Rehabilitation

The Benefit of a Rehabilitation Consult for Rescue Animals

Rescued animals, especially those neglected, abused, or involved in accidents, may suffer from injuries, muscle atrophy, or joint problems. An exam performed by a certified canine rehabilitation therapist can provide more insight into sources of pain and discomfort and abnormal muscular function caused by these conditions. It can also help the rescue and potential adopters determine a more accurate prognosis for the condition at hand. This in turn, allows the formulation of a targeted treatment plan to aid in repairing damaged tissues and, most importantly, return to more normal function. Historically, in veterinary medicine, we tolerate changes in mechanics and muscle function in our canine and feline companions as they heal from trauma, or develop arthritis. Rehabilitation therapy is changing that view and helping these animals recover more fully from injuries, reduce compensatory pain from abnormal use of arthritic joints, and thus improving overall emotional well-being.

Conditions that Benefit from Physical Therapy

Rehabilitation therapy has a wide array of applications. These are only some of the conditions that physical therapy can show benefit:

• Trauma (ie. leg fractures, with or without surgical stabilization)
• Congenital conditions (ie. “swimmers”, Club foot, Spina bifida)
• Neurologic disease (ie. Vestibular disease, IVDD, age related neuropathies)
• Chronic conditions (ie. arthritis pain)
• Soft tissue injuries (ie. tendinopathies, muscle strains, ligament sprains)

Signs an Animal May Need Rehab Therapy

Rescue animals are unique in that we don’t always have the luxury of knowing how they acted before they were in an accident, or before their arthritis became painful. Thus it can be difficult to determine if they are currently in pain. Some signs that fosters can look for that may indicate underlying discomfort are:

• Low energy or enthusiasm
• Irritation, quick to anger
• Not able to jump up into the car/go upstairs
• Not able to jump down from heights/go downstairs
• Bunny hopping (running with both back legs together)
• Bobbing head up and down when running/trotting
• Difficulty turning or moving around obstacles
• Sitting awkwardly or struggling to stand
• Limping or holding up a leg
• Digestive issues (e.g., decreased appetite, diarrhea)
• Respiratory difficulties

Some signs that fosters can look for that may indicate underlying neurologic abnormalities are:

• Urinary incontinence
• Paralysis
• Sitting awkwardly or struggling to stand
• Dragging a foot when walking
• Tripping over feet, crossing feet when trying to turn
• Wobbliness
• Standing with toes turned upside down

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is beneficial to schedule an evaluation with a veterinarian to screen for underlying metabolic abnormalities. A secondary exam with a rehabilitation veterinarian can also be beneficial to help localize the orthopedic or neurologic condition and develop a recommended treatment plan. Early treatment and rehabilitation can greatly improve an animal’s recovery and quality of life.

Rehabilitation Plans for Rescue Animals

Rehabilitation programs are tailored to meet each animal’s needs, whether it’s a dog recovering from surgery, a cat with mobility issues, or a senior animal with arthritis. At HARC, our treatment plan may include:

• Hydrotherapy: Water-based exercises that reduce joint stress, strengthen muscles, and improve limb awareness. *We work with Harmony Animal Hospital to provide hydrotherapy services.
• Massage Therapy: Relieves muscle tension, improves circulation, and reduces stress.
• Manual Therapy: Improves joint function, comfort, and mobility and neurologic body awareness.
• Therapeutic Exercises: Strength and balance exercises improve comfort, mobility, limb function, and endurance.
• Range of Motion Exercises: Targeted movements to restore flexibility and joint function, especially after surgery or injury.
• PEMF Therapy: Device that releases a magnetic field to improve blood flow, decrease pain, and speed healing.
• Acupuncture: Complementary and alternative therapy that involves inserting needles into specific points on the body to improve blood flow, decrease pain, recruit weak muscles, relax overactive nerves, and/or awaken nerves. *At HARC, acupuncture is practiced through a Western lens.
• Electrical Stimulation Therapy: Treatment that uses electrical currents to stimulate muscles or nerves to help with pain management, muscle strength, and nerve function.

All therapies are administered by an experienced certified rehabilitation therapist with the unique needs of rescue animals and their caretakers in mind.

Benefits of Physical Therapy for Animal Rescue Groups

As an animal rescue organization, you’re always striving to give the animals in your care the best chance at a healthy, happy life. Physical therapy and rehabilitation can provide numerous benefits, not just for the animals, but for your rescue group as well.

• Faster Recovery: Animals recover more quickly from injuries or surgeries, becoming ready for adoption sooner.
• Improved Quality of Life: Physical therapy reduces pain and increases mobility, especially for animals with chronic conditions.
• Better Behavior: Alleviating physical pain can reduce aggression or anxiety, making animals more adoptable.
• Higher Adoption Rates: Healthy, mobile animals are more likely to be adopted, freeing resources to help more animals.
• Support for Senior Animals: Older animals benefit from therapies that keep them active and comfortable.

Why Rehabilitation Therapists Are Vital Partners for Animal Rescue Groups

Veterinary clinics specializing in rehabilitation are crucial partners for animal rescue organizations. They provide expertise in treating injuries, managing chronic conditions, and improving mobility. By partnering with a trusted clinic, rescue groups ensure their animals receive personalized care that addresses the unique challenges of their backgrounds, giving them the best chance to thrive.