Canine RehabilitationCanine Rehabilitation works much like human rehabilitation. Using various methods and equipment, veterinarians are able to implement a treatment plan to restore mobility, strengthen muscles and joints, help dogs heal faster post-operatively while focusing on reducing pain.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy in our facility consists of swim tanks with underwater jets to create currents, an underwater treadmill, exercise tank, whirlpool and E-stim therapy tank. Hydrotherapy uses buoyancy and heat, thereby decreasing compressive forces on joints. Geriatric, obese and post-surgical animals can exercise for longer periods of time than they can on land. This type of therapy restores muscle mass and adds greater mobility to joints. It is primarily used for osteoarthritis, for injuries, and post-operatively. Physical Conditioning
Healthy dogs can also benefit from physical conditioning sessions at the Tampa Bay K9 Rehabilitation Center. Clients may schedule appointments for exercise and conditioning in the underwater treadmill for agility training dogs, dogs that are boarding at Central Animal Hospital that require additional exercise, and obese dogs under the doctor's care for weight loss. Cold Laser
Also referred to as low-level laser, cold laser has been used for years in equine medicine for injuries of tendons, ligaments and poor healing wounds. The veterinarians in our rehabilitation center are excited to be able to offer this treatment as we are one of the first small animal practices to use this in the state of Florida. Certified Canine Rehabilitation PractitionerIn December 2005, Dr. Mark Brown completed the education and examination requirements at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine's Canine Rehabilitation Program and became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practioner (CCRP). Massage TherapyMassage Therapy improves blood circulation, reduces inflammation, prevents muscle spasms, relieves pain, and loosens and stretches contracted tissues. We have certified staff in Canine Massage Therapy on hand in the Tampa Bay K-9 Rehabilitation Center. Neuromuscular Electrostimulation (NMES)NMES, a commonly used form of electrical stimulation, causes muscle contraction. It is used after surgery or for injuries to prevent loss of muscle mass or to increase muscle strength and joint range of motion, decrease pain and swelling. When combined with hydrotherapy, many of our older debilitated canine patients realize significant pain relief from ongoing NMES therapy.
Land Exercise Therapy and Mobility TrainingLand exercises are used to improve coordination, strengthen collateral muscles, and stimulate neural aptitude after nerve or neuromuscular injury such as intevertebral disc disease. How to Get Started and What to ExpectFirst, you should have your veterinarian call us or contact us directly to set up an initial consultation. A typical course of canine rehabilitation would include:
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