Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
Canine rehabilitation therapy services for your dog are delivered by our rehabilitation therapist and veterinarian, Jason Kutz, DVM. Our physical therapy expert will custom design and develop a canine rehabilitation and exercise program for your dog. This program will involve at home exercises as well as in clinic message, exercise and water treadmill therapy to aid in recovery from a variety of conditions.
What conditions and patients can benefit from rehabilitation?
- Musculoskeletal – A variety of musculoskeletal and neurologic conditions can benefit.
- Surgical Recovery – Recovery from cranial cruciate injury or surgery.
- Bone Fractures – Recovery from fracture stabilization.
- Neurologic Recovery – Recovery from back disease (Intervertebral Disc Disease) surgical and nonsurgical.
- Geriatric Treatments – Physical therapy for dogs with arthritis of the hips, elbows, stifles, or vertebrae.
- Weight Control Issues – Overweight patients.
What is involved in getting started with Canine Rehabilitation for my pet?
There is an initial consultation with the rehabilitation therapist. At that time a complete history is taken, a physical exam is performed and usually some exercises are performed and demonstrated to the pet owner. An exercise program is designed for the patient with at home exercises demonstrated for the owner to perform with their pet per recommendations by the pet therapist. Follow up exams and schedules are discussed and scheduled. Depending on the disease process and the patient’s condition a canine water rehabilitation program may be started.
Why Treadmills for Dogs and Dog Water Therapy is Useful
A canine water treadmill for dogs is similar to a regular treadmill but it is filled with warm water to the desired level. Once the water is filled the underwater dog treadmill can be started and the patient is walking in the water. There are many benefits received from the use of a dog water treadmill. Buoyancy from the water takes pressure off the joints. Walking in water increases resistance and helps to strengthen muscles. There is an increased range of motion of joints from walking in water. Warm water helps to ease pain and increase use of affected limbs.
Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist
Jason Kutz, DVM, CCRP passed his certification exam through the University of Tennessee and is a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner. This is one of the many Evergreen, CO Veterinarian services offered in our small animal veterinary practice in addition to Pet Dentistry services.