Patella Luxation
Published on: 2017-06-30
Has your pet been diagnosed with this condition but is not a suitable candidate for surgery? Or has your regular veterinarian advised that your dog would benefit from post-op physio to aid in their recovery?
The underwater treadmill is an excellent and safe way to improve patellar stability.
Did you know that by regulating the height of the water we can control stifle (knee) range of motion (ROM)?
At the outset we may start with a higher water level to minimize the ROM and consequently minimize excessive patella luxation. With time, as the pet’s muscle mass improves, we can safely decrease the water level and increase the walking speed to build even stronger muscles.
The pet’s heart rate is monitored by our veterinarian and registered vet technician. In addition, we monitor activity levels and calorie consumption with a canine activity monitor.
For patients who don’t do well in the water, we offer therapeutic exercise sessions, which are tailored to the pet’s needs, and include exercise aids such as balancing boards and “peanut” balls (pictured at right).
We send update reports to your family veterinarian and, if applicable, specialist (e.g. surgeon) on a regular basis to keep them informed about your pet’s rehabilitation progress.