Rehabilitation - Frequently Asked Questions ...

What is rehabilitation and why is it important?
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Rehabilitation is a growing field in veterinary medicine as we recognise there is so much more we can do for our pets.  Physical rehabilitation is the treatment of injury or illness to decrease pain and restore function. A rehabilitation veterinarian treats acute injuries soon after they have occurred and chronic injuries or diseases that have been affecting your pet for a long time.

Rest alone after injury usually does not relieve the problems caused by inflammation and spasm; for example, a muscle in spasm cannot get adequate blood supply to heal. The body adapts and protects the injured area long after healing has started. These protective mechanisms alter movement of the whole musculoskeletal system and increase strain on other areas. Rehabilitation should start as soon as possible after injury.
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Rehabilitation therapy keeps our pets moving happier for longer. 
What conditions do we treat?
​Some of these conditions may require surgical treatment in conjunction with rehabilitation. 
  • Osteoarthritis (arthritis)
  • Obesity 
  • Hip dysplasia 
  • Muscle injuries 
  • Back injuries, including intervertebral disc disease
  • Post surgical rehabilitation such as fractures, cruciate and elbow injuries, joint replacements.
  • Amputation 
  • Tendon injury 
  • Peripheral nerve injury and neuromuscular disease 
  • Fibrocartilagenous embolism (FCE)
This list is not exhaustive, if you feel your pet may benefit from rehabilitation, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
What should you expect at your first visit?
At your pet’s first visit we will undergo an initial consultation.  Please allow 1 hour to have this examination completed. We will take a history asking detailed questions about your pet's lifestyle, nutrition, your expectations and goals for your pet.  We will also request your pet’s history from their primary veterinarian. 

We will perform a musculoskeletal physical exam of your pet. Often they lie down for part of the examination. It is different to your regular veterinary visit and some dogs do find it a bit strange the first time.  The examination may include measurements, gait analysis and exercises to find the areas that are causing problems and need improvement. A specific program will then be designed to meet your pet's needs.  You may need further tests performed at your regular veterinary practice or a specialist practice.  We may recommend or prescribe you additional pain relief if required.    ​

Please bring treats (+/- a toy they like) and if your dog isn’t food motivated, please don’t feed them prior to their visit. Treats help us achieve a lot of the tasks in rehabilitation and help make it fun for your dog. 
What should you expect from me?
  • ​An honest evaluation of your pet’s musculoskeletal (MSK) problems found. 
  • A discussion regarding your pet’s MSK problems and how we can help you reach your goals with your pet.  Including discussing expected time frames to reach goals. This is especially important for competing and working dogs as too often they are returned to work early and reinjure themselves. 
  • We will also discuss any health concerns we notice during the visit. Please note this is not a substitute for regular veterinary care.  Your pet still needs their 6-12 monthly health check-ups with their veterinarian.    
  • A rehabilitation plan will be emailed to you after each visit which may include exercises, rest, massage, revisit to your regular vet and/or additional pain relief.
  • Discussion of treatment options including referral to veterinary specialists, massage therapy, underwater treadmill or swimming therapy and other rehabilitation modalities such as laser, acupuncture and therapeutic ultrasound.  
Will my dog like it?
Whether or not your dog likes it depends on if they like meeting new people, being touched or laying down. Often the first 1-2 times is a bit strange for them lying down, but then they figure out it’s quite nice. 
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Please let us know if your dog has attempted to bite anyone or found it challenging to be around strangers so we can take safety precautions. 
How often do I need to come? 
​This is entirely dependant on your dog’s injuries or illness, how much free time you have at home to dedicate to your dog’s rehabilitation program and what your goals are. We can discuss this at the first visit. Commonly, dogs come weekly for 2-4 visits, then out to fortnightly and progressively we lengthen the interval between treatments as they improve.  
Can my kids come too? 
Children are welcome to come, but due to OSH regulations we require any children to be accompanied by an adult and to remain seated throughout the session.  Our priority is your pet and we can not give him/her our full attention if we are monitoring children.  We are a multiple hazard work place, with slips, falls, bites, pools and equipment with moving parts all a risk to an unsupervised child.
Pets also relax better in a calm and quiet atmosphere allowing us to achieve more during our session.  
Orthotic & Prosthetics - click here for information and Frequently Asked Questions