REHABILITATION AND YOUR HOUND
The importance of rehabilitation whether being treated conservatively or surgically has proven to be paramount in a dachshund’s rehabilitation and future well-being following an IVDD event.
MODALITIES
There are many and varied modalities associated with Canine Rehabilitation, particularly when it comes to IVDD. Each one plays a role in the recovery process. To name a few –
- Physiotherapy
- Massage
- Acupuncture
- Hydrotherapy
- Laser Therapy
- Bowen Therapy
REHABILITATION BENEFITS
1. Improved Recovery: Rehabilitation can help Dachshunds recover from IVDD-related surgeries or conservative treatments more quickly and effectively. It can improve muscle strength, joint flexibility, and overall mobility.
2. Pain Management: Rehabilitation techniques such as hydrotherapy, massage, and laser therapy can help manage pain associated with IVDD, reducing the need for medication.
3. Prevention of Recurrence: Rehabilitation can help strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, which may reduce the risk of future IVDD episodes.
4. Improved Quality of Life: By improving mobility and reducing pain, rehabilitation can significantly improve the quality of life for Dachshunds with IVDD, allowing them to lead more active and comfortable lives.
5. Education and Support: Canine rehabilitation professionals can provide owners with valuable education and support, helping them better understand the condition and how to care for their Dachshunds at home.
WHERE TO START
Surgical
We cannot emphasise enough the importance after surgery that you discuss with your vet specialist an immediate referral to a rehabilitation facility. The sooner the better normally recommended within a week after discharge as you must be shown how to do the gentle exercises required to ensure you are doing the physio correctly so that muscle wastage is kept to a minimum during the crate rest period. Once you are shown this you can then assist your dog at home during the healing process without losing too much strength.
Conservative
When treating your dog conservatively rehabilitation is also extremely important, however, it’s best to discuss your dog’s need with your vet/specialist or a qualified therapist as every dog and case is different when it comes to conservative treatment. As a guide, in the early days, gentle passive modalities may be helpful eg: acupuncture and laser.
Overall, canine rehabilitation can play a vital role in the holistic care of Dachshunds with IVDD, helping them recover, manage pain, and improve their overall well-being.
Most Specialists will provide owners with a list of Qualified rehabilitation providers upon discharge. If they don’t ask them for a list of their recommended practitioners.
PRACTITIONER OVERVIEW IN AUSTRALIA
In Australia, the qualifications required to practice canine rehabilitation vary depending on the modality. Here is a general overview:
1. **Physical Therapy**: To practice physical therapy on dogs, you typically need a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Science or Veterinary Technology, followed by additional certification or training in canine rehabilitation.
2. **Massage Therapy**: Certification in canine massage therapy from a reputable program is typically required. Some programs may have prerequisites such as a background in human massage therapy or veterinary medicine.
3. **Acupuncture**: To practice acupuncture on dogs, you generally need to be a qualified veterinarian with additional training and certification in veterinary acupuncture.
4. **Hydrotherapy**: Qualifications for hydrotherapy can vary, but they often include certification in canine hydrotherapy from a recognised program. Some programs may require a background in veterinary medicine or physical therapy.
5. **Chiropractic Care**: To practice chiropractic care on dogs, you typically need to be a qualified veterinarian or chiropractor with additional training and certification in animal chiropractic care.
It’s important to note that specific requirements may vary by state or territory in Australia, so it’s advisable to check with the relevant regulatory body or association for the most up-to-date information.
LIST OF ALLIED THERAPISTS AUSTRALIA WIDE
DISA has curated this list of allied therapists to aid owners during their IVDD journey. While we endeavour to maintain its accuracy, we also recommend checking online search engines for the most up-to-date information in your area.
