Frequently Asked Questions

Do you perform radiographs, labwork or other wellness services? 

We do not have the capability to perform radiographs or lab work, and do not perform any wellness services including euthanasia. We do have an in-house pharmacy that focuses on pain management, and will refer patients back to their primary care veterinarian for lab monitoring or additional diagnostics as needed.  

What is physical rehabilitation therapy for dogs and cats?

Physical rehabilitation therapy is a type of treatment that aims to improve mobility, strength, and function in dogs and cats similar to human physical therapy. It involves various techniques such as exercises, massage, hydrotherapy, and electrotherapy to aid in recovery after injury, surgery, or illness. 

What conditions can physical rehabilitation therapy treat in dogs and cats? 

Physical rehabilitation therapy can be used to treat a range of conditions such as orthopedic injuries, neurological disorders, osteoarthritis, obesity, and chronic pain. It can also aid in recovery after surgery or illness. 

Surgeries:

  • Orthopedic surgeries (e.g. cruciate ligament repair, fracture repair, patellar luxation correction, FHO, total hip replacement)

  • Spinal surgeries (e.g. disc herniation, spinal stabilization)

  • Amputations

  • Soft tissue surgeries (e.g. abdominal surgery, tumor removal)

Injuries:

  • Sprains and strains (e.g. iliopsoas strains)

  • Muscle tears and injuries (e.g. medial shoulder syndrome)

  • Tendon / Ligament injuries (e.g. cranial cruciate ligament rupture, tendonitis)

  • Fractures

  • Spinal cord injuries

  • Nerve injuries

Chronic conditions:

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Hip dysplasia

  • Elbow dysplasia

  • Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)

  • Degenerative myelopathy

  • Neurological conditions (e.g. vestibular disease, Wobbler syndrome)

  • Obesity

How do I determine if a dog or cat is a good candidate for physical rehabilitation therapy? 

A thorough evaluation should be performed to determine if a dog or cat is a good candidate for physical rehabilitation therapy. This includes assessing the animal's medical history, current condition, and mobility. A veterinarian with experience in physical rehabilitation therapy can perform the evaluation and determine if the animal would benefit from treatment. 

What types of exercises are used in physical rehabilitation therapy? 

The types of exercises used in physical rehabilitation therapy can vary depending on the animal's condition and goals of treatment. They can include range of motion exercises, balance and coordination exercises, strength and endurance training, and agility training. 

What is hydrotherapy and how is it used in physical rehabilitation therapy?

Hydrotherapy is a type of therapy that involves exercising in water. It can be used in physical rehabilitation therapy to reduce weight-bearing stress on joints and promote muscle strength and endurance. Hydrotherapy can be done in a pool or underwater treadmill. Here at RVM we have an underwater treadmill.

Can physical rehabilitation therapy be used in geriatric dogs and cats? 

Yes, physical rehabilitation therapy can be beneficial for geriatric dogs and cats to improve their mobility and quality of life. It can help manage conditions such as arthritis and age-related muscle loss.  

Is physical rehabilitation therapy painful for dogs and cats? 

Physical rehabilitation therapy should not be painful for dogs and cats. In fact, it should be a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Techniques should be modified to ensure that the animal is not experiencing discomfort during treatment.

How long does physical rehabilitation therapy treatment last?

The length of physical rehabilitation therapy treatment can vary depending on the animal's condition and goals of treatment. Treatment can range from a few sessions to several months. Regular follow-up evaluations should be performed to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.  

Can physical rehabilitation therapy be performed at home? 

We prescribe physical rehabilitation therapy exercises to be performed at home under the guidance of a certified veterinarian or rehab therapist. Home exercise programs are always a part of a therapy plan even when patients are getting in clinic therapies. We utilize a platform created for human physical therapy plans modified for animal physical rehabilitation so ensure the client is properly educated on how to perform the therapeutic home exercises.

What should I do if I have more questions? 

We do not require a referral. Please visit our Services for more information, email us at info@rvmga.com, or call us at (770) 884-2227. Additionally, you can visit our social media @rvm.ga for a glimpse of what we do every day.