| Rehabilitation
REHABILITATION can add years to your dog’s
life
by
Susan Marino
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Appliances
for acute and chronic problems
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| Vets recommended
Humphrey be euthanized after his guardian
stepped on him but the 16-year-old
Shi Tzu underwent rehabilitation and
now happily gets around with the help
of a cart. |
In addition
to various therapies, veterinarians and
therapists use appliances for acute or
chronic care. These appliances are growing
in popularity as human caregivers seek
out alternatives to euthanasia.
Splints keep the leg in normal walking
position and allow for increased weight
bearing of the affected limb. They also
prevent the knuckling associated with
nerve paralysis, and reduce contractor
problems.
Carts, “animal wheel chairs”,
are used for dogs with rear end paralysis.
These carts allow for independence and
help an animal live with dignity. Carts
are custom made to an animal’s measurements.
Time
is a factor
While therapists have more tools at their
fingertips than ever before, these professionals
stress the importance of immediate post
operative treatment. “The problem
is we are often getting animals too late,”
says Dr. Neal Silvula, who uses integrative
medicine at his Dancing Dog Animal Wellness
Center in Rock Creek, Ohio. After an injury
animals will take the road of least resistance.
They often develop many compensatory changes
over time. Early intervention is important
in the rehabilitative process.
So when choosing a rehabilitation facility
or physical therapist for your animal
companion where do you start and what
do you look for?
First, do your homework. To be an advocate
for your animal companion it is important
that you understand the nature of your
animal’s condition. Your veterinarian
will engage you differently if he/she
feels that you have knowledge and understanding
of the procedure and the desired outcome.
You will be part of the rehabilitation
team.
Ideally, your dog’s rehabilitation
program will be in a full-service facility
with a team-oriented holistic approach.
A licensed veterinarian and a licensed
physical therapist head up the team, which
is rounded out with a chiropractor, an
acupuncturist, hydro therapists, licensed
massage therapists, and technicians knowledgeable
in electrical stimulation, alpha stimulation,
ultrasound, thermal agents, goniometry,
and splints. Animals can benefit from
a combination of therapies. Each dog’s
care plan should reflect the animal’s
individual needs.
Of course, rehabilitation requires a financial
and time commitment. Fee structures vary
greatly from city to city and many facilities
offer a variety of comprehensive plans.
Commit to a treatment plan that is within
your budget and time constraints.
Remember that the true value of the therapist
is his/her trained hands and skillful
eye. Although knowledge of technique and
body mechanics is vital, many believe
that the best therapists are the ones
who also have an intuitive and creative
sense as well. One of the biggest challenges
for these professionals is getting the
pain-ridden animal to perform beneficial
activities and exercises. The therapeutic
activities need to be fun and simple to
keep the animal engaged.
Animal rehabilitation is a client-driven
field for those who want the best for
their companion animals. Using integrative
medicine and the tools of the rehabilitation
trade, your animal can enjoy a productive
and loving life for years to come.
Susan Marino is the
founder of Angel’s Gate Hospice
and Rehabilitation Center for Animals
in Long Island, New York.
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