Have you ever wondered if your dog truly needs a major surgery or if there is a less invasive option out there?
A few years ago, my dog Haka underwent a total hip replacement (THR) surgery. We hoped this would bring him relief and get him back to his playful self. However, even after the surgery, Haka never fully recovered the muscle mass he lost and still struggles to get onto the couch.
His surgeon at the time had us crate rest him for many weeks (a tough challenge for a very active labrador) and then just slowly begin walking him, increasing the duration over several weeks. This is a common “Return To Normal Activity” program in the veterinary world. What now astonished me is that I was never offered or suggested rehabilitation therapy for him!
It wasn’t until his second major surgery to fix his torn ligament in his knee that I thought about rehabilitation to help get him fit and back into action faster. Within a month after his surgery he was gaining muscle and using his injured leg 80-90% of the time when other dogs at the same stage post surgery were still only occasionally using the leg..
To this day, I wonder if he truly needed that first hip surgery or if rehabilitation therapy would have served him better. Or if the lack of muscling from after the THR caused that knee ligament in the same leg to tear the year after.
This experience opened my eyes to the incredible potential of pet rehabilitation therapy. I realized that many pet owners, like you and me, might not be aware of the options available to help our pets recover and thrive without invasive procedures. Heck, I am a veterinarian and didn’t really know my options. Canine rehabilitation therapy, though a rapidly blossoming segment of the veterinary medicine world, is not commonly taught to veterinarians in school.
That’s why I’m excited to dive into this topic with you.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what pet rehabilitation therapy is, the various techniques involved, and how to recognize if your pet could benefit from it. By the end of this read, you’ll be empowered with the knowledge to make proactive decisions about your pet’s health care. You’ll discover that investing in rehabilitation therapy can lead to long-term savings and significant health benefits, potentially reducing the need for medications or further surgeries.
Let’s uncover the purpose and benefits of pet rehabilitation therapy together, so you can provide the best possible care for your furry companion.
Understanding the Concept
Clarity on Pet Rehab Therapy
First things first, what exactly is pet rehabilitation therapy? Think of it like physical therapy for humans, but tailored for our four legged friends. The goal is to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and support recovery from various conditions. Whether your pet has had surgery, is suffering from arthritis, or has mobility issues, rehab therapy can be a game-changer.
Techniques Used in Pet Rehab Therapy:
Now, you might be wondering what these rehab sessions involve. Here are some of the common techniques used:
- Therapeutic Exercises: Customized exercises to strengthen muscles, improve balance, and enhance mobility.
- Hydrotherapy: Using water resistance in a pool or underwater treadmill to reduce joint stress while improving strength and movement.
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques like massage, stretching, and joint mobilization to relieve pain and improve flexibility.
- Electrotherapy: Electrical stimulation to reduce pain and muscle spasms, and to strengthen muscles.
- Laser Therapy: Using laser light to reduce pain and inflammation and promote tissue healing.
- Acupuncture: Inserting thin needles into specific points to relieve pain and improve overall health.
Recognizing the Need
Identifying When Therapy is Needed:
So, how do you know if your pet might benefit from rehab therapy? Here are some signs and conditions to look out for:
- Post-Surgery Recovery: If your pet has recently undergone surgery, rehab therapy can help speed up the recovery process. For example, a dog with Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD) that has had surgery on their back will need to relearn how to place their feet properly and to strengthen their muscles to allow them to get back to walking and return to their normal lives.
- Arthritis: Pets with arthritis can greatly benefit from therapy to reduce pain and improve joint function. Arthritis is a common and painful condition, especially in aging pets. Understanding the cycle of pain it creates highlights the importance of interventions like rehabilitation therapy to improve your pet’s quality of life.
- Mobility Issues: If your pet is having trouble moving around, rehab therapy can help improve their mobility.
- Healthy Aging: As pets age, they tend to slow down and lose muscle mass. The loss of muscling makes daily tasks like climbing stairs, getting into the car or even daily walks difficult.
Keep an eye on your pet’s behavior. Are they limping, showing signs of pain, or less active than usual? These could be indicators that they need some extra help.
Learning About Benefits
Pain Relief and Mobility:
One of the biggest benefits of rehab therapy is pain relief. Whether it’s due to arthritis, an injury, or surgery, these therapies can help reduce pain and inflammation. Improved mobility is another major benefit. Your pet will be able to move more freely and comfortably, which can make a huge difference in their daily life. Imagine seeing your pet run and play like they used to!
Quality of Life Improvements:
Often animals recovering from a surgery are placed on crate rest- which means (if the owner does this wrong) endless hours of boredom being confined to a small, never changing area for weeks. No new stimulus, no exercise…nothing.
The more I grow and study animal behavior and the art of training pets…the more I realized this was a major error. One I since corrected in my own life. I now know and recommend low key enrichment activities, training simple tricks and puzzle games for dogs on crate rest to help with mental boredom. Most of the rehabilitation exercises are gentle and use positive reinforcement that also add to mental stimulus.
Rehab therapy doesn’t just address your pets current mental physical issues; it can significantly improve your pet’s overall quality of life for months to years to come. By reducing pain, maintaining strength and enhancing mobility, your pet can enjoy a happier, more active life well on into their senior years. no more sitting on the sidelines – they’ll be right in the action, enjoying every moment.
Speeding Up Recovery:
If your pet has had surgery or an injury, rehab therapy can speed up their recovery time. Instead of a long, sedentary and painful healing process, your pet can get back to their normal activities much sooner. It’s all about helping them bounce back better and faster.
By using multiple different types of modalities in succession you can quickly decrease inflammation and stimulate healing and help to bring back the muscle’s strength
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Pet rehabilitation therapy can be a fantastic way to help your furry friend feel better, move better, and live a happier life. If you think your pet could benefit from it, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional. Your pet’s health and well-being are worth it!
Remember, every pet deserves the best care possible, and with rehab therapy, you’re giving them just that. So, go ahead and explore this wonderful option for your beloved companion. They’ll thank you with those happy, wagging tails and joyful purrs!
What aspect of rehabilitation therapy are you most interested in? Ask a question below and we can address it in a future blog post!