Caring People Helping Pets
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Rehabilitation is concerned with restoration of function and prevention of disability.

Modern day human physical therapy began in 1741 in France, in opposition to then-current methods of immobilization and bed rest. Exercise, massage and joint movement were found to help conditions such as scoliosis, cerebral palsy and various injuries. With success for these conditions, physical therapy went on to be applied to neurological conditions. In 1895 the field of physical therapy was officially launched in Britain, followed by Australia, Canada, and finally America in 1921. In the U.S. the true beginnings were treating injured soldiers in World War 1, and the field progressed through WW II and the polio epidemics. By 1961, physical therapy was the standard of care for treating patients with acute injuries, chronic diseases, arthritis, neurological injury, disc disease and spinal surgery, orthopedic injuries and problems and, of course, sports-related injuries. PT delivers improved function, allows patients to resume normal activities sooner, and preserves joint motion and muscle strength. So how does all this apply to pets?		Reference Articles Our documents are stored in PDF format. This allows you to view these documents electronically on most computers. You need to download Adobe® Reader® to view and print PDF files. After you read the first page of a multiple page document use your "back" button to return to the previous page with the list to choose the next page of the article. Treadmill Video Acupuncture Electrical Stimulation Therapeutic Exercises Disabled Pet Household Adjustments Range of Motion Rehabilitation Overview Underwater Treadmill Theraballs, Physiorolls, and Balancing Boards Therapeutic Ultrasound Ultrasound Machine
Well, dogs are active members of our families and our society. They experience similar injuries as humans, and similar wear and tear on bones and joints with age. The same modalities employed in human rehabilitation are used for pets as well. Working athletes such as police dogs, search and rescue, security and assistance dogs are frequently in need of rehab. These dogs are often worth thousands of dollars, and no expense is spared for their treatment. Other dogs may participate in agility, obedience, fly ball, Frisbee, field trial, hunting, herding, conformation class or Schutzund training. All can cause injury, and all these participants need to be in excellent health to win in competition or perform well. Family pets may need rehabilitation as well. Arthritis, torn ligaments, spinal disc disease, injuries to nerves or broken bones are all common in canines. Horses are also frequent rehabilitation patients due to their athletic lifestyles.		Canine Rehabilitation - Begin as soon as possible after injury or surgery Underwater Treadmill Therapy Acupuncture Ultrasound Massage Therapy Electrical Stimulation

There are also big differences in conformation - for example, the injuries a racing greyhound might get would probably be very different form those of a bulldog, and many breeds are prone to specific orthopedic problems - hip dysplasia in large breed dogs, luxating kneecaps in toy breeds, disc disease in dachshunds, for example. the sloping back of a German Shepherd predisposes to hip problems while the straight up and down knees of the Chow Chow make them much more prone to knee ligament tears. Veterinarians performing rehab on pets need to know and understand many variables between breeds and how certain activities, such as running in a harness pulling a sled, affect the body.

The first step in treating a problem is to get a thorough history - what signs does the owner or handler see, what activities can or can't the dog do, when do problems occur. Then a physical exam is done, including checking every bone, muscle and joint for pain, heat, swelling, spasm or atrophy. Each joint is put through its entire range of motion, which is measured and recorded. Muscle/limb girth is also measure. Gait analysis may be done, watching the dog at various speeds going straight, in circles, and up and downhill. Reflexes and nerve function are evaluated as well.

A typical treatment plan may include chiropractic treatment or acupuncture, medication, therapeutic exercise, massage, heat application and range of motion stretching. Treatments may be done at the clinic, or by the owner at home. For example, a dog that is partially paralyzed after back surgery may be exercised on a underwater treadmill twice a day to regain use of his hind legs. Massage and range of motion exercises help keep the joints flexible. E-stim might be used to maintain muscle strength while the dog cannot use the limbs himself. A dog with arthritis might also need special exercises. When a joint hurts the dog tries not to use the leg. Reduced exercise and activity lead to muscle atrophy. the weaker the muscles, the less they are able to assist the bones and joints and the more the stress on the joints increases. This leads to a vicious cycle of deterioration. Exercise improves circulation to the joints, strengthens the muscles again and improves range of motion, restoring function and reducing pain. The veterinarian's job in rehabilitation is to formulate a treatment plan and then modify it as the patient improves: two minutes on the treadmill twice a day this week, then four minutes next week. Ten minutes of walking for the first week after surgery, then increased to 15 minutes. Ultrasound the injured muscle for 15 minutes three times a day, followed by massage and range of motion. Re-evaluation is usually needed along the way.		Benefits * Faster healing of wounds and injuries * Reduced Pain * Increased muscle strength, flexibility and range of motion * Improved Circulation * Reduced muscle tightness and spasms * Improved cardiovascular health * Reduced anxiety and stress * Weight loss * Regain or retain function

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