Frequently Asked Questions
answered by Dr. Julia Tomlinson
How does rehab prevent injury?
Prevention of injury is important. This is especially true when recovering from injury as the healthy legs have to take increased strain and are at risk of further injury. Rehabilitation is important for strengthening and to increase flexibility.
Prevention of injury is important. This is especially true when recovering from injury as the healthy legs have to take increased strain and are at risk of further injury. Rehabilitation is important for strengthening and to increase flexibility.
Just like us, dogs can be predisposed to favor one side; they may always turn the same way and depend on the stronger side. This predisposes to injury on the weaker side and lack of flexibility. Correcting these imbalances is helpful in any individual, but it is critical in athletes.
Why not swim my dog for rehab?
Rehabilitation with the underwater treadmill increases leg flexion (bending) with near normal extension (straightening) of the leg. Swimming only increases flexion. The underwater treadmill allows a dog to strengthen the correct muscles for movement on the ground. If you were a gymnast, you would not use a bicycle to practice your routine!
Rehabilitation with the underwater treadmill increases leg flexion (bending) with near normal extension (straightening) of the leg. Swimming only increases flexion. The underwater treadmill allows a dog to strengthen the correct muscles for movement on the ground. If you were a gymnast, you would not use a bicycle to practice your routine!
Do you treat cats?
Yes we do! We have several happy feline patients who have recovered or shown marked improvement with therapy. We try to avoid water therapy with cats but there are many other techniques and modalities that can be used to speed healing and to regain mobility.
Yes we do! We have several happy feline patients who have recovered or shown marked improvement with therapy. We try to avoid water therapy with cats but there are many other techniques and modalities that can be used to speed healing and to regain mobility.
Do I need a referral from my regular veterinarian?
A referral from your regular veterinarian, while preferable, isn't necessary. We will be in contact with your regular vet throughout the duration of your pet's rehabilitation so they remain up to date on what we're doing and your pet's progress.
A referral from your regular veterinarian, while preferable, isn't necessary. We will be in contact with your regular vet throughout the duration of your pet's rehabilitation so they remain up to date on what we're doing and your pet's progress.
Can I drop my pet off for treatment and pick him/her up later?
Yes! The daycare fee is $15.
Yes! The daycare fee is $15.
What is cruciate disease (ACL or CCL tear)?
The dog’s knee is a joint that relies on stabilizing structures including the cranial (anterior) cruciate ligament. As the knee flexes and more importantly extends, the cruciate plays an essential role in limiting the movement of the bones in the joint. The dog, unlike us, stands with his knee at an angle and the cruciate is always under tension to keep the bones together. When the ligament is diseased, it frays and eventually ruptures. This results in a very unstable joint. The cause of most cruciate tears is unknown, 95% are known to be from some sort of degenerative process and only 5% are due to trauma.
The dog’s knee is a joint that relies on stabilizing structures including the cranial (anterior) cruciate ligament. As the knee flexes and more importantly extends, the cruciate plays an essential role in limiting the movement of the bones in the joint. The dog, unlike us, stands with his knee at an angle and the cruciate is always under tension to keep the bones together. When the ligament is diseased, it frays and eventually ruptures. This results in a very unstable joint. The cause of most cruciate tears is unknown, 95% are known to be from some sort of degenerative process and only 5% are due to trauma.
Joint instability causes inflammation and eventually arthritis. The hamstring muscles spasm in an attempt to hold things together but they cannot replace the action of the ligament. At this time, the only way to effectively stop excessive motion in the joint is to perform surgical stabilization. There are three main procedures performed:
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TPLO and TTA involve changing the angle of the lower bone (tibia) to alter the mechanical movement of the joint and so provide stability
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The extracapsular suture technique uses a length of very strong fiber to anchor the joint.
All three techniques can have excellent results; talk to a surgeon about the right choice for your pet.
After surgery, the dog needs to “re-learn” how to use the joint in the new stable position. This involves conscious movement and also muscle memory which is only established after repeated correct exercise. Rehabilitation has been shown to improve and speed recovery after these surgical procedures.
