Advancements in veterinary medicine often parallel, but lag behind, those in human medicine. It used to be the norm in both human and veterinary medicine for a patient to be prescribed with strict rest for weeks to months following an injury or a surgical intervention, especially one for surgery on a joint or the spine. Now it is well recognized now that prolonged immobility will hinder the chance for full return to normal function in most cases. As a result, human patients are referred to a physiotherapist as soon as possible, depending on the nature of the injury. It has also become clear that, with chronic problems such as osteoarthritis, a program of regular, moderate exercise, designed by a trained professional and tailored specifically to the patient, will build strength, reduce inflammation and pain, improve mobility and enhance the patient’s quality of life.
The same principles of physical therapy that have helped put elderly people back on their feet following joint surgery and have gotten athletes back into their chosen field within weeks of a serious injury, are beginning to be employed in veterinary medicine. As our pets assume more and more of an important role as ‘family members with fur’, the demand for physical rehabilitation for pets has steadily increased. To meet this demand, seminars and courses have been developed to meet the specific and unique needs of animals. At this time, the University of Tennessee offers the only university-based certification program in canine rehabilitation, and since has graduated 300 certified students. Some veterinary colleges have developed rehabilitation services as part of their clinical services, and specific animal rehabilitation clinics are beginning to open in larger urban locations in North America. It is predicted that, within the next 10 years, between 500 and 1000 animal rehabilitation clinics will be established.
Equipment that may be used for animal rehabilitation therapy includes underwater treadmills, stability balls, Cavaletti rails, and exercise bands; some facilities are also equipped with padded floors and offer access to a swimming pool.
In North America, the treatment of animals, including rehabilitation therapy, is considered to be the practice of veterinary medicine. Therefore, a person who is providing rehabilitation to animals either must be a veterinarian or must be working under the supervision of a veterinarian, as part of a rehabilitation team.
