Rehabilitation
Patient receives E-Stim therapy.
Underwater Treadmill Therapy
Our mission at VCA Sacramento Referral Center’s Rehabilitation Department is to improve your pet's quality of life by providing the highest quality rehabilitation and pain management services. Many pets recovering from surgery, injury or other trauma-as well as those suffering from neurological disorders-benefit significantly from a specialized rehabilitation program. Rehabilitation can be very effective at increasing mobility, joint function, muscle mass, and decreasing pain. It can also improve balance and coordination. These important health benefits can result from a comprehensive treatment plan that our board-certified veterinarian who is certified in rehabilitation designs to meet your pet's individual needs.
To begin the process, we recommend coming in for a rehabilitation consultation that includes a physical and orthopedic exam, gait analysis, and therapy (which may consist of several modalities such as therapeutic laser, underwater treadmill, or electronic stimulation). Therapies that are appropriate for your pet’s condition will be discussed with you during the consultation along with a home therapy program and frequency of recommended follow-up visits.
What is Animal Rehabilitation?
Animal rehabilitation is the use of therapeutic exercises combined with additional modalities such as hydrotherapy, ultrasound, cryotherapy, neuromuscular electrical stimulation and acupuncture to improve the recovery of patients with both acute and chronic conditions.
How Will My Pet Benefit From Animal Rehabilitation?
Animal rehabilitation can restore, maintain and promote optimal function and mobility; enhance recovery postoperatively; alleviate pain; improve circulation, coordination and range of motion; provide confidence and comfort in geriatric patients.
Is My Pet A Candidate For Rehabilitation?
Pets of all ages, sizes and breeds can benefit from animal rehabilitation. Any animal suffering from chronic pain, arthritis, obesity or muscle weakness can experience an enhanced quality of life as a result of rehabilitation.
Conditions That Respond Well To Rehabilitation:
Orthopedic Conditions:
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears
- Arthritis
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxations
- Fractures
- Osteochondritis Dessicans
- Soft Tissue Injuries
Neurological Conditions:
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Fibrocartilaginous Emboli
- Intervertebral Disc Disease
- Lumbosacral Stenosis
General Health/Wellness:
- Athletic Conditioning
- Cardiovascular Fitness
- Obesity-Weight Loss
Underwater Treadmill
The underwater treadmill enables dogs to begin the rehabilitation process earlier than normal. The low-impact exercise offered by the underwater treadmill allows the animal to transition more quickly to land-based therapy by increasing muscle strength and endurance with the natural properties of water buoyancy, resistance and heat.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I be with my dog during the treatment? Absolutely and it is encouraged.
- How often will I need to come? It might be difficult for me to bring my dog on a regular basis. We understand that scheduling can be difficult. After the first consultation, we are able to have your pet be dropped off for the day for ongoing treatments if that better fits your schedule. There is no additional charge for this service.
