Feline Rehabilitation
By: Dr. Robert Temple
Published September 1, 2024
Feline Rehabilitation
In the field of veterinary medicine, rehabilitation for our feline friends has historically not received the attention it deserves. Recently it has emerged as a more popular approach to enhancing their quality of life. From managing chronic pain to aiding in recovery from surgery or injury, feline physical therapy has proven to be a vital component in comprehensive veterinary care.
Understanding Feline Physical Therapy
Feline rehabilitation encompasses a range of techniques and exercises designed to improve mobility, strengthen muscles, and alleviate pain – the same way it does in dogs or people. Unlike the straightforward rehab often associated with humans or even dogs, cats present unique challenges due to their independent nature and specific anatomical considerations. Nevertheless, with the right approach, it can be highly effective for our feline companions.
Challenges and Considerations
Working with cats in rehab requires a modified approach due to their propensity for aversion toward direct handling or loud/uncomfortable treatment modalities. Patience and a gentle approach are essential, as well as making the experience as stress-free and comfortable as possible. Because of this, feline rehab appointments may take longer than their canine counterparts but our expectation for its beneficial effects remains the same.
Common Conditions Addressed
1. Post-Surgical Recovery: Cats undergoing surgeries, namely orthopedic procedures, can benefit greatly from rehab. Rehabilitation exercises help in reducing swelling, improving range of motion, and restoring strength. It can also expedite the healing process, allowing cats to return to their normal activities sooner.
2. Arthritis and Joint Pain: Osteoarthritis is a common ailment in older cats, leading to stiffness and discomfort – often in their hips or caudal spine. Rehab techniques, including hydrotherapy and targeted exercises, can help in managing pain, enhancing joint function, and improving overall mobility.
3. Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as intervertebral disc disease or nerve injuries may affect a cat’s ability to walk or coordinate movement. Physical therapy aids in rebuilding strength, improving balance, and stimulating nerve function, contributing to better recovery outcomes.
4. Obesity Management: Obesity is a growing concern among cats and can lead to various health issues. Physical therapy, combined with dietary management, can help expedite weight loss and improve overall fitness. Activities tailored to a cat’s capabilities can improve endurance and support a healthier body condition.
2. Arthritis and Joint Pain: Osteoarthritis is a common ailment in older cats, leading to stiffness and discomfort – often in their hips or caudal spine. Rehab techniques, including hydrotherapy and targeted exercises, can help in managing pain, enhancing joint function, and improving overall mobility.
3. Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as intervertebral disc disease or nerve injuries may affect a cat’s ability to walk or coordinate movement. Physical therapy aids in rebuilding strength, improving balance, and stimulating nerve function, contributing to better recovery outcomes.
4. Obesity Management: Obesity is a growing concern among cats and can lead to various health issues. Physical therapy, combined with dietary management, can help expedite weight loss and improve overall fitness. Activities tailored to a cat’s capabilities can improve endurance and support a healthier body condition.
Techniques and Approaches
1. Range-of-Motion Exercises: These exercises help maintain or improve joint flexibility. Gentle stretching and movement routines are designed to keep joints and muscles limber and prevent stiffness.
2. Hydrotherapy: Utilizing water’s buoyancy, hydrotherapy reduces the impact on joints while allowing cats to engage in low-impact exercise. Swimming or walking on an underwater treadmill can be particularly beneficial for building strength and endurance.
3. Massage Therapy: Gentle massage can enhance blood circulation, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate pain. It’s also a great way to foster relaxation and comfort for the cat.
4. Class-IV Laser therapy: This technique uses light to promote tissue healing and reduce inflammation. It can be useful for treating soft tissue injuries and chronic pain conditions.
2. Hydrotherapy: Utilizing water’s buoyancy, hydrotherapy reduces the impact on joints while allowing cats to engage in low-impact exercise. Swimming or walking on an underwater treadmill can be particularly beneficial for building strength and endurance.
3. Massage Therapy: Gentle massage can enhance blood circulation, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate pain. It’s also a great way to foster relaxation and comfort for the cat.
4. Class-IV Laser therapy: This technique uses light to promote tissue healing and reduce inflammation. It can be useful for treating soft tissue injuries and chronic pain conditions.
Feline physical therapy represents a significant advancement in veterinary care, offering a pathway to better health and well-being for our feline companions. By addressing orthopedic issues early, rehabilitation can substantially enhance a cat’s quality of life. As veterinarians, we are dedicated to integrating these innovative approaches into our practice to ensure that every cat receives the best possible care.
If you believe your feline friend could benefit from physical therapy, don’t hesitate to reach out at any point. Together, we can explore the most effective treatment options and help your cat lead a happier, healthier life.
If you believe your feline friend could benefit from physical therapy, don’t hesitate to reach out at any point. Together, we can explore the most effective treatment options and help your cat lead a happier, healthier life.
September Patient of the Month: Storm
Storm is a 5 year old Rottweiler who initially presented to us for hindlimb weakness and a known history of osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease in his hips bilaterally. Storm tends to be slightly particular about who he allows into his circle of trust, and fortunately he has found a soft spot for our technician Holly!
He has a been a frequent flyer in our hydrotherapy tank since his first visit, which has proven to be quite helpful, resulting in an improvement in his comfort and mobility. In combination with his rehab therapies, he is also being managed with a newer medication called Librela.
Librela is a once monthly injection of a monoclonal antibody that is targeted toward preventing the pain associated with osteoarthritis by binding with and blocking a receptor in the body that works in the transmission of the pain signals. This has provided additional benefits to his mobility and has allowed him to spend more time in the treadmill with each visit. We look forward to seeing him each week!
He has a been a frequent flyer in our hydrotherapy tank since his first visit, which has proven to be quite helpful, resulting in an improvement in his comfort and mobility. In combination with his rehab therapies, he is also being managed with a newer medication called Librela.
Librela is a once monthly injection of a monoclonal antibody that is targeted toward preventing the pain associated with osteoarthritis by binding with and blocking a receptor in the body that works in the transmission of the pain signals. This has provided additional benefits to his mobility and has allowed him to spend more time in the treadmill with each visit. We look forward to seeing him each week!
