Canine Physical Rehabilitation of the Southwest

Training a Therapist Should Have

There are a number of people across the country who espouse to offer physical therapy for dogs. Many have very little training or experience. Make sure before you allow your dog to be treated by someone that they have the appropriate education to do so. After all, the last thing you want is further injury to your pet, especially if they have just had surgery or a spinal injury. If a person is not properly trained, they can further injure your pet.

Make sure that the person offering the services of rehabilitation or therapy has completed the University of Tennessee’s or the Animal Rehabilitation Institute’s certificate program. Veterinarians and Physical therapists both go through this programs.

Jeffrey has completed the University of Tennessee’s certificate program in canine rehabilitation and will be graduating in December, 2003. Some of what he has studied includes:

Canine anatomy and physiology especially related to rehab.

Common orthopedic and neurological conditions and basic medical and surgical management.

Different techniques such as weight bearing, proprioceptive rehabilitation techniques, etc.

The mechanisms of actions, side effects and physiology behind commonly used analgesics, NSAIDS, and chondroprotectants and their effects on recovery.

Identifying common canine conditions that may benefit from rehab.

Working knowledge of basic surgical procedures as related to rehab. He has observed a number of different surgical procedures at varying facilities in the country with some of the top surgeons.

Had the opportunity to observe some of the most experienced PT s in the field.

Learned normal, abnormal gait, muscle, and joint biomechanics in the dog and how to evaluate a dog’s gait.

Cite mechanisms of action, uses, benefits, contraindications and risks for physical agents and mechanical modalities—ultrasound, electrical stimulation, hot and cold therapies.

Demonstration of correct basic therapeutic exercise techniques, massage techniques, and their uses, benefits, risks and contraindications.

Learned the different types of coaptation devices and mobility equipment including how to measure correctly for carts, how to use Ehmer slings, Robert Jones bandages, splints, etc.

Demonstrate the appropriate progression of a plan of care for canine patients, which include training the caregiver on massage techniques, range of motion exercises, etc.

These are just some of what was learned in the Certificate program. Make sure that the person doing rehabilitation on your dog has the training and education necessary to ensure your dog’s safety and healing.

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