Information for Vets 

Types of cases we are currently treating Brachial plexus injury Post spinal injury Post spinal surgery Post T.P.L.O. and T.T.A. surgery Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia Triceps tendinosis Hamstring tear Degenerative Myelopathy

-December 2011

Why use rehabilitation therapies?
The overall aim of rehabilitation is to:
Reduce pain to restore normal movement 
Improve circulation to speed repair of injured tissue 
 

• Post operative cases which benefit from rehabilitation therapies include:
  

• Excision Arthroplasty following legge perthes disease, hip dysplasia or trauma 
• Cruciate ligament repair surgery using all techniques 
• Growth deformities (or post trauma cases) with external fixation
• Joint fracture cases, where stability and mobility are paramount
• Spinal surgery cases 

Osteo-arthritis  
The sooner rehabilitation therapies are used, the better the success rate for recovery.

Services provided directly to veterinary practices by Active Pet Rehabilitation include:

• Free telephone advice on rehabilitation for specific cases.
• Handouts for clients booked for rehabilitation.
• Practice talks on the benefits of pain assessment, rehabilitation, and basic techniques your staff can use.
• Patients will only be seen on referral. It is up to you whether you use the online form or a  phone conversation letter, email, or  fax to start the process.
  

Other conditions suitable for rehabilitation therapies include: 
Hip/Elbow dysplasia- pre or post surgery

• Neurological conditions including spinal disease- from back pain to degenerative conditions
• Tendon and Ligament Injuries, i.e. contractures, ruptures
• Large open wounds
• Lameness

Rehabilitation techniques available include:

• Massage- including trigger point and acupressure
• Stretching and joint mobilization 
• Passive range of movement exercises
• Body awareness techniques to improve gait and muscle strength
• Active exercise plans - individually designed for each patient
• Hydrotherapy/Aqua treadmill 
• Veterinary acupuncture

Electrical therapies which may be used, if appropriate, include:

• Phototherapy Laser
• Neuro-muscular stimulation/T.E.N.S.
• Ultrasound
• Pulsed Electro-magnetic Field
• Rehabilitation for your patients needn’t be cost prohibitive for owners. Many cases can be managed with initial assessment and advice, then telephone updates. 
  Putting pets first means a diagnosis provided with information on current medication, results of any current x-rays and/or further diagnostic tests will ensure that the most benefit can be achieved from rehabilitation techniques.
  
  If owner circumstances limit the amount of diagnostic work-up before rehabilitation referral, therapies available may be restricted to avoid the possibility of inappropriate treatment.