Small Animal Rehabilitation with VCA All-Care
Animal Rehabilitation is a specialization that follows the cutting edge trends of human health care with alternative, non-invasive approaches to providing comfort, pain relief, healing and improved mobile function.
You have probably
heard of rehabilitation being done to or with animals. Perhaps you or a family
member has had physical therapy yourself. Did you know that there is a 2500 sq
ft rehabilitation facility right in the heart of Orange County
Welcome to the
Physical Rehabilitation Department of
Research studies show that
rehabilitation can assist in rapidly speeding-up the healing process and
assisting the animal return to its previous functional level faster and safer
than without intervention.
The techniques
and treatments are indeed similar to those used in human therapy but are specifically
adapted to animals. We work with a variety of conditions including most
neurological and orthopedic problems. In fact, we see a lot of animals right
before or after they’ve had surgical operations. Conditions like spine, hip,
knee and elbow problems to name a few. And quite a few who have been able to be
‘rehabbed’ conservatively and therefore not having, or significantly delaying,
any surgery.
But we also
work in a preventive aspect with small animals, particularly dogs. We have
particular expertise with sporting dogs, show dogs, geriatric dogs and dogs
that are overweight.
It is the last
group (the chubby puppy!) that we really want to reach out to. Not only can a
few extra pounds lead to debilitating diseases and higher healthcare bills, but
also it can shorten your pooch’s life! A recent controlled study showed that
dogs could lose a significant amount of weight with as little as ONE underwater
treadmill session per week.
Yes, you read
that right; we have an underwater treadmill. It works the same way your gym
“land” treadmill does except the principles of warm water help animals regain
their walking abilities and help those that already ARE walking well, get even
stronger. One minute in the underwater treadmill is the near-equivalent of six
minutes on walking on level ground.
Every animal is
unique and every therapy program is therefore individualized to suit his/her
particular needs and issues.
This is an inclusive list of some of the
interventions we employ at VCA All-Care Animal Referral Center: underwater
treadmill, swimming in the counter current pool, hot/cold modalities,
neuromuscular electrical stimulation, Laser (both cold/LLT, and Class IV
types), pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, therapeutic exercise (with our
balls, peanuts, balance discs, foam, ramps, stairs…) and pain management.
The cornerstone of our therapy services is helping
YOU, the pet parent, have a greater understanding of how to take care of your
pet and find an effective, lower cost home program for life-long health
maintenance.
Dr. Tanya Doman,
PT, DPT, CCRP
(714) 963-0909
Newsletter Sponsored By:
