- By Betty Hegarty
- Around Town
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Winnie's Wags and TalesMy name is Winnie. I’m an 8 year-old Bassett hound. Betty Hegarty owns me. As you may recall, last week’s article was the first of three on Animal Physical Therapy. A lot of people don’t know what Animal Physical Therapy is or how it might help your pet. My dog friend, Buddy, had physical therapy after his operation for degenerative disc disease in his back. I learned from watching Buddy regain his mobility that physical therapy really works.Today we’ll learn about what happened to another dog that needed physical therapy, a white tail deer that needed it, and even a tortoise. I was very surprised to learn that all animals can benefit from physical therapy, even tortoises.
Again, thanks to Lin McGonagle, MSPT, LVT, who is the head of the Animal Physical Department at Colonial Veterinary Hospital in Ithaca. She was interviewed several times for this series of articles and kindly gave us much time and important information about Animal Physical Therapy.
WHAT TOOLS DOES A PHYSICAL THERAPIST USE FOR ANIMAL PHYSICAL THERAPY?
Last week we talked about what physical therapy is. We learned that it is NOT a replacement for your veterinarian. Rather, animal physical therapists work in collaboration with veterinarians and use a TEAM APPROACH for examination and intervention. We also learned when physical therapists can be used to help your pet, what conditions your pet has which may be helped by physical therapy, and the benefits of physical therapy.
Before we review today’s case studies, which show just how physical therapy helped other animals, it is helpful to learn some of the methods or instruments that physical therapists might use when your pet receives physical therapy. They include:
Massage; manual therapy, including joint mobilization and manipulation; range of motion and stretching; gait training; individualized conditioning and strengthening programs; hydrotherapy (water therapy); magnetic field therapy; adaptive equipment; orthotics; postural drainage and percussion; relaxation techniques; acupressure; physical agents, such as heat: moist heat, diathermy, infrared, cold/ice, ultrasound, phonophoresis electrical stimulation: FES, TENS, hi-volt, low volt, interferential, iontophoresis and laser; home care instruction; functional training; neuromuscular facilitation and re-education; and wound care
HERE ARE SOME INTERESTING CASE STUDIES THAT SHOW YOU HOW ANIMAL PHYSICAL THERAPY WORKS:
STUDY #1 - BURMESE MOUNTAIN DOG. THE DOG WAS AN INPATIENT AND HAD RECEIVED MEDICINE AND ORTHOPEDIC SERVICES.
At the time he came to the physical therapist, the dog had a lack of mobility. He was unable to sit or stand and had no active movement in either hind limb. He had limited active movement of either forelimb. He was not eating, was using a gastric feeding tube. He had a pelvic and femoral fracture, cranial cruciate ligament instability, pitting edema and had not had bowel movements for three weeks.
In the rehab program, a hoyer lift, massage, pressure bandages, mobility activities, range of motion to distal hind limbs, positioning, and training to staff and students was used to help the dog. Outcome: The dog was able to sit independently. His appetite had approved, he was off the feeding tube. His edema had been reduced. He was able to stand and take a few steps with forelimbs with 2 person assisting and using the hoyer lift. He was able to move his bowels effectively and was discharged to his home within one week.
STUDY #2 - WHITE TAIL DEER. THE DEER WAS A MALE FAWN, APPROXIMATELY 3 MONTHS OLD, AND HAD BEEN FOUND BY A FARMER AT THE EDGE OF A HAY FIELD.
The fawn moved in circles using only the forelimbs. No wounds, bleeding or obvious fractures were noted. This young animal was observed from a distance, as it was hoped that with time the deer might get up without assistance. The fawn remained alert but was still unable to stand after three hours. It was then wrapped in a blanket and brought to a local veterinarian. The fawn did not appear to be in shock and had no apparent fractures or internal injuries. No medication was provided.
A local wildlife rehabilitator and Cornell's exotic service were consulted for care recommendations. The fawn was housed in a horse stall with free access to hay. He was bottle fed 12 oz. of goat's milk every 3-4 hours. By the first night it was noted that he had a good appetite and normal bowel and bladder function. It is interesting to note that at dusk, a doe came to the edge of the field and stood waiting for 15-20 minutes. It was decided to keep the fawn close to where he was found and try to release him as soon as possible. During the rehab program, range of motion, massage, weight bearing activities in a modified walker and over a straw bale, myofascial release-tail pulls, and assisted walking 2-3x each day. The fawn did not appear to be stressed with the handling involved with this program. Outcome: On the second day, the fawn could stand independently but was not able to maintain this position.
