Rehabilitation Services and Treatments

Underwater Treadmill

This is our most eye-catching modality, providing comfortable and safe exercise for pets with a variety of needs! The properties of water allow controlled exercise in a supported (buoyant) environment while the patient’s movements are resisted for effective strengthening. How does it work? Your dog enters a dry “box” (exercise chamber) with clear walls for comfortable viewing of the environment. Water slowly fills to the desired level while your pet receives treats, petting, and reassurance. Once your dog has comfortably acclimated to the environment, we turn on the treadmill belt, which sits on the floor of the exercise chamber, and cue your dog to walk. You will likely notice your dog walks with exaggerated movements while in the water, allowing for effective gait retraining and strengthening.

Therapeutic Exercise

Therapeutic exercise is the backbone of Rehabilitation, creating long-term improvements in comfort and mobility. We utilize a variety of equipment to address your pet’s specific needs. Inflatable balance discs and bones, physio rolls, wobble boards, and cavalettis are employed to challenge your dog for better strength, balance, and coordination. Our specially designed exercise yard incorporates “real world obstacles” such as steps, inclines, and a sand pit. Sometimes, no equipment is needed, and our therapist uses her knowledge of biomechanics to harness the assistance or resistance of gravity alone to provide exercise and movement retraining. To complement the exercises your pet completes at our clinic, you will receive customized home exercise instructions utilizing common household items to continue your pet’s “gym time” at home.

Laser Therapy

Not just for Star Trek anymore, Laser benefits many patients! The effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) or “cold laser” are far-reaching, including pain reduction, resolution of inflammation (swelling), and promotion of wound healing and tissue repair. During treatment, your pet will not experience anything more significant than light pressure from the probe and subtle warming as blood flow increases, making laser universally accepted by our patients. Treatment effects can often be seen immediately with a reduction in pain while the impacts on healing continue for a longer period.

Electrical Stimulation

Different waveforms of electricity impart varied effects on the body, from pain relief to eliciting muscle contractions. We often use this modality for targeted muscle retraining, particularly in neurological weakness (e.g. nerve injuries).

Therapeutic Ultrasound

Therapeutic ultrasound utilizes sound waves to impact the cells of the target tissues. Due to the depth of penetration we can achieve with ultrasound, it is able to effectively heat tissues much deeper in the body than hot packs, which can only affect more superficial tissues. Deep heating is desired to help with contractures or severe tightness of specific tissues that limit movement/ flexibility.

Manual Therapies

From joint mobilizations to deep tissue massage, our therapist and technician use their hands to improve your pet’s comfort and mobility. We employ specialized techniques to improve movement (range of motion), relieve painful trigger points and muscle spasms, and lengthen tight tissues.

Wheelchair Consultations, Fittings, And Training In Use

Pets that are unable to walk on their own may benefit from a custom wheelchair to restore independence. We work with several canine wheelchair companies and can help you determine which design is best for your pet. Your initial appointment will include an assessment of your pet, recommendations for cart design, and completion of measures so a custom-built wheelchair can be fabricated. Once the wheelchair is delivered and you return for your second visit, the fit will be perfected, and you will receive instructions on how to use the device with your pet. Additional appointments for training assistance are available as needed, although many dogs readily take to their new wheels and lead surprised owners out the doors for a walk!

Orthotics (Braces) & Prosthetics

Orthotics (braces) provide support to joints and tissues that have excessive movement (laxity), isolated weakness (common after nerve injuries), or require extra protection while healing. Prosthetics replace missing parts of a limb to allow the pet to functionally use the limb. We work with several custom fabricators to ensure your pet receives the optimal type of device for their condition and needs. At your initial consultation, our therapist will assess your pet’s needs, discuss different device options, and facilitate the fabrication of a custom device. Once the device has been made and you return for your second visit, we will ensure you are comfortable applying the device and following an appropriate wear schedule. In addition, we provide ongoing support after the orthotic or prosthetic has been fitted to ensure your pet learns how to optimally walk and move about using their new device.

Weight Management

Overweight pets have a dramatic increase in health challenges and a shortened life span. But it can be difficult to exercise your pet in inclement weather (especially the summer heat!) and over challenging terrain. Our underwater treadmill provides a supported exercise environment so excess body weight doesn’t cause painful stresses to the joints. Your pet will also welcome the climate-controlled therapy room. Targeted strengthening exercises to build muscle can raise resting metabolism and help burn calories even at rest. In conjunction with diet changes, Rehabilitation can help you successfully improve your dog’s body condition (lose fat) and mobility.

Athletic Conditioning and Injury Prevention

Canine athletes come in many forms – from elite sports competitors to working dogs to family pets that create their agility course at home as they run, jump, and play. Canine athletes experience increased repetitive and high-velocity stresses that can lead to career-halting injuries. With our unique insight into the physical demands our athletes experience, we can assess your dog for potential issues (specific areas of weakness, tightness, etc.) and design a customized exercise program to mitigate the risk of injuries. Our underwater treadmill and exercise equipment can also provide cross-training with your home activities.

Home Exercise Programs

As part of your pet’s ongoing Rehabilitation with Allure Veterinary Hospital & Urgent Care, you will receive customized home instructions to continue progress at home. We use various instructional methods, including printed materials and professionally produced videos, to ensure your comfort with the activities. Some owners may prioritize home programs over clinic sessions, with periodic rechecks for updates. We are pleased to collaborate with you for the best treatment plan for your pet.