"Getting appropriate treatment after injury speeds the healing process, restores function and improves performance." Cutting Edge K9 Rehab offers complete rehab services onsite at local Vet offices and specialty hospitals.

FACT: As soon as trauma occurs (by injury or surgery) muscles "shut off" and begin to atrophy.

THE RESULT: Loss of control of the joints and muscles, increased swelling due to lack of movement, stiffness of the muscles and tendons; restricted motion. All of these increase the risk of further injury.

Cutting Edge K9 Rehab incorporates a team approach which includes:

•   Close interaction with the primary care veterinarian (with emphasis on preventive medicine).
•   Follow up care with board certified specialists (including early post-op intervention through extended rehab and return to regular activities/sports activities) All PT services are under the supervision of a veterinarian.
•   Referrals to practitioners of acupuncture, chiropractic, nutrition and positive training programs .
•   Recommendations for pet sitting, dog walking and animal specialty products/services.

Working together we combine the latest advancements in technology and knowledge to bring healthcare for animals to a new level.

COMMON CONDITIONS:

• NEUROGICAL (partial or complete paralysis) due to:
• Disc herniation--- post-surgery dorsal laminectomy or Ventral slot decompression 
• Fibrocartiligenous embolism (FCE) /stroke
• Degenerative Myelopathy
• ORTHOPEDIC
• ; Hip and Elbow Dysplasia; Femoral Head Osteotomy (FHO) , Total Hip Replacement (THR); Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO)
• Cruciate ligament tear/rupture (CCL Tear);  tibial plateau leveling osteotomy(TPLO) ;  tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA)/ extracapsular repair
• Patellar Luxation
• OBESITY ** ARTHRITIS/ Senior citizens ** Pre and Post Surgical Conditioning

Our Services Include:

  Modalities: Electric Stimulation, Ultrasound and Massage

Electric Stimulation can be used for pain reduction, muscle re-education and/or healing.There are a few different types of electric stimulation: A TENS unit is used for pain relief.

Neuromuscular Electric Stimulation (NMES) elicits an active muscle contraction at the electrode sites which exercises the muscles. It stimulates the neurological pathway to give the brain feedback that a paralyzed or weak muscle is still there ready to do its job.

Micro- stim promotes and accelerates the healing process for muscle, tendon and bone. MIcro- stim is produces the same benefits as laser therapy.

Ultrasound is a form of deep heat that promotes healing of the tissue and can also assist in breaking down scar tissue.

Massage can be done superficially or deeply into the muscles. Superficially, It is used for general increased circulation and feeling of well-being. Deep tissue massage actually gets into the muscle and releases the tension or spasm. Massage increases circulation, restores balance of muscle groups , reduces pain and inflammation, muscle stiffness and stress. Combining massage with stretching is most beneficial and we can teach these techniques to the dog owner.

Physical Therapists are also trained to do mobilization of the joints and spine. These techniques are gentle and small movements. It can be demonstrated on you before your dog receives treatment so you will understand what your dog will be feeling.

All of these modalities are offered on site at Veterinary offices

  Underwater Treadmill

We find the underwater treadmill very helpful in regulating the pace of a dogs gait. We vary the speed throughout the workout making it more or less challenging for the dog. The smaller breeds do EVERYTHING fast; the treadmill forces them to slow down.

Many of the orthopedic surgeons suggest the underwater treadmill for the early stages of rehab after knee surgery.

We can control the amount of weight bearing by varying the level of the water.

  Home Exercise Programs; Core and Propriocetive exercises

Bosu balls, Pnut balls and physioballs offer balance, core and fast twitch muscle exercises.

We offer one-on-one home programs for the dog's specific needs such as stretching, massage and specific exercises.

  Cart, Splint and other Equipment Measurement, fitting and Instruction

We offer measuring and fitting of carts, splints and other assistive devices. We can work with you and your dog during the learning phase of introducing new equipment to them.

  Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy has been well respected in the medical community for many years. Today the benefit of rehabilitation for animals is becoming increasingly recognized.

Physical Therapists evaluate and treat orthopedic, neurological and cardiovascular conditions focusing on physical methods rather than drugs. They specialize in soft tissue dysfunction, muscle imbalances, biomechanics, physiology and kinesiology.

Additional training in animal physical therapy has been available in the past 18-20 years. These courses are offered together by Physical Therapists and Veterinarians with an emphasis on comparative anatomy and physiology, animal behavior and evaluation protocols specific to the animal population.

Since there are no Animal Physical Therapy degree programs at this time, the laws do not cover all legal formalities. Although there are a few "Certification Programs" in Animal Rehabilitation to address these issues, there are no legal gains by the physical therapy professional completing these programs. We believe that this additional coursework is extremely beneficial and necessary and should be acknowledged by the Physical Therapy/Veterinarian Board Associations.

No one (Veterinarian/Vet-Tech/ swim therapist) can legally state they are providing Physical Therapy unless they are a LICENSED Physical Therapist. To obtain licensure a Physical Therapist must obtain a doctorate in physical therapy and passed state and national board examinations.

Vet tech's and Veterinarian programs currently do not cover Physical Therapy in their curriculum.  

Please note: Certification in animal rehabilatation (which is offered only to Veterinary and Physical Therapy professionals through two programs in the U.S. ) is TOTALLY different than a "certification" in swim therapy/other k9 training which have no requirements as far as education; high school or further. People who offer "swim therapy" that say they are certified may have attended a few weekend courses. They have no medical or physcial therapy training and should not attempt to work with any medical cases.

Be advised to check the credentials of anyone you are researching to assist in rehab for your animal.

Using the words "Physical Therapy" in conjunction with animal healthcare is not acceptable within the legal boundaries of the Physical Therapy Practice Laws at this time.

10 month old Willie, has severe hip and elbow dysplasia.
Before swimming, Willie had difficulty climbing stairs, playing/socializingand even walking.

With weekly "Swims", Willie can now do the things that were difficult for him before.