Rehabilitation Services

Provided by Deb McNab, DVM, CCRP* and Lora Bode, CVT, CCRP
*Certification pending

We will provide a therapeutic program designed specifically for your pet's needs.   A referral and a thorough physical examination from your veterinarian are needed to provide the most appropriate therapy for your pet's needs.  Our high traction rubber floor will accommodate guests that are wobbly on their feet and may need extra stability.

Sporting Dogs

Preventing injury is important in the canine athlete.  We can offer a variety of conditioning programs designed to increase strength and balance.  Dogs that participate in agility, racing, hunting, and other competitions can all benefit from muscle strengthening all year long.  Exercise underwater can provide resistance while supporting joints and muscles to prevent strain and injury.

Exercise Program

Inclement weather commonly deters us from our daily walks with our pets.  We can offer exercise routines that vary from low to high workloads dependent on the activity level of the dog.  Exercise in combination with a modified feeding program also provides an excellent weight reduction plan.  Decreased mobility is also commonly seen in our older pets.  We can provide treatments that reduce pain and increase mobility in a controlled environment while avoiding excessive stress on joints and the cardiovascular system.

Post-Operative Care

Rehabilitation following surgery or injury is just as important in dogs as it is in humans.  Simple techniques such as icing and range of motion exercises are used early in recovery and later we provide other therapeutic and aquatic modalities.

Therapies available:

• Owner education and home therapies
• Therapeutic exercise programs
• Muscle strengthening
• Balance enhancement
• Joint range of motion
• Therapeutic ultrasound
• Hydrotherapy
• 18x50 ft heated swimming pool
• FERNO canine underwater treadmill

The water provides buoyancy so that sore muscles and joints do not have to bear full weight.  The heated water increases blood circulation to aid in the healing process of tissue.  The resistance of the water increases muscle tone and active joint range of motion.

Benefits of Rehabilitation

• Improves muscle strength, flexibility and endurance
• Increased rate of healing and decreased scar tissue formation
• Increase in joint mobility
• Reduces pain, swelling and complications
• Early return to normal function
• Improve and prolong the quality of life of geriatric patients
• Improved cardiovascular health
• Minimize the use of medication

 

 

Please call for more information and pricing

*Veterinarian referral is required*

 

 

 

Mollie, our 4 year old Springer Spaniel had TPLO corrective surgery December 2, 2008 at the Iowa State University.  The recuperating process was slow at home.  Daily we could tell her muscle mass was not improving as well as we hoped.  We could only provide limited exercise with her, with our work schedules.  Mollie’s leg was very weak so we didn’t know how much to push her.  We wanted to make her recuperation safe, constructive and get her back to full health as quickly as possibly so in January, we visited The Paw.  We toured the facility and talked with Lora Bode, CVT, CCRP Program Director of the Rehabilitation Services of The PAW in Mankato.  Lora developed a rehabilitative program for Mollie that would strengthen the muscles in her right rear leg. She also worked with our local vet keeping them apprised of Mollie’s progress.  Mollie’s disposition improved once she started her sessions.  She was getting the right kind and amount of exercise so she was more apt to be calm and social at home.  We have been extremely pleased with Mollie’s progress after 6 weeks, twice a week sessions.  After every session, we could see improvement and could tell she was getting the best of care.  We’ve opted for additional weekly sessions for a few more weeks to keep her progress steady.  This fall, to condition her for hunting, we plan to add to her conditioning, a stint in hydrotherapy or whatever regimen Lora may recommend.  I know that having the Paw here in Mankato and offering all the comprehensive services they do, made all the difference in Mollie’s recovery.  It was rewarding and a pleasure working with Lora.  Personnel were always attentive and congenial. This has proven to be the right decision for Mollie and us.  We feel so fortunate to have a facility as, The Paw, in Mankato and the caring people that cater to our best friends.  Thank you. 

Ron and Terrie Reed, Mankato MN

Mollie