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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, CBLO, 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

Medications and supplements play a crucial role in your pet’s rehabilitation and pain management plan. Prescription medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and adjunctive analgesics, are used to manage acute and chronic pain, thereby providing pain relief in order to facilitate controlled movements. Supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, undenatured collagen, and natural eggshell membrane, can also improve comfort, while also supporting soft tissue health, muscle maintenance, and long-term mobility goals. By customizing medication and supplement plans 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 medical acupuncture are powerful tools in canine rehabilitation that offer non-invasive treatments to 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. Medical acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points to release endorphins, promote circulation, and address muscle pain. When combined, these therapies work synergistically to address a wide range of musculoskeletal  and neurologic conditions.

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach to canine rehabilitation that includes techniques such as joint mobilizations, stretching, and trigger point therapy. 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 is a cornerstone of canine rehabilitation that focuses on creating personalized exercise programs that improve strength, flexibility, balance, and overall mobility. Therapeutic exercise plans are prescribed based on your dog’s condition, as well as individualized goals. By gradually increasing the intensity and complexity of the exercises, we help restore optimal movement patterns prevent reinjury.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)

NMES is used 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 coordinating nerve function and muscle action.

Cart Fittings and Adjustments

Dog carts, or wheelchairs, can be integral in improving  the quality of life for dogs with mobility impairments, such as those suffering from spinal injuries or degenerative diseases, A custom-fitted cart provides support, stability, and improved movement, allowing dogs to regain a sense of mobility, improve mental stimulation, and achieve 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 taking into account your dog’s size, medical 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 offer targeted relief for dogs suffering from chronic joint pain, arthritis, or post-surgical recovery. They can also restore a healthy joint environment to subsequently slow arthritis progression. Commonly used products include hyaluronic acid, steroids, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and polyacrylamide hydrogels. Combined with other rehabilitation techniques, joint injections can significantly enhance arthritis treatment and also decrease oral medication dependence.

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