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Joseph M. Prostredny
DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS*, CCRT*
Krista L. Evans
DVM, Diplomate ACVS, CCRT
Daren M. Roa
DVM, Diplomate ACVS
Anne C. Minihan
DVM, Diplomate ACVS
Richard C. Burgess
BVM&S*, MS, Diplomate ACVS & ECVS*, MRCVS*
F. Robert Weeren
DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS
Sean P. Kennedy
DVM, Diplomate ACVS
Brendan B. Anders
DVM, Diplomate ACVS
*ACVS - American College of Veterinary
Surgeons
*CCRT - Certified Canine Rehabilitation
Therapist
*BVM&S - Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine
& Surgery
*ECVS - European College of Veterinary
Surgeons
*MRCVS - Member of the Royal College of
Veterinary Surgeons |
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- All previous issues of our newsletters are conveniently located on our website for your reference.
- CVRC's 2nd Annual Awesome Vet Tech Conference will be held on 10/9/11 at Ruth's Chris in Pikesville. For more information contact Kim at kandgall@gmail.com
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Underwater Treadmill |
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Canine Rehabilitation | |
The benefits of rehabilitation are rapidly gaining recognition in veterinary medicine around the world. Clients and referring veterinarians are frequently requesting this service for their pets, especially if they have experienced physical therapy themselves.
Veterinary physiotherapy is a fascinating and emerging discipline that allows collaboration between physical therapists and veterinarians in a new and exciting manner. Physical therapists provide a wealth of experience in the application of treatment modalities, while veterinarians are uniquely qualified to interpret canine behavior and generate a list of differential diagnoses.
Who can be a canine rehabilitation therapist?
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"Cali" learning to exercise on the Physioball for increased core strength & balance |
Both veterinarians and human physical therapists can become certified in canine rehabilitation through courses offered at the University of Tennessee or the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. Human physical therapists and veterinarians receive the same certification. At the University of Tennessee the certification received is "CCRP" -Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner. At the Canine Rehabilitation Institute the certification for therapists and veterinarians is "CCRT"-Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist.
Certified veterinary technicians and therapy assistants can also become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioners or "CCRPs" at the University of Tennessee or Certified Canine Rehabilitation Assistants or "CCRAs" at the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. Both canine rehabilitation courses encourage these professions to work together, even though many of the state legislatures do not yet support this collaboration. Other animals can receive physical rehabilitation therapy, but the teaching programs are geared towards dogs and horses.
What does a canine rehabilitation therapist do?
A canine rehabilitation therapist that is a veterinarian may diagnose and treat sprains, strains, and neurological and orthopedic conditions. A canine rehabilitation therapist that is a physical therapist can diagnosis and treat similar conditions in collaboration with a veterinarian. Certified veterinary technicians that have received training in canine rehabilitation can help plan and execute treatment plans in the state of Maryland.
During the initial assessment by a canine rehabilitation therapist or practitioner, full orthopedic and neurological physical exams are performed. If the patient is referred for a specific problem diagnosed by a veterinarian, the therapist still needs to assess the entire patient for other muscle strains, ligament strains, or other problems that may be secondary to the primary diagnosis or post-operative problem. Once a complete diagnosis is made, the therapist creates a treatment plan. Treatment plans can involve exercises both at the hospital and at home. A variety of therapeutic modalities such as cryotherapy, heat therapy, laser therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, joint manipulation, transcutaneous electrical muscle stimulation, pulse magnetic field therapy, and hydrotherapy may also be beneficial. Therapy may be for a few weeks or several months depending on the diagnosis and the patient's response.
Rehabilitation at CVSS
We have been seeing patients for rehabilitation at Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists for the past three years. Currently Dr. Krista Evans, Dr. Prostredny, Diana Huey, RVT, CCRA and Juliana Frenkil, RVT, CCRA have completed the necessary training and received their rehabilitation certification. Our team is rounded out by Chris Allyn Fritsch, M.Ed, ATC, PT, CCRP who joined us in 2010 and sees patients in our Annapolis office. We offer therapeutic exercises, neuroelectrical stimulation, laser therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, and pulse magnetic field therapy. We also offer hydrotherapy appointments near our Annapolis office. Our underwater treadmill is located just 5 minutes from our Annapolis location at the Canine Fitness Center, where we also have use of their two indoor swimming pools. We expect to be able to offer hydrotherapy in the Towson area in the near future.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have about canine rehabilitation! |
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