VN November 2021

Vetnews | November 2021 31 When a decision is made to perform a surgical procedure on a canine patient, a lot of care, effort and money is then invested in the dog. This investment is made by the veterinarian, the veterinary support team and the pet parent. Given the monetary, emotional, physical and professional cost involved, the logical question to ask following the surgery is, “How can we achieve the best possible outcome?” In human medicine, physiotherapy is an accepted and expected sequel to surgery. Veterinary medicine is following this route. As in human surgery, this starts while the patient is still in the hospital. Physiotherapy is particularly effective in assisting with post-operative pain control. Physiotherapists use thermal therapy, electrotherapy and photobiomodulation therapy to enhance analgesia. Some of these modalities can even be used in the home, by the client, after the patient has been discharged. Physiotherapists are trained and skilled in guiding the client in the home management of the special needs of patients. They can highlight particular areas of concern and assist the client in identifying and reaching workable solutions to potential problems. Physiotherapists also help with the return to mobility. The dogs are often not wholly mobile when they are sent home, and physical rehabilitation practitioners are adept at continuing with this process once the dog is in the home environment. The first aspect that deserves attention is that of confinement or ‘cage rest’. Many clients baulk at the idea of placing their pets into a cage. The emotional stress the client experiences is real and should not be ignored. In many instances, management of movement is what is required. Therapists clarify the need for the restrictions. No running, jumping, and playing can be gently explained, along with the need for confinement. Further information is given regarding elimination behaviour and the frequency at which exercises need to be performed. A solution can be found for almost every household. Sometimes a home visit is necessary to truly understand the difficulties a client is experiencing. Dogs are often sent home with home exercises that facilitate a return to function. Clients can fear that they will break their dog and find it challenging to perform these exercises. Non- compliance by the client is a common problemwith such programs. Physiotherapists are competent in achieving and demonstrating these exercises to the pet owner with their animal. This instils confidence and client compliance increases. Along with the increased compliance is an improved outcome. A great addition to the exercises is controlled leash walking. There is, however, a right way to do this. When dogs are walked in this manner, they must engage all four limbs separately. Walking is a four-beat gait. The slower the dog walks, the more likely the dog will bear weight on an affected limb. There is less opportunity to cheat. Increased weight bearing amounts to improved function. Physical rehabilitation therapists can work with both the dog and the client to establish the correct leash length and the ideal pace to achieve weight-bearing. Further guidance is given about the frequency and duration of the leash walks. In conclusion, the healing continues well beyond the hospital stay. By adding physiotherapy into the post-op home program, tissue repair is facilitated, and return to functions of daily living is hastened. Furthermore, the client is included in the recuperation process. v Controlled walking: Pinterest Confinement: www.animaltherapymedia.co.uk Post-Surgical Home Care and the Benefits of Physiotherapy Tanya Grantham