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Canine Rehabilitation and Pain Management Services

The Rehabilitation and Pain Management Service at Makawao Veterinary Clinic is dedicated to providing elective veterinary pain management and rehabilitation services to Maui’s companion animals. We strive to promote a pain-free, active lifestyle that maximizes the pet’s quality of life, as well as the pet-owner bond.

About

Canine rehabilitation is a new and growing field in veterinary medicine. Similar to human medicine, veterinary rehabilitation focuses on the treatment of injuries and illness with the goals of decreasing pain, restoring function, increasing rates of recovery, and enhancing quality of life. To achieve these goals, we use medications, supplements, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, medical acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, neuromuscular electric stimulation, laser therapy, weight management, and extracorporeal shockwave therapy.

Some conditions that we treat:

Post-Operative Conditions
  • Knee Repairs (Lateral Suture, TPLO, TTA)
  • Hip Surgery
  • Fracture Repair
  • Amputation
  • Back and Neck Surgery
Neurologic Conditions
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Intervertebral Disc Disease
  • Spondylosis
  • Fibrocartilagenous embolism (FCE)
  • Peripheral Nerve Diseases
  • Lumbosacral Disease
  • Vestibular Disorders
Orthopedic Conditions
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Patella Luxation
  • Overweight Patients
  • Geriatric Patients

Canine Rehabilitation Services We Provide:

Medications and Supplements

Medication and supplement recommendations play a crucial role in supporting canine rehabilitation and pain management. Our tailored approach focuses on using both pharmaceutical and natural supplements to complement a dog’s recovery plan. Prescription medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics, are used to manage pain and reduce inflammation, providing immediate relief for conditions like arthritis or post-surgical recovery. In addition, we recommend high-quality joint supplements, including glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, and turmeric, which work synergistically to promote joint health, reduce stiffness, and support long-term mobility. By customizing medication and supplement plans based on the individual dog’s needs, we help optimize recovery, improve comfort, and enhance overall well-being.

Modalities

Modalities like laser therapy, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), and acupuncture are powerful tools in canine rehabilitation, offering non-invasive treatments that help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and accelerate healing. Laser therapy uses concentrated light to promote tissue repair and reduce pain at the cellular level, while ESWT delivers targeted sound waves to stimulate blood flow, improve tissue regeneration, and enhance mobility. Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points to release endorphins, promote circulation, and restore balance to the body. When combined, these therapies work synergistically to address a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, helping dogs recover more quickly, manage chronic pain, and regain function, all while supporting their overall well-being.

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach to canine rehabilitation that includes techniques such as joint mobilizations, stretching, and trigger point therapy to improve mobility, relieve pain, and enhance overall function. Joint mobilizations are gentle, controlled movements aimed at restoring normal joint motion, which can help reduce stiffness and improve range of motion. Stretching exercises target tight muscles and connective tissues, promoting flexibility and reducing the risk of injury. Trigger point therapy involves applying pressure to specific areas of muscle tension to release knots and alleviate discomfort. When combined, these techniques support recovery from injuries, alleviate chronic pain, and improve your dog’s quality of movement, helping them return to their daily activities with greater comfort and ease.

Therapeutic Exercise Design

Therapeutic exercise design is a cornerstone of canine rehabilitation, focusing on creating personalized exercise programs that improve strength, flexibility, balance, and overall mobility. Tailored to your dog’s specific condition, whether recovering from surgery, managing arthritis, or rehabilitating after an injury, these exercises help rebuild muscle, enhance joint function, and prevent further damage. Our approach includes a variety of exercises, such as low-impact walking, swimming, core strengthening, and proprioceptive training, all carefully selected to target the individual needs of your dog. By gradually increasing the intensity and complexity of the exercises, we help restore optimal movement patterns, improve endurance, and promote long-term recovery. Therapeutic exercise plays a key role in reducing pain, enhancing physical performance, and preventing future injuries, ensuring your dog returns to their normal activities with greater strength and confidence.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) is a cutting-edge therapy used in canine rehabilitation to stimulate muscle contractions through low-frequency electrical impulses. This non-invasive treatment is particularly beneficial for dogs recovering from surgery, injury, or neurological conditions that result in muscle atrophy or weakness. By delivering targeted electrical currents to specific muscles, NMES helps improve muscle strength, promote blood circulation, and reduce pain, all while preventing further muscle deterioration. It can also aid in the rehabilitation of dogs with neurological impairments by enhancing nerve function and muscle coordination. Often used in conjunction with other therapies, NMES accelerates recovery, reduces inflammation, and supports your dog in regaining muscle mass, mobility, and function for a quicker return to an active lifestyle.

Cart Fittings and Adjustments

Cart fitting and adjustments are essential services for dogs with mobility impairments, such as those suffering from spinal injuries, degenerative diseases, or limb amputation. A custom-fitted cart provides support, stability, and improved movement, allowing dogs to regain independence and mobility. Our team ensures a precise fit by evaluating your dog’s unique body structure, weight distribution, and mobility needs, and then tailoring the cart accordingly. Regular adjustments are made to ensure the cart remains comfortable and effective as your dog’s condition changes over time. With proper fitting and adjustments, a cart can significantly enhance a dog’s quality of life, helping them stay active, engage in their environment, and enjoy a greater sense of freedom.

Veterinary Orthotics and Prosthetics

Veterinary orthotics and prosthetics are specialized devices designed to support, stabilize, or replace a dog’s injured or weakened limbs, improving their mobility and quality of life. Orthotics, such as custom braces or splints, are used to provide stability and support for joints or limbs affected by conditions like arthritis, ligament injuries, or neurological disorders. Prosthetics, on the other hand, are custom-made artificial limbs for dogs that have undergone amputations, helping them regain balance and movement. Each orthotic and prosthetic is carefully designed and fitted to meet the specific needs of your dog, taking into account their size, condition, and lifestyle. With proper fitting and ongoing adjustments, these devices can significantly enhance a dog’s ability to walk, run, and play, restoring their confidence and independence.

Joint Injections

Joint injections are a key component of canine rehabilitation and pain management, offering targeted relief for dogs suffering from chronic joint pain, arthritis, or post-surgical recovery. These injections utilize a range of advanced treatments, including hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and polyacrylamide hydrogels, to reduce inflammation, promote healing, and restore joint function. Hyaluronic acid lubricates the joint, improving mobility, while PRP harnesses the dog’s own healing properties to stimulate tissue repair. Polyacrylamide hydrogels help to cushion and stabilize the joint, offering long-lasting pain relief. Combined with other rehabilitation techniques such as physical therapy and massage, these injections can significantly enhance recovery and improve a dog’s overall quality of life.

To request an appointment, contact us at rehab@makawaovet.com

Prepare for your appointment and download our “Consult Questionaire”. Email completed forms to rehab@makawaovet.com