Both dogs and cats can suffer from this condition. The issue is often a chronic, slow fraying of the tendons which results in a dropped hock (ankle) position and eventual inability to put weight-bearing pressure through the affected leg. In some dogs, the issue can affect both rear legs at once. Acute tears or lacerations are better treated surgically, requiring an orthosis as well as rehab post-operatively.

Rehab can help with balance, strength, and reducing compensatory issues in the patient’s remaining limbs and in the spine.

The pain and stiffness of arthritis in one or more joints affects mobility and quality of life. With the help of an extensive rehabilitation and pain management plan for maintaining mobility, most patients with arthritis improve their ability to enjoy daily activities.

The brachial plexus is a web of nerves to the front leg, and it sits deep in the armpit. Injury can occur due to trauma and results in signs that continue to worsen over 48 hours to days after injury. Consequently, nerves function poorly and muscles atrophy, and patients have difficulty keeping a normal posture and cannot lock their joints as they try to stand on the affected limb.

Braces are devices which can help to support weak joints, but if there is significant instability a custom orthosis is required, one with special hinges that is designed from a mold made on an impression of the patient’s affected leg so that it fits the contours of the limb. These treatments are complex and need a lot of expertise. Client compliance and understanding that use will often be lifelong is required.

The carpus (wrist) is supported by tendons and ligaments which act to suspend the carpus, and as these structures stretch in motion, their elastic recoil helps forward movement. Breakdown of these supporting structures can be due to acute injury or chronic repetitive overload.

Carts are used for patients with paralysis or weakness but can also assist unsteady patients by providing added stability. Carts that fit improperly result in rubs, joint overload and injury. Fitted the right way and coupled with a fitness plan to progress activity, carts really improve a patient’s quality of life. We use Eddie’s Wheels carts

This occurs when the cruciate ligament frays or tears, and consequently stability in the knee joint is reduced. The bony surfaces of the joint have excess movement, and this can grind down and damage the fibrous menisci which pad the joint, as well as resulting joint inflammation and pain. Muscles surrounding the joint try to add more stability but cannot replace the job of the cruciate ligament. Surgical correction with post-operative rehabilitation is more often recommended. Occasionally, conservative management with surgery may be recommended (usually if a patient is medically unable to undergo surgery).

Limb angulation abnormalities are common and can often result in joint issues later in life. Occasionally surgical intervention can be helpful. Assistive devices, home modifications and rehab therapies may also be helpful.

This is a genetic, chronic, progressive disorder which results in loss of body awareness and weakness in the rear limbs, then eventually in the front limbs. Rehabilitation, including hydrotherapy, has been shown to prolong function. Most commonly affects breeds such as Boxers, German Shepherds, Corgis and Wheaton Terriers though other breeds and even mixed breeds can also be affected. Genetic testing can help with diagnosis.

Very common in dogs as it is in people. Intervertebral discs act as cushions between the vertebrae. Disc disease can be acute (herniating all of a sudden) or can be chronic (degenerating over time). It can cause pain, weakness and can also result in severe mobility issues and paralysis. Treatment can be conservative (medications, rehab) or surgical (eg hemilaminectomy).

Back pain can be due to disc disease, pinching of nerves as they exit the spinal cord, arthritis in the spine or muscular tension.

Occurs during development. The bones that join at the elbow do not grow at the same rate, leading to changes in cartilage and underlying bone. As the affected pet ages, arthritis and discomfort occur. There are some surgical options, including arthroscopy. Rehab modalities can help with comfort

Surgical treatment for severe hip pain/arthritis or hip dislocation. Rehabilitation is important to begin soon after surgery because many patients initially do not want to use their leg after the surgery and need to build up muscular support around the hip area as the new ‘joint’ forms with scar tissue.

After surgical fracture repair or splinting, we work to manage mobility in both the early and late stages of healing. Bone strengthens and heals in response to controlled guided loading and our clinicians are experts at maximizing healing response in partnership with your pet’s orthopedic surgeon.

While old age is not a disease, there are a myriad of issues that commonly arise in older patients. Mobility is affected by age related muscle loss, arthritis, loss of fine motor control and balance, and disease in organ systems. We are experts in multimodal therapy to help your pet age well and get back to having some fun with you.

This progressive disease affects the nerves that open the airway but also causes weakness in the rear limbs by affecting the long nerves that supply the rear legs. A comprehensive rehabilitation plan aims to maximize strength and stability to maintain function and mobility as long as possible. Most common in Golden Retrievers and Labrador retrievers.

This occurs when the bones that join at the hip do not fit together well. The joint surface is not smooth and there is abnormal wear on the joint with overload of some areas and underload of others. Cartilage and the underlying bone is quickly damaged, and pain and arthritis develops. There are surgical treatments for this issue early in development and in the late stages in many cases. Rehabilitation maximizes comfort, muscular support of the joint, joint health and function.

After this surgery we will expertly guide return to function, as the muscles heal they need to strengthen. The patient needs to relearn how to use the leg well with balance and fine motor control.

A sprain is a traumatic injury to the joint which can result in damage to the supporting ligaments and the fibrous joint capsule, resulting in joint inflammation which can also lead to arthritis. We help treat the inflammation, pain, and stability issues.

This condition occurs when the soft tissues around the shoulder joint become damaged and cannot provide support for high-impact activities, such as jumping. This lack of support results in joint pain and inflammation. We provide bracing and modalities to stimulate healing. These modalities are guided by diagnostics.

Any muscle can be strained; overstretching leaves the muscle vulnerable to injury with even small loads. Overload can tear muscle fibers, whether it is repetitive loading without adequate recovery time or an absolute one-time overload.

These are diseases of muscle in which the muscle fibers do not function properly. Diagnosis is usually by biopsy under the guidance of a neurologist or internal medicine specialist.

See back pain.

These are diseases or dysfunctions of the peripheral nerves and are usually progressive. Our rehabilitation team provides mobility assistance through careful, focused strengthening and pain management as well as modalities to maximize nerve function, along with the use of assistive devices when appropriate.

A common issue. The kneecap does not stay in place. Most common in smaller dogs and the luxation is medial. Surgical correction may be indicated. Rehabilitation can help strengthen the quadriceps muscles with help hold the knee cap in place. May also be called “MPL.”

Affected tendons are usually the biceps and/or supraspinatus. Disorders of these tendons lead to front limb lameness. Diagnosis can be difficult and often requires advanced imaging such as diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound. Rehab is key in these cases.

These are all surgical procedures that are performed to repair a CCL injury

TPLO: Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy

TTA: Tibial Tuberosity Advancement

ECLS/Tightrope: Extra-Capsular Ligament Suture

This is a disorder of the body’s balance system. It occurs most commonly in older dogs, but there is a wide range of causes identified by neurologists. Definitive diagnosis of cause is not always identified. We work to improve balance and mobility and stimulate adaptive responses in the nervous system. We also provide assistive devices to help with any residual balance and mobility deficits.

This is a neurologic disease of the neck that affects large and giant breed dogs, most commonly Dobermans and Great Danes. The spinal cord in the neck is compressed, leading to an abnormal gait that affects balance and causes hind end weakness.