Why Animals Need Physical Rehabilitation
Just like you need physical therapy for orthopedic and neurological conditions, pets need rehabilitation for wellness, too.
As veterinarians who specialize in physical rehabilitation, we evaluate and treat animals with movement problems. Working with you and your pet, we help your pet get better faster with early interventions, including regular, repetitive exercises to build strength and balance. Stimulating muscle memory is important. Physical rehabilitation for animals does differ from human rehabilitation, although pets usually receive the same treatments, including acupuncture, LASER therapy, and exercises that can resemble “playtime” or “agility work.”
Examples of Common Conditions Helped by Physical Rehabilitation
A dog with a cruciate tear (CCL) who is still lame after surgery. Dogs who get physical rehabilitation with exercises to target the hamstring, gluteal, and quadriceps muscles regain their strength faster than dogs who don’t. Preventing injury to the good leg is also important. Rehabilitation can help.
An older dog with idiopathic vestibular disease and arthritis in his knees and hips who has a hard time getting back to normal walks and hikes. Rehabilitation eases joint pain and stiffness to help dogs return to normal faster.
A cat with arthritis in her elbows who no longer jumps down or uses her litter box. These are signs of pain in kitties! Many cats enjoy and benefit from acupuncture and LASER therapy for pain remedy assistance.
An older dog who has arthritis in the knees and hips that results in having a hard time getting into a car and slowing down on walks and hikes. Rehabilitation can lessen joint pain, improve motion to help regain mobility and extend quality of life.
A dog with degenerative myelopathy (DM) who has a hard time jumping into a car. Dogs who receive intensive physical rehabilitation and exercise have significantly longer survival times compared with dogs who receive no physical rehabilitation.
A dog with intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) who has just had back surgery and needs to learn ways to prevent re-injury.
A dog who has IVDD but isn’t a candidate for surgery.
In-Home Physical Rehabilitation for Pets in the Brandywine Valley
We keep your pets moving and feeling their best! We’re committed to educating our clients about keeping pets healthy with good nutrition and exercise.
Not in the Brandywine Valley?
We offer a virtual fitness evaluation to healthy animals under the care of a primary care, surgeon, and/or neurologist veterinarian.
Services
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Physical Rehabilitation Consult We go beyond the normal vet exam and analyze the gait and assess strength, endurance, and flexibility. Pain status is evaluated with the goal of reducing the need for daily pain medication. Your animal’s movement is assessed in the home, with the goal of real-life improvement in the living space. You will walk away with a custom exercise program to help your animal build strength, endurance, and balance. |
Fitness Evaluation for Healthy Dogs This is a limited preventative exam for dogs without current problems. The goal is to provide information and education on common breed conditions on preventative care to increase health span and to maximize strength and endurance. |
Nutritional Assessment We analyze the current diet and provide recommendations to maximize recovery and performance. |
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Exams for Rescue Organizations & Law Enforcement If a pet is under the care and responsibility of a 501c3 non-profit organization, please let us know in advance. |
Consultation |
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