Chronic Pain Management
At Shirley Veterinary Hospital, we take your pet’s chronic pain seriously. We know that your pets are precious to you, and we want to ensure that they’re living their happiest and most comfortable lives by your side. Pain relief can have profound effects on our pets’ attitude and activity at home and beyond.
Health Conditions
There are a number of health conditions that may lead to chronic pain in animals. Osteoarthritis and joint-related issues are common in older pets, while younger animals may suffer long-term effects from an accident or genetic disorder. The first step in developing a pain management plan for your pet involves identifying the cause or causes through physical assessments and diagnostic testing. Once we’ve identified the condition, we can begin an effective treatment plan that’s tailored to your pet’s individual needs.
We often suggest using a combination of both medication-based and rehab therapy-based treatments when addressing chronic pain. This allows us to holistically approach the problem and maximize the effectiveness of pain management.
Physical Rehabilitation
In addition to pain management, Shirley Veterinary Hospital also offers physical rehabilitation at our Healing Hands 4 Paws rehabilitation facility. From hydrotherapy to laser therapies and beyond, we offer the widest range of treatment options available. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or to schedule an appointment today. We want to help your pet live life to the fullest by your side.
Hydrotherapy Rehabilitation
Hydrotherapy has been used to treat humans for centuries and the same methods have been formalized to treat equines and canines as well. Doctors began noticing the impact of cold sea water treatment on race horses, which is still being practiced today, and started making devices that could replicate the benefits of the sea water therapy. Hydrotherapy pools were then designed specifically for canine treatment.
Dogs are typically placed in a harness that is suspended in warm water above a treadmill. Although the treatment was spawned from cold water therapy, these pools are heated to relax the muscles and joints, creating a controlled and comfortable environment for your dog. Jets are often added to create resistance and enhance physical therapy.
Dogs that are born with congenital conditions can use hydrotherapy to maintain their strength as they grow, and older dogs suffering from arthritis or hip dysplasia can use the therapy to maintain their strength and mobility as well.
If your pet is recovering from surgery, hydrotherapy is often recommended to help them heal and build muscle at the same time. The stiffness is taken away from the joints, allowing for an increase in motion and decrease in swelling.
Dogs that are overweight tend to have problems with their spine and can also benefit from hydrotherapy because it takes the pressure away from their back and allows them to exercise. The dog will often lose weight while improving the condition of their heart and lungs.
Canine hydrotherapy is a great way to help your dog maintain an active lifestyle. Regardless of the condition, the results are the same. Your dog will be in less pain, more active, and a lot happier.