|
|
What is pet rehabilitation?
In humans, physical therapy has been defined as “the science of the application of biomechanics, physics, anatomy, physiology, and psychology to persons with dysfunction, injury, pain, or physical abnormalities.” Veterinary rehabilitation employs the same techniques used in human physical therapy to achieve one or more of the following functional goals:
- speed recovery from injury or surgery
- increase mobility and flexibility
- improve endurance and agility
- decrease pain
- maintain function and prevent further problems
- enhance quality of life
Rehabilitation offers numerous physiological benefits to patients, including:
- increased blood flow and lymphatic drainage to the injured area
- reduction of pain, swelling, and complications
- increased production of collagen
- prevention of contractions and adhesions
- promotion of normal joint biomechanics
- prevention of other injuries
- prevention of or reduction in muscle atrophy
- improved function and quality of movement
How do I know if my companion needs rehabilitation?
Most animals can benefit from some form of physical rehabilitation. Physical therapy is often used in human medicine to help rehabilitate patients from orthopedic and neurologic injuries and surgeries, and rehab is just as beneficial to animals with these conditions. Your companion may also benefit from rehabilitation if he or she is overweight, suffering from chronic pain (due to osteoarthritis, for example), or is an athlete trying to maintain a high level of conditioning.
What conditions can be improved with rehabilitation?
Some common conditions that may benefit from rehabilitation include:
Orthopedic:
- Joint surgeries
- Arthritis
- Sports injuries
- Fracture repairs
- Tendon and ligament repairs
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
Neurologic:
- Post-operative spinal or disc surgeries
- Wobbler’s syndrome
- Uncoordinated movement (ataxia)
- Peripheral nerve injuries
General:
- Chronic pain
- Aging (weakness, stiffness, arthritis)
- Obesity/weight reduction and maintenance
- Strength and fitness training
What services are available at your facility?
Colorado Pet Rehabilitation is the first full-service animal rehabilitation facility in Southern Colorado. We have a variety of treatment modalities available, including therapeutic exercises (therapy balls, balance board, Cavaletti rails, etc.), neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), low-level laser, therapeutic ultrasound, a land-based treadmill, hydrotherapy, and massage (a Certified Canine Massage Therapist is on staff).
For more information, please see our treatment options page.
Do I need a referral from my veterinarian for rehabilitation?
A veterinarian’s referral is required for evaluation and treatment of your companion. Speak with your veterinarian if you are interested in rehabilitation for your pet. Your vet may call our office or download, complete, and return our Veterinarian Referral Form. Working with you and your veterinarian, we will be happy to schedule the initial evaluation.
What should I bring with me to the initial evaluation?
Please bring a copy of your companion’s medical record, recent bloodwork, and relevant x-rays (which we will return to you at the end of the visit). You may also download and complete our New Client Information form ahead of time.
What happens during the initial evaluation?
During your initial visit, our Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner will ask you pertinent medical questions and will perform a thorough examination of your pet’s gait, range of motion, strength, mobility, and pain. From this information we will create an individualized treatment plan for your companion. The treatment plan may include a written, at-home exercise schedule.
What can I do at home to help with my companion’s rehabilitation?
Before the initial evaluation, the best thing you can do for your companion is to become cognizant of his or her limitations and problems. Note times of the day or particular activities that seem to make your pet more painful or lame. Also, consider your goals for rehabilitation and be prepared to discuss them during the initial evaluation. A therapy plan to return a 3-year-old Border Collie to competitive agility after knee surgery is quite different than the plan to get a 10-year-old Golden Retriever to just be able to walk without lameness after the same surgery.
Once the evaluation is complete, our rehabilitation practitioner may give you a list of exercises to perform with your companion at home. Your active participation in your pet’s rehabilitation will greatly affect the outcome of his or her treatment.
What is the cost?
Our costs vary depending on the type of injury and intensiveness of the treatment plan. The initial visit generally lasts 45-60 minutes and runs $70-$90. This initial visit includes an evaluation, treatment, and the development of in-clinic and home exercise plans. Subsequent visits run $35-$60 and generally last 20-40 minutes. Discounts are available if visits are purchased as a package (i.e., 5 visits for a reduced fee). We accept cash, checks, Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express, and Care Credit.
How frequently will I need to bring my pet in?
The frequency of sessions depends on the type of injury or illness your pet has sustained and where he or she is at in the recovery process. It will also depend on your ability to perform exercises with your pet at home, if that is part of the treatment plan. This is something the rehabilitation practitioner will go over with you during the initial evaluation.
How many sessions will my pet need?
The number of sessions that will be required depends heavily on your pet’s underlying injury and overall health and conditioning. Our goal is to see some improvement over 3-5 sessions, but it may take longer. On the other hand, immediate improvements are sometimes seen. The rehabilitation practitioner will discuss realistic expectations during your initial visit.
Is rehabilitation covered under pet insurance plans?
Some pet insurance companies cover rehabilitation. Contact your provider for more information. We will be happy to provide the required signature on claim forms.
|