Australia Wide Links
Name | Website |
---|---|
Australian Physiotherapy Association | Find a physiotherapist |
Animal Biomechanical Professionals Australia (ABPA) | Search for practitioner |
Australian Canine Rehabilitation Association | Search for a practitioner |
ACT
NSW
Location | Name | Phone | Contact |
---|---|---|---|
Camden | Animal Holistic Therapies Neil Barnsley B. App Sc. TCM (AU), Grad Dip. Vet Ac. (China), CVCP (USA) | 02 4655 8151 | Website |
Warners Bay | Dr Caroline Hoetzer ZenVet Holistic Therapies | 0483 874 701 | Website |
North Ryde Western Sydney Central Coast | SASH Physiotherapy Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation department | Website |
QLD
Location | Name | Phone | Contact |
---|---|---|---|
Sunshine Coast & Brisbane | OPTIMA Animal Physio Katrinka Geelen BHSC (OT) Cert VN BHSC (PT) PG Dip (Vet Pty) MSc (Vet Pty) | 0422 764 680 | Website |
Sunshine Coast Housecall Service | Katherine Apel BVsC Cert. Vet Acupuncture (IVAS) Grad.Dip Animal Chiropractic Muscle Release Therapist | 0418 725 571 | |
Underwood | Animal Physio Solutions Lindsay Connell Qualified Human Physiotherapist Masters in Animal Physiotherapy | 0403 970 675 | Website |
Brisbane & Gold Coast | Peak Performance Animal Physiotherapy Sandra Sharpe Physiotherapist - BPhty BEx Sci Msc Vet Phty | 0415 219 566 | Facebook Page |
Sunshine Coast | Holistic Animal Physiotherapy Brooke Williams BPhty, MAnimSt) Member APA, MACP, MANZAVPA Certificate in Veterinary Acupuncture (CIVT) Diploma Equine Acupuncture (Australian College of Eastern Medicine) | 0408 022 660 | Website |
Metropolitan Brisbane Housecall Service | The Mobility Vet Dr Jennifer Day BVSc (Hons) Grad Dip Amin Chiro IVAS Cert | 0407 749 229 | Website |
Tamborine Village (45 mins Brisbane CBD) | Balance Veterinary Care Dr Steve Denley BVSc CVA Grad Dip ABM | 0431 263 728 | Website |
Paddington - Brisbane | The Acupuncture Vet Dr Alison Shen BVSc (hons) CVA (IVAS) Cert CICR (CIVT) Fear Free cert | 0457 517 474 | Website |
TAS
VIC
Location | Name | Phone | Contact |
---|---|---|---|
Ballarat East | Fido Hydro | 0448 744 558 | Website |
Central Victoria Guildford | Central Victorian Veterinary Acupuncture Dr Alan Clark | 0408 509 405 | Facebook Page |
Heathcote | Pawsitive Healing Una Pianta Qualifications | 0400 203 053 | Website |
Highett | Dogs in Motion Canine Rehabilitation Meet the team | T: 03 9553 0896 M: 0448 885 561 | Website |
Kensington South Geelong | Melbourne Animal Physiotherapy Meet the team | 03 7043 1111 | Website |
Malvern East | Aurora The Vet Nurse | 0437 002 020 | Facebook Page |
Mornington | Animal Rehabilitation Centre Meet the team | 03 5976 1069 | Website |
Somerville | Aquapaws Canine Rehabilition & Fitness Qualified animal physiotherapist, internationally qualified hydrotherapy/rehab therapist with nearly 20 years of experience and a Veterinary acupuncturist. They also have a specialised boarding facility for post operative cases and also if owners need some respite care for their IVDD dogs. They are the 2nd oldest clinic in Australia and also manufacture Australian made dog wheelchairs and other mobility aids. | (03) 59 77 88 41 | Website |
WA
Location | Name | Phone | Contact |
---|---|---|---|
Canning Vale | Holistic Pet Vet Dr Neal Loh BSc BVMS CVA CVCH CVFT | Contact | Website |
Inglewood | Your Pet's Vet Inglewood Dr Anne Rainbow BSc.BVMS | 08 9271 3671 | Website |
Perth | Hydro Hounds / Sophie Whitelock | 0498 811 610 | Website |
Perth - Bibra Lake | Physio for Pets | 0498 811 610 | Website |
Perth | Vogue Vets & Wellness Centre | 08 6323 2916 | Website |