Rehabilitation and Conditioning for Animals

WHEN TO SEND TO REHABILITATION AND CONDITIONING FOR ANIMALS

Some of the more Prevalent Conditions That Respond to Rehabilitation:

The following conditions may be sent for rehab intervention at any point, and I will be glad to discuss with vets the rehab treatment parameters for each one, briefly or in depth.  (This list is not exhaustive)

Contracture, Degenerative Myelopathy, Discospondylosis, FCE, Hip Dysplasia, IVDD, Muscle Tears, Neuropathy, OA/DJD, Pre-sx Conditioning & Strengthening, Post-sx Rehab, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sport Training, Tendonitis/Bursitis, Wobblers, Wound Healing

Some of them, like contracture, DM, IVDD spasms, muscle tears, pre & post sx interventions, wobblers & wound healing  would understandably benefit from intervention sooner than later.  Some examples of rehab treatment options follow for the first two conditions on the list:

Contracture:  home tx=massage, stretching, passive range of motion (prom), heat, active motion

                     rehab tx=same as above plus laser therapy & ultrasound therapy

Degenerative Myelopathy:  home tx=as recommended on a case-by-case basis from rehab & with regard to specific diagnostics, depending on home environment and capabilities of owners, including specific exercise & nutrition support.

                      rehab tx=same as above + laser therapy + hands-on exercise from rehab practitioner until base is realized and owners capable of taking over more.

The remainder of the list and conditions not listed could have similar rehab interventions with beneficial results.  For the most part, laser therapy would be indicated for each condition listed and ultrasound therapy for issues like contracture, muscle tears, dysplasia, DJD, & tendonitis/bursitis. 

Ultrasound therapy is contraindicated at areas of implant cement, spinal cord and active infection (with the exception of some arthritis).

Laser therapy is contraindicated in few situations and I have chosen to stay away from treatment near the thyroid, active/intact reproductive organs, and particular cancers (research is conflicted & depends on laser type used). 

Pre-operative programs include wt. loss intervention and/or muscle building prior to ortho surgeries.  Animals should benefit from at least one-to-three months work.  I understand issues and conflict involved with waiting to repair torn ligaments and the progression of arthritis, among other possible issues.  Pre-op Total Hip Replacement rehab intervention is highly recommended and outcomes seem to be improved in circumstances wherein pre-op wt reduction is realized in obese animals. 

Post-op:  referrals to rehab for post-op care may happen with any surgeries as it often does in human medicine. If the animal has received soft tissue sx, then owners may benefit from help and pointers regarding home care, including prom and light massage exercises.  One would imagine that an exception would be anal & vulvar sx or neutering, however some owners have shown an interest in knowing what to do in these circumstances as well.  Ice, laser therapy, light massage and a gentle return to regular activity are methods about which rehab may instruct owners & caretakers.  I will be happy to help any clinic add this info to discharge instructions.

Orthopedic surgeries may be referred to rehab at discharge from the clinic or hospital.  There are important interventions, including reinforcing the restrictions, that may take place immediately upon the animal’s arrival at home.  Other than pointed instruction regarding restrictions for better outcome, rehab can provide instruction and demo on proper use of ice, massage & prom as well as perform laser therapy.  Most animals then will benefit from a specific, case-by-case post-op exercise program, and that is usually easy and safe to recommend starting after the animal has seen the vet again @ suture/staple removal.

2008 REHAB AND CONDITIONING FOR ANIMALS

MOBILE PRACTICE REPORT FOR REFERRING VETERINARIANS

Following is a brief breakdown of rehabilitation cases I treated in 2008.  All treatments were performed as a part of my mobile practice.  The overwhelming majority of these cases were referred by the regular veterinarian, so thank you for pursuing rehabilitation for your patients.  Please contact me if you have any questions about details of these cases or about other potential cases.  Thanks again!!

BACK SPASMS/IVDD:  5 cases, none subsequently needed surgery.

BIRTH DEFORMITIES:  2 cases, one ortho/neuro & one ortho/functional

CCL RUPTURE/DAMAGE WITH SX:  15 cases 

CCL RUPTURE/DAMAGE, NO SX:  6 cases  

DJD/OA:  1 case

ELBOWS/FCP SX:  2 cases

ELBOWS/FCP NO SX: 2 cases

FHO:  2 cases

FX GSW: 1 case

FX PELVIC: 2 cases

HIP DYSPLASIA:  3 cases

NEURO-VARIETY:  38 cases

                        Coon Hound Paralysis:  1

                        Degenerative Myelopathy:  8

                        Disk Event with sx:  5

                        Disk Event no sx:  3

                        L/S Disease with sx: 2

                        L/S no sx:  1

                        Undiagnoses/Non-specific:  18                 

PATELLA LUXATION WITH SX:  2 cases

PATELLA LUX NO SX:  3 cases

PELVIC FX:  2 cases

THR: 2 cases

WOUND HEALING: 4 cases