resistance work-out. It is especially beneficial for dogs that have had spinal surgery and are unable to walk well.

Exercise Programs

Exercise programs can be tailored to increase the strength, endurance and performance of canine patients, both on an out-patient and in-patient basis. 

Depending on the patient’s problem and general health status, therapy balls, treadmills, cavaletti rails, walking carts, and balance boards are utilized to enhance coordination, balance and muscle strength.

Pain Management

Pain management is an important aspect of rehabilitation. It may entail a combination of drug therapy, massage, therapeutic ultrasound, acupuncture, and/or spinal manipulation.

Hot and cold packing and passive range of motion exercises may be performed multiple times per day to prevent joint stiffness and postoperative pain. Therapeutic ultrasound (pictured below), neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and massage are other treatments.