Canine Rehabilitation

Canine 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

Canine patient utilizing the swim tank

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

Canine patient utilizing the underwater treadmill

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

A pet receives cold laser therapy

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 Practitioner

In 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 Therapy

Massage 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.

Dr. Brown assists a geriatric patient with mobility training

Land Exercise Therapy and Mobility Training

Land 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 Expect

First, 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:

1. An exam by one of our veterinarians. Following a thorough assessment, X-rays, blood work, or other lab work may be required prior to developing a rehabilitation plan.
2. A rehabilitation plan will be developed by one of our veterinarians including the number of visits per week required.
3. Rehabilitation will generally include a minimum of six (6) visits followed by an assessment exam to determine if home therapy is appropriate or if additional visits are necessary.
4. Home therapy education is the last step in the rehabilitation plan.

Restoring injured, post-surgical and debilitated dogs to a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Tampa Bay K-9 Rehabilitation Center
4801 Fourth Street North
Saint Petersburg, FL 33703
727-521-3518
Map and directions

Affiliated with
Central Animal Hospital

Learn more about the doctors treating your pets in the Rehab Center.

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