Canine Rehabilitation

Dr. Bangle’s interest in canine physical rehabilitation stems from his desire to learn all he can about exercise physiology and mechanisms of recovery. He became determined to pursue training in this area after once having a 15 year old Chocolate lab, Emily, who was diagnosed with debilitating arthritis. He felt more could have been done to improve her quality of life. He also owned a Dachshund, Lucy, who had a diagnosis of an acute neurological condition that proper rehabilitation could have assisted in recovery.

Dr. Bangle is a member of the AVMA, GVMA, and has completed course work from the University Of Tennessee College Of Veterinary Medicine in Canine Rehabilitation.

The below video shows a short clip from a hydrotherapy session.

Veterinary medicine’s involvement in rehabilitation services is a relatively new approach addressing the physical limitations placed on patients as a result of injuries, arthritis, acute or chronic pain, trauma, surgeries, obesity and debilitating muscular and neurological conditions. These medical conditions until recently have not totally been addressed by the veterinary profession and we now know that many of these conditions can be effectively treated better than before, thereby increasing your pet’s quality of life and perhaps even longevity. The key concept for the veterinary profession is to provide the absolute best standard of care for our patients.

Oconee Veterinary Hospital will provide your pet an individually tailored program that will attempt to maximize your pet’s quality of life.

Does your pet need physical rehabilitation?

If your pet has any of the following symptoms, you should consider physical rehabilition…

  • Acute or chronic pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Recently had surgery for an orthopedic or neurological conditions
  • Recently had an injury
  • Been diagnosed with obesity, thyroid disease, diabetes or Cushing’s disease
  • Appears weakened or debilitated
  • Needs ambulatory assistance
  • Needs general fitness conditioning
  • Hip Dysplasia

Dog Arthritis Rehab

Services and Benefits of Therapy

Hydrotherapy

  • Non impact
  • Improves Cardiovascular Fitness
  • Earliest Post Operative Start to Rehabilitation
  • Accelerates Muscle Development and Strength
  • Improves Range of Motion
  • Decreases Swelling and Increasing Circulation
  • Decreases Pain

Passive range of motion

  • Increases Range of Motion
  • Helps Prevent Joint Contraction
  • Improves Circulation
  • Reduces Pain

Cryotherapy

  • Pain Relief
  • Reduces Inflammation and Muscle Spasms

Heat Therapy

  • Improves Flexibility and Circulation
  • Provides Relaxation

Rehabilitation Exercise

  • Muscle Reeducation and Strengthening
  • Pain Relief
  • Aids in Healing
  • Increases Range of Motion and Improves Cardiovascular Fitness