Home > Frequently Asked Questions

What are the goals and expectations of physical rehabilitation for my companion animal?
The goals of therapy vary between patients and are based on the initial evaluation of the patient. They will be clearly discussed with you after the initial evaluation. Some patients may return to high-performance activities. Others may have to function with life-long limitations that are minimized with proper maintenance activities.

How long should it take for my pet to fully recover after surgery?
Most rehabilitation programs last 6-8 weeks

How soon after the surgery does the rehabilitation begin?
The pain and anti-inflammatory phases of rehabilitation usually can start immediately after an injury or surgery. Delaying rehabilitation is generally not beneficial. The strengthening phase of rehabilitation generally starts two weeks after surgery.

What animals do not benefit from physical rehabilitation?
Physical rehabilitation cannot be an alternative to a stabilizing joint surgery. A veterinarian may not recommend physical rehabilitation for conditions such as CHF, enlarged heart, epilepsy, bleeding and respiratory issues.

Are there conditions where it is preferable to do physical rehabilitation without surgery?
Conditions where physical rehabilitation is beneficial without surgery include arthritis and DJD, inactive dogs with decreased range of motion, and older dogs, which cannot safely undergo anesthesia.

Can I have additional veterinary services performed here?
No; all medications prescribed and general veterinary services should be taken care of by your family vet. If an x-ray is recommended, you will be referred back to your veterinarian.