(770) 469-0023

1975 Glenn Club Drive
Stone Mountain, GA 30087

  When To Refer

Referring at the appropriate time is critical to getting the maximum benefit from physical rehabilitation.

Charlie suffers from "quadriceps tie-down" as a result of a condition he suffered as a puppy.  While the condition was corrected, the physical changes that had already started to occur as a result of the condition were not.   A year later, the tie-down has resulted in an inability to bend his knee and has caused a hyperextension of the hock joint.  Early physical rehabilitative intervention could have prevented this from happening.

Dachshunds often suffer from back injuries resulting in hind-end paralysis which require surgery.  Following surgery, this dog is being re-trained how to walk in the underwater treadmill.

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a progressive neurological disease that most often appears in German Shepherd Dogs.  Using a wobble board, Dr. Tracey Sasher works on building Echo's core and hind end strength to help him manage his condition for as long as possible.  Early physical therapy coupled with a home exercise program can lengthen the functional quality of life in dogs with DM and other progressive degenerative diseases.

Post-Operative Rehabilitation

It is important for most patients to begin rehabilitation as soon as possible after surgery. For most orthopedic surgeries this means that rehabilitation should be started in approximately two weeks, or when the sutures or staples are removed. This includes surgeries such as TPLO's, where there is internal hardware present. For neurological surgeries, rehabilitation often begins within one week of surgery to optimize the chances of recovering maximal neurological input and function.  Caring Canine's Certified Rehabilitation Practitioners are trained to understand the healing process of various surgeries and tissues and they will progress the patient appropriately, without risking undue stress to the surgical site.

Initial post-operative treatments are gentle and are geared toward enhancing healing and reducing risks of post-op complication.  Initial treatments may include things such as range of motion exercises, ultrasound, electrical stimulation for the relief of pain and swelling, nursing care and owner education.

As the animal begins to heal, rehabilitation will take a more active course.  These more active treatments may include balance and proprioception exercises, resistance training, gaiting activities, and hydrotherapy to maximize strength and endurance.

Don't wait to refer! Problems such as restrictive scarring, decreased range of motion, muscle atrophy, and gait abnormalities stemming from chronic pain can set in in as little as 2 weeks post-op. Once these changes occur not only does the length of time required for rehabilitation increase, but return to full function may be compromised.

If you have questions about referring a patient to Caring Canine Rehabilitation, please call us at 770-469-0023.

Pre-Operative Rehabilitation

In cases where an animal is in poor condition or overweight, it may be appropriate to have them do some Pre-Operative Rehabilitation in order to make them a better surgical candidate. Please call us at 770-469-0023 to discuss the case, and to determine whether this may be an option for your patient.

Rehabilitative Intervention for Non-Operative Cases

Arthritis, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, Degenerative Myelopathy and obesity with de-conditioning are just some of the non-operative cases that are often improved through rehabilitative intervention. Please call us at 770-469-0023 to discuss the case, and to determine whether this may be an option for your patient.

Conditioning for Pets

If you have a patient who could benefit from an increase in exercise, you may want to consider referring them for exercise in the underwater treadmill.  This fun activity is great exercise that can be done with or without the owner present. Even animals who don't like to swim enjoy the underwater treadmill.

Boarding for Special Needs Pets

We offer a hospitalization option, with special runs for high need, and non-ambulatory patients. This may be especially beneficial if your client is not able to adequately supervise their pet following surgery, or if your client lives too far away to easily get their animal to us for regular treatment.  Please click here for more information about boarding rehabilitation.