Elizabeth Perone, VMD

Physical rehabilitation is one of the fastest growing areas in veterinary medicine, employing non-invasive techniques for treatment of injuries in animals.  Primary objectives are typically to help reduce pain and promote healing.  Rehabilitation techniques are utilized to prevent muscle atrophy in neurologic patients or maintain muscle mass after orthopedic injury.  Specific exercises can be performed to develop musculature, promote joint flexibility, rebuild cardiovascular endurance, and retrain proprioception, balance and coordination.

Physical rehabilitation will benefit numerous patients including but not limited to:  animals with degenerative joint disease, post-operative orthopedic patients (ie: cruciate repair, patellar luxation, femoral head and neck excision, etc) or non-surgical candidates with orthopedic disease.   Animals suffering from various neurologic conditions such as intervertebral disc disease, degenerative myelopathy, or recumbent pets may also benefit.  Treatment programs can be created for overweight pets to safely promote weight loss, strengthening programs can be designed for senior pets and preventative programs can be planned for patients with hip dysplasia.

During initial evaluation, the patient will undergo a full orthopedic and neurological examination paying particular attention to muscular involvement to the injury.  On a case by case basis, baseline measurements may be taken including joint range of motion during extension, flexion, abduction and adduction as well as muscle girth of the affected and non-affected limbs.  The goals of therapy will be discussed with the owner and a treatment plan created.  Owner involvement is particularly important in these cases and will typically include lifestyle modifications in addition to exercises to perform at home. 

The use of modalities and therapeutic exercises are the cornerstone of physical rehabilitation.  At Hickory Veterinary Hospital, we offer massage, joint mobilizations, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, cold therapeutic LASER, magnetic field therapy, cryotherapy and heat therapy and the use of a land treadmill.  In addition, we are well trained in various therapeutic exercises to help mobilize the spine, promote range of motion of limbs, promote weight bearing and retrain proprioception.  Some of these exercises require the use of a trampoline, theraball, resistance bands or weights, balance beams or rocker boards, cavaletti poles and obstacle courses.  We offer discounted package sessions with our rehabilitation technician for those owners who are not willing or able to perform the prescribed exercises as directed.

Veterinarians and technicians who perform physical rehabilitation have pursued advanced didactic and hands on training and obtained certification from one of two recognized programs (the Canine Rehabilitation Institute or University of Tennessee Certificate Program in Canine Physical Rehabilitation).  Hickory Veterinary Hospital is proud to introduce this new service at our facility.  Please feel free to contact Dr. Elizabeth Perone at Hickory Veterinary Hospital if you have questions regarding our physical rehabilitation program.