Rehabilitation

Pet Physical Rehabilitation & Fitness Training at VNAP

Rehab patients are treated for a variety of medical conditions, including:

  • Osteoarthritis/degenerative joint disease — Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, or previous injury to a joint
  • Degenerative neurologic disease — Degenerative Myelopathy, chronic spinal cord compressions and diffuse or peripheral neuropathies
  • Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) — both acute, post-surgical, and chronic
  • Fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE)
  • Orthopedic surgeries — Cruciate repairs, femoral head and neck excision, total hip replacement, patellar luxation, and fracture repairs
  • Soft tissue injuries — Muscle and tendon injuries
  • Obesity

Individualized home care programs are created to supplement hospital treatments. All programs are created by Dr. Kube, a certified canine rehabilitation therapist.

For active dogs, we can customize fitness plans: athletic conditioning, strengthening, programs focusing on flexibility, balance, coordination, and endurance training.

Exercise Programs for Pets

  • Range of motion (ROM) and stretching exercises — Enhance flexibility and motion in post-operative patients and those with chronic conditions; help prevent further injury to joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments;  minimize scar tissue formation
  • Therapeutic exercises — Improve flexibility and balance, increase muscle mass and strength, enhance cardiovascular performance, and prevent further injury; include standing exercises, controlled walking, and stair climbing; utilize the underwater treadmill, physiorolls, wobble board, weave polls, and cavalettis.
  • Weight management — Overweight pets require both physical and dietary changes for healthy weight loss; custom-designed programs include an exercise plan, including aquatic therapy and a reduced calorie diet.

Programs may include: physical rehabilitation, exercise (ROM, stretching, balance, and weight-bearing), underwater treadmill, acupuncture (prescribed by another clinic), heat therapy, massage therapy, laser therapy, home care exercises.

Learn more about  Certified Rehabilitation Therapists.