By the third day, he could stand and take a few steps. At noon on the fourth day he was walking 25 - 30 feet, could get into a standing position easily, used equal weight bearing in both back legs, demonstrated good balance and could maneuver around obstacles. On the evening of the fourth night when the doe came again, as she had each night, the fawn was carried to her slowly. Both animals vocalized frequently using low guttural sounds. The doe allowed an approach within 10 feet of her. The fawn was released and they turned away to enter the woods together.
STUDY #3 - MALE RADIATED TORTOISE, APPROXIMATELY 11 YEARS OLD, WITH A RIGHT CAUDALLY DISPLACED SHOULDER. THE ETIOLOGY OF INJURY IS UNKNOWN.
At the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse NY, a tortoise was on exhibit in an open aviary with uneven terrain and access to water. When lameness was detected, the tortoise was removed from exhibit and maintained in a small cage for observation. The following is a description of the physical rehabilitation of a tortoise with an orthopedic injury. The tortoise presented with an inability to bear weight on the right forelimb, difficulty maneuvering around obstacles and loss of shoulder motion. Right shoulder displacement caudally was detected on radiographs and CAT scan. No fractures or bony lesions were observed.
The initial treatment consisted of a gauze bandage with adhesive tape wrap to immobilize the limb within the confines of the shell. Furniture coasters were applied to the plastron to allow for mobility using three limbs. During the physical therapy evaluation, no swelling or localized pain response was noted. No evidence of muscle spasm or soft tissue injury was palpated. Range of motion was moderately limited for right shoulder flexion and extension as compared to the left.
The tortoise was able to bear only partial weight on the right forelimb. He was unable to raise himself enough to clear his shell for forward movement. Endurance for movement was poor - less than 12 inches of forward movement. The tortoise appeared to be relaxed with handling and was cooperative with efforts to encourage active movement.
A TEAM APPROACH to rehabilitation promoted collaboration and communication between the veterinarian, physical therapist, veterinary technician and zoo staff. The rehabilitation program included massage, stretching exercises, strengthening activities using isometrics and resistive movements, assisted walking with a towel sling, joint mobilization and myofascial release. In addition, a period of time ranging from 30 minutes to an hour was allowed for free movement on smooth, even concrete flooring. Treatment frequency was 2-3 times weekly. Goals of the rehabilitation program were for the tortoise to return to previous level of health and to move independently within the natural environment of the exhibit. Outcome: After a three-month period, the tortoise gained the ability to bear full weight on the right forelimb without using the furniture coasters for support. He was able to move freely around obstacles, up and down inclines, and on uneven surfaces. Range of motion and strength of the right shoulder improved to normal compared to the left. Endurance for walking increased to over 50 feet.
It was determined by the veterinary and zoo staff that it would be safe for the tortoise to return to exhibit. In this case, rehabilitation of a caudal displacement of the shoulder required the cooperation of a team of professionals: in this case a veterinarian, physical therapist, veterinary technician and zoo staff. Rehabilitation programs are based on individual needs. Activities are modified according to the animal’s willingness to allow guided movements to occur. Next week’s article will discuss how a person becomes an animal physical therapist, credentials, licensing, and other interesting things.
HERE ARE SOME INTERESTING CASE STUDIES THAT SHOW YOU HOW ANIMAL PHYSICAL THERAPY WORKS:
STUDY #1 - BURMESE MOUNTAIN DOG. THE DOG WAS AN INPATIENT AND HAD RECEIVED MEDICINE AND ORTHOPEDIC SERVICES.
At the time he came to the physical therapist, the dog had a lack of mobility. He was unable to sit or stand and had no active movement in either hind limb. He had limited active movement of either forelimb. He was not eating, was using a gastric feeding tube. He had a pelvic and femoral fracture, cranial cruciate ligament instability, pitting edema and had not had bowel movements for three weeks.
In the rehab program, a hoyer lift, massage, pressure bandages, mobility activities, range of motion to distal hind limbs, positioning, and training to staff and students was used to help the dog. Outcome: The dog was able to sit independently. His appetite had approved, he was off the feeding tube. His edema had been reduced. He was able to stand and take a few steps with forelimbs with 2 person assisting and using the hoyer lift. He was able to move his bowels effectively and was discharged to his home within one week.
