Rehabilitation

What is rehabilitation?

In the animal world, rehabilitation is another word for physical therapy.

At North Hobart Veterinary Hospital we use various forms of rehabilitation to help patients manage pain and discomfort often associated with certain conditions such as osteoarthritis, post orthopaedic surgery and musculoskeletal injuries.

If you have ever been to the doctor for a treatment of an injury, referral to a physiotherapist is usually the first step towards recovery, so we should be considering this for our furry friends.

Rehabilitation can be used for many diseases/conditions and can help your pet regain mobility and become pain free more quickly.

A Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist/Practitioner is someone who has undergone the necessary training and advanced learning to attain formal qualifications in this field (CCRT or CCRP) from a recognised Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner Training Institute. Only a veterinarian with the required special training in Animal Rehabilitation can provide a holistic approach to body care, perform a diagnostic evaluation prior to designing a treatment plan and recommend relevant medications or treatment modalities.

Our very own Dr Miriam has completed a Certification in Canine Rehabilitation through the University of Tennessee and a Veterinary Acupuncture Certification through IVAS.

Our team of nurses work under her guidance to ensure your pet will receive a very high standard of care during their rehabilitation program.

The following conditions can be treated with rehabilitation therapy:

  • Arthritis conditioning
  • Weight loss
  • Cardiovascular fitness
  • Senior concerns
  • Hip & Elbow dysplasia
  • Post orthopaedic surgery
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Spondylosis
  • Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Lumbosacral stenosis
  • Fibrocartilagenous embolism (FCE)
  • Wobblers

Rehabilitation can also be used as a preventative therapy before and/or after agility training and show ring work.

Rehabilitation services and therapies that we offer:

  • Therapeutic Exercises
  • Massage Therapy
  • TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
  • Veterinary Acupuncture
  • Nutritional Counselling
  • Cryotherapy & Thermotherapy
  • Exercise Equipment
  • Dr Buzby’s Toe Grips
  • RockTape Application