Service available at our Pet Care Partners Veterinary Centers
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Care for Pets
Rehabilitation and therapeutic care are vital for pets recovering from surgeries or managing chronic conditions. These treatments help restore mobility, manage pain, and improve quality of life. Below are common conditions and treatments for which pets may require rehabilitation:
Orthopedic Conditions
- Arthritis: Chronic joint inflammation that causes pain and limits mobility.
- Hip Dysplasia: Malformation of the hip joint, often seen in larger dog breeds.
- Cruciate Ligament Injuries: Tears or ruptures in the knee’s cruciate ligament.
- Fractures: Post-surgical rehabilitation for broken bones.
- Patellar Luxation: Dislocation of the kneecap.
- Elbow Dysplasia: Developmental abnormalities in the elbow joint.
- Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD): Separation of cartilage from the bone.
Neurological Conditions
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Herniation of spinal discs leading to spinal cord compression.
- Stroke: Sudden neurological deficits due to disrupted blood flow in the brain.
- Peripheral Neuropathies: Nerve damage causing weakness or paralysis.
- Degenerative Myelopathy: Progressive spinal cord disease leading to hind limb weakness and paralysis.
- Wobbler Syndrome: Instability in the cervical vertebrae causing ataxia and weakness.
Post-Surgical Recovery
- Orthopedic Surgery: Rehabilitation after procedures like TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy), FHO (femoral head ostectomy), and fracture repairs.
- Neurological Surgery: Recovery following spinal or brain surgeries.
- Soft Tissue Surgery: Rehabilitation after surgery involving muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
Chronic Pain Management
- Chronic Pain: Long-term pain management, including conditions like cancer.
- Degenerative Joint Disease: Managing chronic joint pain and stiffness.
Sports and Working Dogs
- Sports Injuries: Recovery from injuries sustained during activities like agility or flyball.
- Conditioning and Strengthening: Programs to enhance performance and prevent injury.
Obesity Management
- Weight Management: Exercise programs designed to help pets lose weight and improve health.
Geriatric Care
- Age-Related Mobility Issues: Enhancing mobility and quality of life in senior pets.
Cardiorespiratory Conditions
- Heart Disease: Tailored exercise programs to improve heart health.
- Respiratory Conditions: Programs to enhance respiratory function and endurance.
Soft Tissue Injuries
- Muscle Strains: Rehabilitation for strained or torn muscles.
- Tendon Injuries: Therapy to heal and strengthen injured tendons.
Rehabilitation Techniques and Therapies
- Hydrotherapy: Water-based exercises, like swimming or underwater treadmills, to reduce joint stress and improve strength.
- Physical Therapy: Stretching, massage, and therapeutic exercises to aid recovery.
- Laser Therapy: Using light to reduce pain, inflammation, and promote healing.
- Acupuncture: Traditional Chinese medicine for pain relief and recovery support.
- Electrotherapy: Electrical stimulation to promote muscle contraction and reduce pain.
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to improve mobility and reduce discomfort.
- Therapeutic Ultrasound: Sound waves to encourage tissue healing and alleviate pain.
- Chiropractic Care: Spinal adjustments to enhance mobility and relieve pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of pets can benefit from rehabilitation therapy?
Rehabilitation is not only for dogs; it can also be beneficial for cats and other small animals! Pet Care Partners' staff is trained to make soft, personalized therapy plans for all pets, no matter their age, that are in the process of recovery from injury, surgery, or chronic pain.
What happens during a rehabilitation session?
Every single session is personalized according to the needs of your pet. It can also consist of balance activities, stretches, massages, and using an underwater treadmill. Pain relief, confidence rebuilding, and allowing your pet to move freely are Pet Care Partners' goals.
Can therapeutic care help with chronic conditions like arthritis?
Absolutely! Gentle therapy can still bring about significant changes in the conditions of pets suffering from arthritis, hip dysplasia, or stiffness in joints. Targeted exercises and treatments are combined to not only relieve pain and discomfort but also to improve the functioning of the joints gradually at Pet Care Partners.
How many therapy sessions will my pet need?
It all hinges on the status and improvement of your pet. There are some whose condition gets better in a few weeks, while others require continuous treatment. We, at Pet Care Partners, will keep a close watch on your pet and modify the plan according to their recovery.
