Common Conditions We Treat

As dogs age, they often experience various musculoskeletal and mobility issues, including arthritis, muscle weakness, and reduced joint mobility. Rehabilitation for senior dogs focuses on improving these conditions through targeted exercises, manual therapies, and the use of pain relieving modalities such as PEMF and LASER, designed to enhance mobility and quality of life.

One of the primary goals of rehab for senior dogs is pain management. Arthritis and other degenerative conditions can cause significant discomfort, making it difficult for dogs to move comfortably. Rehab helps by reducing pain through techniques such as therapeutic exercise, PEMF and LASER therapy, and gentle joint mobilizations and massage. These modalities help to decrease inflammation, improve circulation, and manage pain without the use of medications.

Another key benefit of rehab for senior dogs is improving strength and flexibility. Muscle weakness is common in older dogs due to decreased activity levels and age related changes. Through exercises like controlled walking, gentle stretching, and targeted strengthening exercises, rehab can help senior dogs regain muscle mass and improve joint range of motion. This not only enhances mobility but also supports overall joint health and function.

Additionally, rehab can assist senior dogs in maintaining their balance and coordination. As dogs age, they may become more prone to tripping or falling, which can lead to injuries. Balance exercises and proprioceptive training (such as walking on unstable surfaces) can help improve stability and reduce the risk of falls, thereby promoting a safer environment for senior dogs.

We create a tailored rehab plan that addresses your dog's specific needs and challenges. Whether your senior dog is recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or simply needing support to maintain mobility and comfort in their golden years, we are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how rehab can benefit your senior dog and improve their quality of life.

Arthritis in dogs, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, is a progressive and often painful condition that affects the joints. It can significantly impact a dog's quality of life, leading to pain, stiffness, decreased mobility, and reluctance to engage in activities they once enjoyed.

Understanding the signs and symptoms of arthritis in dogs is crucial for early intervention. Common symptoms include limping, difficulty rising from lying down, stiffness, decreased activity levels, and even behavioral changes such as irritability or reluctance to be touched in certain areas. While arthritis is more common in older dogs, it can also develop in younger dogs, especially if they have experienced joint trauma or have genetic predispositions.

We focus on creating personalized rehabilitation programs tailored to meet the unique needs of each dog. Through a combination of therapeutic exercises, joint mobilizations, massage techniques, and modalities such as PEMF and LASER, we aim to reduce pain and inflammation while promoting strength, flexibility, and joint mobility.

Rehabilitation not only targets the physical aspects of arthritis but also supports mental health by keeping dogs engaged in positive activities that maintain their spirits and cognitive function. By incorporating rehabilitation into your dog’s arthritis management plan, you’re not just managing symptoms – you’re actively improving their quality of life and helping them enjoy their golden years to the fullest.

We are committed to providing compassionate care and evidence-based therapies to help your dog thrive despite arthritis. Whether your dog is just starting to show signs of joint discomfort or has been living with arthritis for years, our rehab services are designed to make a meaningful difference. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your dog’s journey towards better mobility and a happier life.

Canine CCL (cranial cruciate ligament) tears are a common orthopedic injury in dogs. The CCL, analogous to the ACL in humans, stabilizes the knee joint and helps maintain proper alignment during movement. When this ligament tears or becomes damaged, it can lead to significant pain, lameness, and joint instability in affected dogs.

Canine CCL tears often result from a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition, obesity, conformational abnormalities, and repetitive stress on the joint. Large and overweight dogs are particularly susceptible, although CCL tears can occur in dogs of all sizes and ages. Most often, tears develop gradually over time due to degenerative changes in the joint, but can also occur as the result of an injury or trauma.

Recognizing the signs of a CCL tear is essential for prompt intervention. Symptoms may include sudden lameness, reluctance to bear weight on the affected leg, swelling around the knee joint, a noticeable decrease in activity levels, or a recent change in sitting position with the affected leg kicked out to the side. Some dogs may exhibit pain when the knee joint is manipulated.

Treatment options for canine CCL tears vary depending on the severity of the injury and the dog's overall health. Conservative management, which may include rest, pain management, and rehabilitation, is suitable for some cases, especially smaller dogs or those with partial tears. However, surgical intervention is often recommended for larger, active dogs, and those with complete tears to stabilize the knee joint and lessen the effects of long term complications such as arthritis.

We will develop a tailored treatment plan that prioritizes your dog's comfort and recovery. Whether your dog requires conservative care or surgical intervention, we are dedicated to helping them regain mobility and enjoy an active lifestyle once again. Explore our services to learn more about how we can support you and your canine companion through every step of the healing process.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), is a condition that affects the spinal discs of dogs, particularly those with longer backs such as Dachshunds, Corgis, and Basset Hounds. IVDD occurs when the discs between the vertebrae of the spine degenerate or herniate, leading to compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots. This compression can cause varying degrees of pain, weakness, and even paralysis depending on the severity and location of the disc herniation.

Symptoms of IVDD in dogs can range from mild back or neck pain, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, to more severe signs such as hind limb weakness, loss of coordination, and in some cases, complete paralysis. It's essential for dog owners to recognize these signs early and seek veterinary care promptly to prevent further damage and improve outcomes.

Diagnosis of IVDD typically involves a combination of physical examination, neurological assessment, and imaging studies such as x-rays or more advanced techniques like MRI or CT scans. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition. Mild cases of IVDD may respond well to conservative management, which includes rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and pain management. Rehabilitation exercises can also play a crucial role in helping dogs regain strength and mobility. For more severe cases or those where conservative measures are not effective, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and address the disc herniation.

We are committed to providing personalized care and support to help your dog recover and maintain a high quality of life. Contact us to learn more about how we can assist you and your dog through every step of managing IVDD.

Canine hip dysplasia is a common orthopedic condition that affects dogs, particularly larger breeds, and can significantly impact their quality of life. This condition occurs when the hip joint does not develop properly, leading to instability, joint laxity, and eventually, arthritis. The symptoms of hip dysplasia can vary widely from mild discomfort and stiffness to severe pain and lameness, depending on the degree of joint degeneration.

Canine elbow dysplasia is a complex orthopedic condition that affects dogs of various breeds, typically manifesting during their early growth stages. It encompasses a spectrum of developmental abnormalities that affect the elbow joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Elbow dysplasia can involve multiple components such as fragmented coronoid process (FCP), osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), and ununited anconeal process (UAP), each contributing to joint instability and degeneration over time.

Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in managing canine hip and elbow dysplasia by focusing on strengthening the muscles around the affected joints, improving joint stability, and reducing pain and inflammation. Our rehab sessions are designed to enhance your dog's flexibility, range of motion, and overall strength through targeted exercises, therapeutic modalities, and manual therapies.

Whether your dog has just been diagnosed with hip or elbow dysplasia or has been living with it for some time, our goal is to provide compassionate care and effective solutions to help them lead a happier, more active life. Contact us today to learn more about our approach to managing canine hip and elbow dysplasia and how we can support your dog's journey toward improved mobility and well being.