National
PT Month:
“GEORGE”
Physical therapy has long been an accepted standard of care
in human medicine to enhance recovery after orthopedic or neurologic surgery,
expedite healing after an injury, decrease pain in arthritic joints, and
maximize the return to full mobility and function. Only recently have these same rehabilitation
techniques that work so well on humans been applied to our four-legged family
members. With a little modification for
the musculoskeletal differences, what works for us also works for our
pets!
VCA employs physical therapists and veterinarians with
advanced certification in animal rehabilitation to work on your best
friend. After a thorough evaluation,
your rehabilitation therapist may utilize a number of different treatment
techniques and modalities including manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, gait
training, neuromuscular re-education, hydrotherapy, laser, therapeutic
ultrasound, electrical stimulation, heat and/or cold therapy, and acupuncture.
In some cases, assistive devices such as boots, slings, harnesses, wheelchairs
(carts), orthotics or prosthetics may be required.
Here is a great example of a pet that benefitted from
physical rehabilitation treatments:
“George” was a 6 month old Golden Retriever who was hit by a
car. This resulted in multiple rib
fractures, bruising of his lungs, and severe nerve damage (brachial plexus
avulsion) to his right front limb.
George had no sensation and no functional use of the right front
limb. He dragged his paw underneath him
when he walked (see video #1). George’s owner was advised to amputate the
damaged limb, but he opted to try rehabilitation instead.
Over the next 5 months, George was treated with manual
therapy, laser therapy, acupuncture, neuromuscular re-education, therapeutic
exercise, electrical stimulation, underwater treadmill, gait training, and was
fitted with a custom orthotic (brace) for his front limb. Here’s George walking in the underwater
treadmill: video #2. Despite his water-loving lineage, he panicked
when the water level was raised, so we kept the water level low.
Here’s George walking outside: video #3
George is now a beautiful, full grown 2 year old dog who is
walking on all 4 limbs!
Click to view video:
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