Physical therapy for injured or disabled dogs gained popularity around the 1980s in Europe. However,the principles behind animal rehabilitation actually started in the 1960s and were primarily used on racehorses.
,,,Today,canine rehab is taught formally in US vet colleges,and is the fastest growing specialty in veterinarian medicine. While agility exercises and physical training benefit healthy dogs that compete or work as rescue or police dogs,dog wheelchairs and modified exercises can also help disabled dogs.
,,,Dog owners today are starting to realize that canine rehab has a significant impact on an injured or disabled dog’s well-being. Among the many benefits include:
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- Shorter recovery periods from surgery or injury ,,,
- Higher functional capacities ,,,
- Better pain management ,,,
- Improved range of motion and more strength ,,,
- Higher quality of life ,
Canine rehab goals
,,,The primary goal of canine rehab or physical therapy is to help the patient dog to regain as much function as possible after injury,surgery,or disease,If a return to normal function is no longer possible,such as disability from a degenerative disease,canine rehab will enable the patient to develop proper coping mechanisms for better quality of life.
,,,The biggest enemy of a disabled dog is atrophy of the muscles,which can occur quite rapidly after one or two days of inactivity. You will see some swelling in the area where injury or surgery has occurred,which is an early sign of atrophy. Other signs of this condition are shakiness or stiffness in the joints,muscles,and tendons,and decreased muscle control.
,,,You must start canine rehab as soon as possible to prevent the symptoms from getting worse or becoming permanent.
,,,Of course,a post-operative dog may not be allowed to do any weight-bearing activities for several weeks. However,canine rehab can take place in a pool much earlier,often a few days after surgery. Water provides some resistance,but also provides support when moving.
,,,Physical therapy using an underwater treadmill is a great way to get your dog’s muscles moving again without causing further injury. This includes natural gait functions such as walking,running,and trotting. Not only will it keep the muscles from atrophying,it will maximize its range of motion.
,,,Candidates for canine rehab
,,,Postoperative dogs are the primary target for canine rehab,but the science has gotten to the point that it can also provide significant benefits for dogs with disabling conditions such as:
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- Arthritis ,,,
- Abnormal gait ,,,
- Spinal cord injuries ,,,
- Joint problems ,,,
- Soft tissue damage ,,,
- Pain ,,,
- Old-age problems ,,,
- Inflammation and swelling ,,,
- Pain ,,,
- Overuse injuries ,
Specialists will create a program appropriate for the dog’s condition. Canine rehab activities will have to meet a vet’s approval before therapy can begin,just like pet wheelchairs.
,,,Rehabilitation can be as brief as two visits or as prolonged as tri-weekly visits for three months. Sessions are typically an hour,and progress is carefully documented at each visit. You as the owner will also be given a set of exercises for your pet to do at home.
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