770-469-0023

1975 Glenn Club Drive
Stone Mountain, GA 30087

When to Refer

Referring at the appropriate time is critical to getting the maximum benefit from physical rehabilitation.

Post-Operative Rehabilitation

It is important for most patients to begin rehabilitation as soon as possible after surgery. For most surgeries this means that rehabilitation should be started within 2 Weeks. This includes surgeries, such as TPLOs, where there is hardware present. Caring Canine's 3 Certified Rehabilitation Practitioners are trained to understand the healing process of tissues and they will progress the patient appropriately, without risking undue stress to the surgical site.

Initial post-operative treatments are gentle and are geared toward enhancing healing and reducing risks of post-op complication. Initial treatments may include things such as range of motion exercises, ultrasound and electrical stimulation for the relief of pain and swelling, and owner education.

As the animal begins to heal, rehabilitation will take a more active course. These more active treatments may include balance and proprioceptive exercises, resistance training in the forms of weights and latex tubing, walking activities, and hydrotherapy to maximize strength and endurance.

Don't wait to refer. Problems such as excessive scarring, decreased range of motion, muscle atrophy, and gait abnormalities stemming from chronic pain can set in in as little as 2 weeks post-op. Once these changes occur, not only does this increase the length of time required for rehabilitation, but also the animal may not have as successful an outcome as the animal should have from the surgery.

If you have questions about referring a patient to Caring Canine Rehabilitation, please call us at 770-469-0023.

Pre-Operative Rehabilitation

In cases where an animal is in poor condition or overweight, it may be appropriate to have them do some Pre-Operative Rehabilitation in order to make them a better surgical candidate. Please call us at 770-469-0023 to discuss the case, and to determine whether this may be an option for your patient.

Rehabilitative Intervention for Non-Operative Cases

Arthritis, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and obesity with deconditioning are just some of the non-operative cases that may be improved through rehabilitative intervention. Please call us at 770-469-0023 to discuss the case, and to determine whether this may be an option for your patient.

Conditioning for Pets

If you have a patient who could benefit from an increase in exercise, you may want to consider referring them for exercise in the underwater treadmill. This fun activity is great exercise that can be done with or without the owner present. Even animals who don't like to swim enjoy the underwater treadmill.

Boarding for Special Needs Pets

We offer a hospitilization option, with with special runs for high need, and non-ambulatory patients. This may be especially beneficial if your client is not able to adequately supervise their pet following surgery, or if your client lives too far away to easily get their animal to us for regular treatment. Please click here for more information about boarding.