Small animal post-operative orthopaedic rehabilitation

Abstract

In the human medical world, post-operative rehabilitation is imperative to the successful outcome of the orthopaedic surgery patient. Rehabilitation of the canine patient is now also becoming recognized as an important facet of veterinary medicine. Rehabilitation may be provided by a variety of animal health professionals including animal physiotherapists, veterinarians and veterinary nurses. While having a qualified animal physiotherapist on site to oversee the rehabilitation of all patients is desirable, it is not always possible and treatment is often administered by veterinary nurses. This article outlines the aims of rehabilitation following orthopaedic surgery, when to commence therapy, appropriate selection, administration and monitoring of treatment techniques, contraindications and when to refer on to a qualified animal physiotherapist or back to the referring veterinarian.