Rehabilitation

At ProVetSurg, we strongly believe that rehabilitation plays a vital role in the smooth recovery of our patients from their surgical interventions. We work closely with a number of local centres to provide suitable and effective rehabilitation modalities, whether that be physiotherapy, hydrotherapy by means of underwater-treadmill or free- water swimming, or another technique selected especially for the individual.

Rehabilitation programmes are tailored for each of our patients depending on what treatment they have received; therefore, we pride ourselves on continued communication between our practices and their chosen rehabilitation centre in order to achieve the greatest outcomes for our patients.

Physiotherapy

Please follow instructions from your vet and on the post-operative information sheet to ensure that your pet is ready to undertake the physiotherapy exercises demonstrated in the videos. If you have any questions or queries please contact your practice for advice.

Half Sit to Stand

Place a raised object behind your pet’s back legs and ask them to sit onto the item and then to stand. Try to ensure the movement is slow and controlled.

Frequency: Repeat 5-10 times twice daily. Tip: If the operated leg turns out to the side try doing the exercise with the operated leg alongside a wall.

Weight Shifting on a stable surface

On a firm surface, stand behind your dog and place your hand under their belly to stop them sitting down (without holding them up). Using a treat, slowly encourage them to bring their head around to the right, hold this position for a few seconds and then slowly repeat but bringing their head to the left side.

Frequency: Repeat 5-10 times each side, twice daily.
To encourage them to shift their weight onto their back legs, either bring the treat down between their front legs, or alternatively raise the treat above the patients head line. Ideally the treat should be no more than 2 inches from the dogs nose. You may find it easier using a treat that encourages the dog to lick e.g liver paste!

Weight shifting on a soft surface

Progress from weight shifting using a treat on a firm surface to performing the exercise with your pet standing on a soft surface.

Frequency: This Repeat 5-10 times twice daily.

Gluteal and Quadriceps Stimulation

Kneeling behind your dog with one hand brush up the quadriceps & hamstring muscles at the front and back of the operated hindlimb, repeatedly and quickly, whilst simultaneously slowly lifting the non-operated foot off the ground and then replacing.

Frequency: Repeat 5-10 times. Twice a day.

Lateral Weaving

Place six items in a line, space the poles/ objects with the length of your dog between them. Encourage your dog with a treat to slowly weave in and out of the cones/objects.

Frequency: Repeat 5 times twice daily

Low Pole Work

Place poles or items close to the ground for the dog to step over. Guide to correct height (1 inch Dachshund/ JRT to 4- 5 inches for a labrador)
Make sure there is a dogs length between each item. Slowly walk your dog over the items to encourage lifting and placing of each leg. Ensure they do not jump or hop their back legs over.

Frequency: Repeat 5 times, 2 sets, twice daily.

Alternate Paws/ High Fives

Kneeling in front your dog ask them for a paw/ high five whilst reaching your hand forward as demonstrated in the video. The aim is to encourage flexion (bending) at the elbow joint. Keep the speed slow and ensure the dog is not reaching forward for your hand.

Frequency: 5-10 x twice daily

Forelimb Range of Motion

Only perform this exercise if your dog is relaxed and willing to lie on its non-operated side with the operated leg uppermost. Your dog should be relaxed and not resisting any of these gentle movements.
Starting with the foot, gently flex (bend) and extend (straighten) the toes. Repeat the same movements at the wrist, elbow and shoulder joints as shown in the video. Only move the joints through 70-80% range of motion avoid the fully flexed and extended positions ensuring the animal feels no discomfort.

Frequency: Mobilise each joint 4 times in each direction.

Below are just a few of the local centres that we work closely with:

Burnside Rehab
Chiltern Massage

Beacroft Referrals

Have an enquiry? Contact our clinical team directly on WhatsApp

Contact us on 07852 440 607

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