We offer Canine Rehabilitation featuring an underwater treadmill.
We are proud to use a Ferno Veterinary Canine Underwater Treadmill System. This is the same type of device used in the majority of veterinary teaching colleges nationwide. This allows us to offer rehabilitation from injury and surgery with a reduced recovery time of 50-60%. Other uses include therapy for pain, maintaining body condition in senior dogs and accelerated conditioning for improved performance in our athletic patients. Hydrotherapy allows dogs to begin the rehabilitation process earlier than normal. Using the natural properties of water (buoyancy, resistance and heat), the unit creates a low-impact treadmill workout that helps the dog to increase muscle strength and endurance, and allows for a quicker transition to land based therapy. Treatments can be customized through variable water heights, which can accommadate different sized dogs and be adjusted for various weight bearing exercises.
Surgery
Canine Rehabilitation can speed recovery time of patients with cranial cruciate repair, femoral head removal or any other type of orthopedic repair. The water of the treadmill is heated to between 85 and 92 degrees, allowing the joints to relax and become more flexible. Using the water allows the dog to begin exercise in cases where weight bearing on the affected limb is still prohibited. In most cases, therapy can begin as soon as the sutures are removed.
Injuries
In the same way that rehabilitation can improve strength and mobility after surgery, the therapy can do the same in case of injuries involving the musculoskeletal system. Non-surgical fracture repairs, sprains and strains can all benefit from the use of rehabilitaion to strengthen core muscles and enhance healing. The goal is to provide a safe place for your dog to recover while maintaining movement with minimal loss of conditioning in other areas.
Most rehabilitation programs last 4 to 6 weeks depending on type of injury.
Weight loss
We all know that carrying extra weight can be a huge burden on our joints and internal organs. The same is true for our pets. Overweight dogs have shorter life spans and face more medical problems than dogs that are kept fit and lean. We can design a weight loss program for your pet based on your lifestyle and ability to excersise at home. Receiving nutritional guidance, a safe place to exercise and close monitoring may make the differance that can add quality years to your companion pet's life.
Athletic Performance
Whether you have a top agility dog or one that hikes through the mountains with you on weekends, we can help increase the performance of your athletic partner. In addition, by keeping your athlete fit during off seasons, you can greatly reduce the risk of injury and insure tht your dog is ready to go when the time comes to participate in these activities with you. Making sure that your dog is physically able to handle the activities that you enjoy is just as important as the training time you put in to ensure it is a rewarding experience for the both of you.
If you are interested in Canine Rehabilitation for your pet, call us today to schedule a consult appointment with Dr. Charles Hawman, our Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist. He will do a complete evaluation and discuss with you a plan, letting you know what reasonable expectations you can have for the therapy. Most consultations last between 60-90 minutes and usually includes a session in the underwater treadmill. Additional therapies are usually scheduled twice a week, each session lasting approximately 30-40 minutes, for about 6-12 weeks, depending on your dogs needs.
Please call us today at 970-247-3174 to make an appointment.