Conditions Treated
- Muscle strain, tendon and ligament injuries
- Joint Diseases – including osteoarthritis, hip/elbow dysplasia
- Rehabilitation following surgery – including hip/elbow dysplasia, cruciate disease, spinal surgery
- Rehabilitation following fractures
- Spinal conditions – including intervertebral disc disease, lumbosacral stenosis
- Neurological conditions
- Sporting injuries
Physiotherapy for small animals may be for treatment of a specific condition, or for routine maintenance in performance and working animals. The physiotherapy assessment begins with obtaining a detailed history from the owner, followed by gait assessment, a ‘hands-on’ assessment of the patient, and specific tests such as range of motion, joint and neurological tests. Owners will be provided with an individualised home exercise programme for their animal following the consultation.
Orthopaedic and Congenital conditions
Congenital conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, and congenital spinal deformities are not uncommon in dogs.
These conditions often cause pain, loss of function, a reduced quality of life, and can predispose to the development of osteoarthritis.Physiotherapy can assist with:
- Reducing pain
- Improving joint range of motion
- Preventing muscle wastage
- Correcting abnormal movement patterns
- Prescription of an individualised programme to help your dog achieve optimal movement and function
Following Injury or Surgery
Physiotherapy can assist in the rehabilitation of small animals following injury such as muscle and ligament strains, joint injuries, fractures, and complex wounds. Early intervention with physiotherapy enhances recovery, reduces scar tissue formation, restores normal movement patterns, and can prevent unwanted complications.
Physiotherapy following orthopaedic and neurological surgery is now common place in veterinary specialist centres. Katrinka works closely with veterinarians to achieve optimal outcomes for patients and consults out of the Queensland Veterinary Specialist Centres at North Lakes and Stafford, Brisbane.
Neurological Conditions
Physiotherapy can assist in the rehabilitation of small animals following neurological injury such as Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE), polyradiculoneuritis, and many other neurological conditions. Physiotherapy interventions can reduce pain, restore muscle function, re-educate gait, prevent compensatory movement patterns, and prevent development of secondary complications.
The Older Patient
Arthritis is not uncommon in small animals, and can be the result of injury or congenital conditions that an animal has suffered from an early age or sporting career. Physiotherapy can assist with reducing pain, improving range of motion, restoring functional movement, enabling your animal to be more active and have improved quality of life.
The Working and Sporting Dog
Working dogs and dogs that participate in canine sports such as Agility are elite athletes. The demands of their sport and working careers often place these dogs at risk of injury, muscle imbalances, and even orthopaedic conditions. Physiotherapy can assist with prevention of potential injury through pre-screening for potential problems that may result in pain, loss of performance, or lead to injury.
