What is rehabilitation?
The human equivalent is physical therapy. People typically go to physical therapy following injury, illness, disease or surgery to help promote the healing process and to return to optimum function. Dogs can benefit from rehabilitation in much the same way. Animal rehabilitation treats animals with dysfunction, injury, pain or physical abnormalities through the application of physics, biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, and psychology. Treatment techniques include modalities ice, heat, electrical stimulation, laser, massage, therapeutic exercise and Hydrotherapy (aquatic therapy) and much more. Animal rehabilitation can make a real difference in the lives of all animals.
****These services are not meant to replace your regular veterinary care. We do not diagnose, treat or prescribe ****
Do I need a referral from my veterinarian for rehabilitation?
Yes, we require a written informed consent from your Primary Veterinarian prior to any rehabilitation service(s). If you are looking for recreational hydrotherapy for fitness or fun, we ask that you speak to your Primary Veterinarian to ensure that your pet is healthy enough to participate. Veterinary informed consent form click here
What should I bring with me for this initial evaluation?
Please bring a copy of your pet’s current vaccination certificate, referral from your Primary Veterinarian (if applicable), a list of current diet, supplements and medication prescribed by your Veterinarian and any special treats or toys. We will supply towels, treats and a rewarding experience for your animal.
What happens during the initial evaluation?
During your initial visit, we will ask you relevant medical questions and will perform a thorough physical examination of your pet including evaluating gait (walking), range of motion and mobility, strength and evaluate if and where your pet is painful. From this information we will create an individualised rehabilitation programme for your companion. This may also include a written, at home exercise plan.
What is the cost?
Our costs vary depending on the type of injury and intensiveness of the treatment required. The initial visit generally last 60 – 90 minutes and cost $100.00. This initial visit includes an evaluation, treatment and the development of both an at home and in clinic exercise plan.
Subsequent visits are between 30 – 45 minutes depending on the number of modalities used.
Initial Consultation $100.00
Hydrotherapy session $45.00
Laser therapy session $35.00
Therapeutic Exercises session $45.00
Multi-modality packages are available upon request.
We accept cash and eftpos (no credit card facilitates available sorry).
Should you be covered by Pet Insurance, we are happy to provide receipts of your visits. Please contact your Insurer before booking an appointment to confirm policy coverage.
How frequently will I need to bring my pet in?
The frequency of sessions depends on the type of illness or injury your pet has sustained and where they are at for their recovery. This also depends on how often you are able to come in for treatments and how much you are able to conduct at home if this is part of the treatment plan. When you come in for your initial evaluation the rehabilitation practitioner in collaboration with the Owner and the Primary Veterinarian will come up with a treatment plan that will fit into everyone’s lifestyle.
How do I know if my dog needs rehabilitation?
Many animals can benefit from rehabilitation services. Similar to human conditions rehabilitation in the animal’s world is conducted after an injury or surgery, for any type of pain or dysfunction. Animals can benefit from rehabilitation services if they have neurological injuries such as strokes (FCE), sprains, strains and fractures. There are rehabilitation treatments to assist in healing wounds and help our senior pets with the effects of aging (osteoarthritis).
Some of the conditions commonly treated with rehabilitation services:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia;
- Spinal conditions – Fibrocartilagenous Emboli (FCE), Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) and IVDD;
- Post-surgical conditions both neurological and orthopedic;
One of the most common injuries – CCL (or ACL in humans);
- Athletic injuries and muscle conditions such as strains;
- Post fracture management;
- Weight Loss.
If you are unsure, please give us a ring on 0 ARC 4REHAB (0272 473422) or email us at arc4rehab@gmail.com
Animal Rehabilitation Centre 