Veterinary Rehabilitation: The Road to Recovery

By Kim Danoff, D.V.M. ©2003

Conditions Commonly Treated with Rehab:

• Paralysis
• Arthritis
• Limb deformities
• Disc disease
• Weakness
• Pain
• Pre and Post-op orthopedic and neurologic surgery
• Obesity and weight management
• Lack of endurance and strength
• Amputations

Rehabilitation begins with a thorough evaluation and a detailed medical history. It is typically more comprehensive than an average office visit, as it entails a physical exam, orthopedic and neurologic exam, x-ray evaluation, gait analysis, flexibility analysis with a tool called a goniometer, assessing muscle mass (or atrophy) by measuring limb circumference, and pain assessment.

Based upon the evaluation, a rehab program is designed specifically for your pet. It may include one or a combination of therapies depending upon the goals of treatment: goals set by you, your veterinarian, and the rehabilitation veterinarian. Are you trying to reduce pain, increase flexibility, boost endurance or improve mobility? Therapy may begin prior to surgery, following an injury, or upon referral for a limb deformity. But it is most successful when therapies are integrated and coordinated from the beginning, when the initial injury occurs and prior to a surgery being performed.

Rehabilitation Therapies:

• Acupuncture
• Underwater treadmill
• Pulsed signal therapy
• Land treadmill
• Whirlpool
• Electrical stimulation
• Ultrasound
• Therapeutic exercises
• Stretching/range of motion
• Hot/cold therapy
• Massage and/or reiki
• Anti-inflammatory medications and herbal fomulas
• Nutraceuticals
• Brace and prosthetics
• Carts/wheelchairs
• And much more

For rehabilitation facilities in other locations throughout the US, visit the website www.utc.edu/canine and click on the “clinics” heading.