VN June 2020

Vetnews | June 2020 25 Intensive physical therapy is advised in order to lessen or slow the inevitable muscle atrophy. Voluntary movements are encouraged to facilitate a more rapid recovery. Botulism, Myaesthenia Gravis and Organophosphate Poisoning can all present with muscle weakness. The therapist can play a pivotal role in preventing loss of muscle mass and assisting with return to functions of daily living. Aspiration pneumonia may be a complication. Physiotherapists assist with postural drainage of the lungs. These veterinary para- professionals are also trained in percussion techniques which assist with moving the mucous out of the affected lung field, thereby improving respiration and antibiotic penetration. As with all neurological conditions, the sooner these treatments are applied after diagnosis and stabilisation the more likely it is that the patient will respond. Most rehabilitation programs comprise of a combination of outpatient consultations and home-based exercise programs. Frequent checks and assessments carried out by the therapist can alert an owner to poor progress, and patients are referred back to the attending veterinarian. v