When pets are sick, in addition to good treatment, one thing that should not be overlooked is aftercare, which is equally important, especially physical therapy, which is quite important and related to treatment in many ways. Many people think that after treatment, the symptoms will gradually improve, so what is there to be afraid of? But let me tell you that in reality, the way to make pets live happily again is to restore their physical condition after illness.
What types of pets need physical therapy?
- Animals with injuries or damage to bones and joints
- Animals with nerve damage
- Paralyzed animals
- Animals that need to control their weight or lose weight
There are two methods of physical therapy for dogs.
1. Physical therapy using equipment must be performed only at an animal hospital.
- Using a balance board or standing on a ball
To increase muscle strength, helping the dog regain use of its legs more quickly.
- The use of light waves and sound waves
To relieve inflammation, reduce pain and help restore tissues to normal more quickly.
- Electrical stimulation
To help maintain and increase leg muscle mass.
- Using an underwater treadmill
This procedure is delicate and complex and should be performed by a veterinarian who is caring for the dog in physical therapy.
2. Simple physical therapy without equipment that can be done at home.
- Massage
To increase blood circulation, relax muscles, and relieve pain.
- Warm compresses and cold compresses
To relieve inflammation and reduce pain.
- Leg extension and contraction in a lying position
To help reduce pain, increase blood and fluid circulation in the joints.
- Walking, running or walking up and down stairs
To increase leg weight bearing
- Simple obstacle crossing bets
To increase muscle strength
Many of these methods can be done at home, but the owner’s choice of which method to use is at the discretion of the attending veterinarian, as the methods have different suitability for use.
Benefits of Physical Therapy in Pets
Dr. Thitikorn Eksiritrairat (Dr. Sun), a veterinarian in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Internal Medicine at Talingchan Animal Hospital, shared his knowledge that “Physical therapy is considered a way to help improve the quality of life of pets, and is a very important method for treating sick animals, such as reducing pain, helping with weight control, reducing obesity, and helping with muscle mass. However, the success of the treatment depends on the consistency of physical therapy because it takes time.”
Physical therapy usually takes a long time to treat, and to see good results, it depends on the dog owner's cooperation in doing physical therapy at home, along with continuing physical therapy at the animal hospital. For families whose four-legged children need physical therapy, they must be patient and determined. Remember that it is for the long-term health of the child, rather than bringing them in for treatment too often.
References
Dr. Thitikorn Eksiritrairat (Dr. Sun), veterinarian, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Department of Internal Medicine, Taling Chan Animal Hospital
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