What can I do to prepare for a visit?

If you are being referred by your regular veterinarian, please have full records sent prior to the first appointment, including labwork and any radiographs (x-rays).

Please be advised that radiographs may need to be retaken/rechecked or continued in a series (taking an x-ray of a different limb than the one that was radiographed, etc).

If possible, please have your pet’s nails trimmed prior. Nail trimming can be time consuming, and can be stressful if your pet is not used to it. Additionally, very long nails affect the posture of the limbs by causing abnormal positioning of the toes. If performed at the time of any physical medicine, it may decrease the effect of services due to a pet being overwhelmed. Please contact your regular veterinarian for this service prior to appointments.

Take photos and videos of any limping/lameness or abnormal movement you may be noticing. It is very common for a pet’s symptoms to decrease or “disappear” when they come in for evaluation as the adrenaline of a new place and new people can mask symptoms. 

Make a list of ALL supplements and medications, over the counter non-prescriptions including CBD, aspirin, Benadryl, etc, and list dosage and frequency. List all foods (including treats!) and the calorie content if possible. This enables your practitioner to evaluate dietary intake as weight management is a large part of mobility management. 

How do I know my pet is in pain?

Many pet owners tell me they don’t think their pet is painful. Very often, animals are stoic and do not show signs of pain, but they can be subtle. What often looks like “smiling” is actually panting from discomfort. Reluctance to put a particular leg on the ground may indicate discomfort, as well as crying/vocalizing, licking a certain area, or behavioral changes such as hiding/withdrawal or even aggression. If you think your pet may be in pain, please contact me for an evaluation.

What should I expect at the first visit?

During an initial visit, you and your pet will be meeting with a veterinarian certified in canine rehabilitation. This is a comprehensive evaluation that includes a detailed medical history and review of records including all current supplements and prescription medications. Please include ANY over the counter items such as canine CBD, aspirin, Benadryl, etc.

A thorough physical examination is then performed, followed by a myofascial evaluation, musculoskeletal exam and gait analysis.

Rehabilitation treatment plans are tailored individually to your pet, and appropriate treatments will be performed at the initial visit. You will be given a recommended schedule for follow-up visits based on the recommended time intervals needed for treatments. Due to variance in patient size and diagnosis, these treatment time recommendations will vary. You may also be sent home with a home treatment plan and recommended therapies for you to perform at home in between follow-up visits.

After the first treatment, your pet may experience a short period of lethargy, soreness, or change in behavior, which typically resolves after up to 72 hours. Please report any changes you would like to discuss!

How often should I schedule visits?

While every patient is different, most patients are seen 1-2 times weekly for the first 6-8 weeks, depending on the problem/diagnosis. There may not be a noticeable physical change within the first 1-3 visits. For more chronic conditions, these visits are then tapered to every few weeks until a long term monthly “maintenance” schedule can be achieved. It is not advised to only schedule monthly visits in the beginning of treatment, as this may result in minimal response.