Physiotherapy can help pets make a full recovery

AS awareness in human medicine for physical rehabilitation has increased, so it is beginning to in the veterinary world. This is especially true for post- operative recovery, and to maintaining a functional range of motion and muscular strength that takes place with ageing and wasting conditions.

A veterinary physiotherapist works with the rest of the veterinary team on patient care and is a vital part of the management and recovery in many surgical cases such as, spinal surgery, fracture repair and cruciate surgery.

In addition to these cases, others such as soft tissue injuries, older pets with osteoarthritis and overweight pets that need a gentle exercise plan to assist with weight loss, can be helped.

A veterinary physiotherapist is a para- veterinary profession and practitioners undergo a four- year training course with much hands on training as well as a great deal of theory about anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology.

The ability to bond with the pets in their care and communicate with the owners, is essential.

Although the physio will see a pet on a regular basis during its rehabilitation, home care by the owner adds additional benefit.

Even though there are a number of pieces of equipment that aid in pain management, nerve stimulation and muscle strengthening, much is done with simple massage, manipulation and gentle exercise.

Often it is necessary to manage wounds, be they surgical or traumatic, as part of the therapy.

With surgical cases, the aim is to strengthen pre-operatively to ensure swift post-operative recovery and to ensure our companion animals stay strong and fit for the rest of their lives.

Rehabilitation of surgical patients often requires an intensive period with physio treatments as often as once a day, and gentle home care by the owner.

Chronic cases, pain manage- ment, dysfunctions of the neuromuscular, musculosketal and cardio-respiratory systems will require ongoing treatments to manage the condition and support the pet.

These treatments are usually weekly with home care by the owner to support the physio’s work.

The benefits of physiotherapy are not just physical. Often sick pets, pets in pain, become depressed and frustrated showing signs such as aggression or withdrawal behaviour.

Physical interaction with these pets has several positive effects. As their pain lessens and their ability to move and exercise increases, their personality returns to normal.

A qualified veterinary physiotherapist equipped with electrotherapy equipment and rehabilitation exercise equipment, can be the difference between a full recovery and an okay recovery – and even between life and death.

At Valley Farm Animal Hospital in Pretoria we consider our cats and dogs to be of high priority and consequently we want to ensure the best possible quality of life for them.

Pienaar is an animal physiotherapist.

PICTURE: AP Dr Felix Duerr and a golden retriever named Zack demonstrate a core stabilisation exercise at the orthopaedics section of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in Fort Collins, Colorado.