Physical Rehabilitation for Cats and Dogs
Auckland and Northland Clinics
Pet Physical Rehabilitation
Physical rehabilitation, also known as physiotherapy, involves a tailor made programme using specific exercises and modalities to enhance the recovery of a patient following orthopaedic or neurological surgery or injury.
It has the following benefits:
- Increases speed of recovery from injury or surgery
- Improves quality of movement and performance
- Improves biomechanics and flexibility
- Increases strength of muscles, tendons and ligaments
- Increases endurance
- Reduces pain
- Improves balance and proprioception
- Aids weight loss
- Increases quality of life and a sense of wellbeing
- Prevents future injury through tissue strengthening.
The following conditions can benefit from rehabilitation:
Elbow:
- Elbow dysplasia
- Arthritis
- Recovery from fractures
Hip:
- Hip dysplasia: management of early disease, management of arthritis from chronic disease, post-surgical recovery from Femoral Head Osteotomy (FHO) or Total Hip Replacement (THR)
Stifle:
- Recovery from cruciate surgery
- Patellar luxations: management of non-surgical grade disorders and for recovery post-surgery.
- Arthritis
Shoulder:
- Medial shoulder instability
- OCD post-surgical recovery
- Biceps tenosynovitis
- Infraspinatus muscle contracture
- Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Obesity
Neurologic disorders:
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD): management of IVDD and post-surgical recovery
- Lumbosacral instability (Cauda Equina Syndrome)
- Peripheral nerve disorders
- Radial and sciatic nerves
- Trauma related
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Wobblers disease
- Post spinal surgery
- Recovery from Fibrocartilaginous Emboli (FCE)
- Coon hound paralysis
- Myasthenia gravis
- Neuropathies related to endocrine disorders (e.g. diabetes, hypothyroidism)
Trauma-related disorders:
- Fractures of long bones
- Physeal (growth plate) fractures
- Stifle ligament trauma
- Articular fractures (involving joints)
Athletic dogs for conditioning: to increase strength, speed and co-ordination.
What does it involve?
An individualised programme is established for your dog or cat.
We assess what limitations your pet currently has after surgery or injury, and plan what we need to do to return your pet to optimal function, over realistic time frames.
There will be in clinic sessions to attend and exercises to do at home.
Rehabilitation should be comfortable, fun and stimulating for dogs and cats.
No session is the same, and a variety of exercise options are always given for physiotherapy at home.
What is used?
- Therapeutic exercises
- Land treadmill
- Laser
- Acupuncture
- Massage
- Joint mobilisations
- Heat and cold therapy
- Range of motion and stretching
- Assistive devices ( harnesses, braces, slings, carts)
- Alongside environmental modification in the home environment
“I am truly impressed with Kym’s exceptional expertise as a veterinarian and rehabilitation specialist, with a specific focus on pain management, enhancing the quality of life, and administering physiotherapy programs. Kym has consistently provided outstanding care for Maya, demonstrating a high level of professionalism, engagement, and a positive demeanor during each visit.
Maya, who experienced a traumatic incident resulting in significant pain, has made remarkable progress under Kym’s attentive care. It is evident that Kym’s dedication and skill have played a pivotal role in Maya’s journey toward regaining happiness and well-being.
I wholeheartedly recommend Kym for her expertise and compassionate approach, and I am grateful for the positive impact she has had on Maya’s recovery. Thank you, Kym, for your outstanding commitment to the well-being of Maya.“
Samantha Fernandes
“Kym at Acupet has been a life saver for our miniature dachshund Latte. She has given additional years of life for our little fellow with my family. We have been taking our Latte to Kym from 2020. Latte lost the use of his back legs in 2020 and started dragging his feet. After being told of surgery by other vets, we were reluctant as to the recovery rates and the lengthy rehabilitation period. We did a lot of research and found out people have been doing acupuncture on similar cases with success in other parts of the world. A search in NZ for animal acupuncture led us to Kym. We had a few sessions with Kym and could see improvements on Latte’s condition almost straight away. He started regaining the use of his legs after a few months with acupuncture, the Chinese meds that Kym prescribed and the physio work she advised us to do at home. Our Latte has successfully regained the use of this back legs. He still continues maintenance acupuncture even today and we are happy to have our boy back with us.“
Seth Sires
“Kym at Acupet has been caring for my dog, Oakley, for almost two years using various methods to manage her pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and spondylosis, as naturally as possible. I can’t recommend Kym enough, she is knowledgeable, compassionate, patient (especially with my wiggly spaniel!) and very thorough in her approach, so I know Oakley is getting the best care possible.
Since starting therapy Oakley’s gait, range of motion, exercise tolerance as well as quality of life has improved significantly.
Oakley is able to continue living her best life, enjoying walks and adventures all thanks to Kym, I truly don’t know where we would be today without her!
Thank you so much for all your help Kym, Oakley and I are forever grateful 🐾🐾“
Jessica Odgers
Get Your Pet A New Lease On Life
Book your dog or cat in for Physical Rehabilitation in Auckland today!