STUDY #2 - WHITE TAIL DEER. THE DEER WAS A MALE FAWN, APPROXIMATELY 3 MONTHS OLD, AND HAD BEEN FOUND BY A FARMER AT THE EDGE OF A HAY FIELD.
The fawn moved in circles using only the forelimbs. No wounds, bleeding or obvious fractures were noted. This young animal was observed from a distance, as it was hoped that with time the deer might get up without assistance. The fawn remained alert but was still unable to stand after three hours. It was then wrapped in a blanket and brought to a local veterinarian. The fawn did not appear to be in shock and had no apparent fractures or internal injuries. No medication was provided.
A local wildlife rehabilitator and Cornell's exotic service were consulted for care recommendations. The fawn was housed in a horse stall with free access to hay. He was bottle fed 12 oz. of goat's milk every 3-4 hours. By the first night it was noted that he had a good appetite and normal bowel and bladder function. It is interesting to note that at dusk, a doe came to the edge of the field and stood waiting for 15-20 minutes. It was decided to keep the fawn close to where he was found and try to release him as soon as possible. During the rehab program, range of motion, massage, weight bearing activities in a modified walker and over a straw bale, myofascial release-tail pulls, and assisted walking 2-3x each day. The fawn did not appear to be stressed with the handling involved with this program. Outcome: On the second day, the fawn could stand independently but was not able to maintain this position.
By the third day, he could stand and take a few steps. At noon on the fourth day he was walking 25 - 30 feet, could get into a standing position easily, used equal weight bearing in both back legs, demonstrated good balance and could maneuver around obstacles. On the evening of the fourth night when the doe came again, as she had each night, the fawn was carried to her slowly. Both animals vocalized frequently using low guttural sounds. The doe allowed an approach within 10 feet of her. The fawn was released and they turned away to enter the woods together.
STUDY #3 - MALE RADIATED TORTOISE, APPROXIMATELY 11 YEARS OLD, WITH A RIGHT CAUDALLY DISPLACED SHOULDER. THE ETIOLOGY OF INJURY IS UNKNOWN.
At the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse NY, a tortoise was on exhibit in an open aviary with uneven terrain and access to water. When lameness was detected, the tortoise was removed from exhibit and maintained in a small cage for observation. The following is a description of the physical rehabilitation of a tortoise with an orthopedic injury. The tortoise presented with an inability to bear weight on the right forelimb, difficulty maneuvering around obstacles and loss of shoulder motion. Right shoulder displacement caudally was detected on radiographs and CAT scan. No fractures or bony lesions were observed.
The initial treatment consisted of a gauze bandage with adhesive tape wrap to immobilize the limb within the confines of the shell. Furniture coasters were applied to the plastron to allow for mobility using three limbs. During the physical therapy evaluation, no swelling or localized pain response was noted. No evidence of muscle spasm or soft tissue injury was palpated. Range of motion was moderately limited for right shoulder flexion and extension as compared to the left.
The tortoise was able to bear only partial weight on the right forelimb. He was unable to raise himself enough to clear his shell for forward movement. Endurance for movement was poor - less than 12 inches of forward movement. The tortoise appeared to be relaxed with handling and was cooperative with efforts to encourage active movement.
A TEAM APPROACH to rehabilitation promoted collaboration and communication between the veterinarian, physical therapist, veterinary technician and zoo staff. The rehabilitation program included massage, stretching exercises, strengthening activities using isometrics and resistive movements, assisted walking with a towel sling, joint mobilization and myofascial release. In addition, a period of time ranging from 30 minutes to an hour was allowed for free movement on smooth, even concrete flooring. Treatment frequency was 2-3 times weekly. Goals of the rehabilitation program were for the tortoise to return to previous level of health and to move independently within the natural environment of the exhibit. Outcome: After a three-month period, the tortoise gained the ability to bear full weight on the right forelimb without using the furniture coasters for support. He was able to move freely around obstacles, up and down inclines, and on uneven surfaces. Range of motion and strength of the right shoulder improved to normal compared to the left. Endurance for walking increased to over 50 feet.
It was determined by the veterinary and zoo staff that it would be safe for the tortoise to return to exhibit. In this case, rehabilitation of a caudal displacement of the shoulder required the cooperation of a team of professionals: in this case a veterinarian, physical therapist, veterinary technician and zoo staff. Rehabilitation programs are based on individual needs. Activities are modified according to the animal’s willingness to allow guided movements to occur. Next week’s article will discuss how a person becomes an animal physical therapist, credentials, licensing, and other interesting things.
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