Norman Animal Rehabilitation Care

Just as people sometimes need physical therapy for various orthopedic and neurological conditions, pets occasionally need this valuable treatment. Using accepted physical methods and home exercise programs, Rose Rock Veterinary Hospital and Pet Resort is proud to offer physical rehabilitation to help return pets to active lives.

Physical rehabilitation is available to help in treating:

• Orthopedic conditions such as osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, anterior cruciate injuries, luxating patellas or post-surgical recovery
• Neurologic conditions such as intervertebral disk disease, fibrocartilagenous embolism, or trauma
• Weight management

Physical rehabilitation includes a combination of exercises, joint mobility, massage, neuromuscular stimulation, and other modalities such as treadmills and therapeutic laser.

Therapeutic Exercise for Pets

Exercise is an important part of rehabilitation, which helps improve muscle strength and mass, as well as flexibility and balance. Exercise also enhances cardiovascular performance and helps to prevent further injury. There are a variety of exercises that we do in house, and we are able to teach you several of these exercises so you may use them at home with your pet. Some of the exercises include assisted walking, stair climbing, physioball exercises, wobble board exercises, weave poles and Cavaletti rails. An exercise plan is developed specifically for each individual patient's condition and goals of therapy.

Land Treadmill

With an animal treadmill, we can control the climate, time, duration, speed, resistance and frequency of exercise. A land treadmill will develop muscle strength and stamina for the rehabilitation patient and provides versatility in their exercise regimen. It can also be used to condition dogs for competitive sports, or to exercise dogs in adverse weather conditions.

Underwater Treadmill (Hydrotherapy)

An underwater treadmill provides low-impact exercise in a reduced gravity environment. The benefit of hydrotherapy is that it combines the heat therapy of warm water with strengthening exercise, while eliminating impact and concussion to the joints. Due to the buoyancy of the water, the underwater treadmill provides the ability to strengthen the animal's muscles in an environment with little or no pressure on the joint.

There are many benefits of the underwater treadmill. Weak, unbalanced and arthritic pets can move around more freely without falling. It allows an earlier return to exercise after surgery. Furthermore, the underwater treadmill can be used for weight loss and conditioning.

Massage and Joint Mobility Therapy

Massage and joint mobility therapy are used with other modalities to relieve tension and improve muscle function. Massage helps reduce pain, muscle knots and spasms as well as anxiety and stress; while improving circulation. These therapies also stimulate the lymphatic system to help reduce local swelling and edema. Massages assist with breaking down adhesions and scar tissue.

Neuromuscular Stimulation

Neuromuscular stimulation is the use of an electrical current to stimulate muscle contractions. A current is delivered through electrodes placed on the skin over a muscle or muscle group. This therapy is great for post-surgical patients who are non-weight bearing or have limited use of certain muscles. Neuromuscular stimulation is used to prevent muscle atrophy or to increase the strength of a muscle that is not being utilized.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is used therapeutically for pain management and to increase circulation and promote healing. Electrodes are placed on the skin and deliver a low voltage intermittent stimulation to the surface nerves of the skin. Benefits of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation include acute and chronic pain relief, reduced post exercise soreness and reduced edema.

Therapeutic Laser Therapy

Rose Rock Veterinary Hospital and Pet Resort offers therapeutic laser for patients with certain medical conditions. Arthritis, acute and chronic pain, back injuries, sprains and strains, inflammation and edema, and wound healing are all improved with the use of therapeutic laser. This non-surgical treatment requires no sedation and is extremely safe. No side effects are experienced by your pet, and results are often immediate. Therapeutic laser treatment can be combined with other medications to help speed healing. For more information about this exciting treatment, speak to one of the staff members.

Norman Veterinary Acupuncture

Acupuncture, the stimulation of specific points on the body, has long been one of the most common types of holistic medicine for pets and humans alike. Used for millennia, the treatment is said to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions and help the body heal itself.

Research has demonstrated that acupuncture can be effective for certain medical conditions. Acupuncture points contain nerve bundles, clusters of blood vessels, and increased numbers of mast cells that release histamine and other chemicals when stimulated—including endorphins and enkephalins, the body's natural pain killers.

Shockwave Therapy

As a commitment to offer your pet the latest in in veterinary technology, Rose Rock Veterinary Hospital and Pet Resort has invested in shockwave therapy. Using pressure waves—also known as shock waves—this form of therapy is highly effective at reducing pain, and is proven to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Shockwave therapy generally takes only a few sessions, and its advantages include fast pain reduction, faster healing in affected areas and decreased healing time. There are no side effects, either, and your pet does not need sedation or anesthesia for the procedure.

As part of your pet's health plan, your veterinarian will discuss shockwave therapy with you if they feel that your pet may benefit from treatment.

Platelet Rich Plasma

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a highly concentrated blood sample that contains isolated cells (platelets) and the fluid portion of blood (plasma). When used as a therapy, PRP can help regenerate and heal tissues by:

• Recruiting cells to an area of injury to clean up dead and injured cells
• Releasing proteins called "Growth Factors" which are responsible for tissue regeneration

A small amount of blood is taken from your dog and is processed using a specialized system that concentrates the platelets and the plasma. Once the PRP processing is complete, it is injected directly into the area of injury.

Many veterinarians have noticed therapeutic effects last between 6-12 months for dogs with mild to moderate osteoarthritis. Please speak with your veterinarian if you are interested in PRP.

Loving Care for Your Pet