Veterinary rehabilitation

Our pet rehab specialists have spent years of training in rehabilitative therapies for animals. In their day-to-day roles, they use a variety of different techniques and treatments to aid in the recovery process and generally improve the quality of life of pets.

There are several reasons why your pet might need to see a rehabilitation specialist – from post-surgical recovery to chronic pain management, mobility issues and more. Our specialists work closely with pet owners and primary-care vets to develop the best possible rehabilitation plan customised to your pet’s needs.

Pets can develop various health conditions throughout their lives, but in most cases, they will benefit from rehabilitation. Here are some of the more common issues that might mean you need to visit a veterinary rehabilitation specialist:

• Mobility problems: Conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, and degenerative joint disease can seriously affect your pet’s mobility. Rehabilitation can help improve joint function and minimise pain.
• Post-surgery recovery: Rehab is often recommended after orthopaedic surgeries, such as cruciate ligament repair or spinal surgery, as it can be extremely helpful in the recovery process and in restoring overall function.
• Chronic pain: Conditions like arthritis or intervertebral disc disease can be managed through different rehabilitative techniques – for example, physical therapy and pain management strategies.
• Fitness and weight management: Overweight pets can benefit from rehab programs that aim to improve their fitness levels and help them lose weight.
• Neurological conditions: Pets with neurological issues, like nerve injuries or spinal cord problems, can benefit from specialised rehabilitation that improves their motor function and coordination.

Your pet can take advantage of a range of pet rehabilitation services at three of our clinics, where our animal rehabilitation specialists will give them the best-quality care for mobility, pain and fitness issues. Our approach is holistic, which means we focus on the overall wellbeing of your pet and manage their unique needs through a selection of treatments.

•      ARH Homebush: The pet rehab specialists at ARH Homebush can offer therapies, including manual therapy, joint injections and acupuncture, to help your pet recover and improve their physical function.

•      ARH Canberra: The animal rehabilitation services at ARH Canberra focus on improving the fitness and wellbeing of your pet through a combination of advanced techniques and compassionate care.

When you bring your pet to an AREN Network rehabilitation specialist, you can expect a complete approach to their care for the duration of their rehabilitation needs. Here’s what happens during a rehab appointment:

• Your specialist will conduct a detailed assessment of your pet’s condition, including their medical history, physical function and any specific issues they might be experiencing.
• Following this assessment, your specialist will diagnose any issues and create a complete rehabilitation plan. In it, they will suggest some specific therapies and exercises that can be used to manage your pet’s needs.
• During a standard rehabilitation session, your specialist will speak about various therapies and exercises designed to improve your pet’s mobility, reduce pain and potentially improve overall fitness. These sessions might include hydrotherapy, physical therapy, acupuncture for dogs and other animals and more.
• Rehab isn’t a one-and-done service, often requiring multiple sessions and ongoing support from a professional. Your specialist will give you plenty of advice on how to continue the rehabilitation process at home and schedule follow-up appointments so they can monitor your pet’s progress.
• Your animal rehabilitation specialist will also work alongside your usual vet to help give your pet the most comprehensive treatment for their ongoing recovery.

The AREN Network’s experienced veterinary rehabilitation specialists can handle any number of injuries, ailments and diseases to improve your pet’s quality of life. If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.