Volume 31 | September 2019
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Altadena Valley Animal Clinic
2898 Acton Road - Birmingham, AL 35243
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Physical Therapy For Pets
Rehabilitation Services That Make A Difference
Over the years, medical advancements in pet care have made our furry friends healthier and happier. Whether it’s a simple dental cleaning or major surgery, our pets have more and better medical options than in years past.
Even in the field of physical therapy (PT), traditional methods combined with state-of-the-art advancements are providing unique options to help pets with a variety of soft tissue, orthopedic, and neurologic conditions. Here are two examples of how PT has helped Dr. Foster’s pets, Boone and Troy.
Case Study: Boone
- 3-year-old mixed breed
- Amputation of his left rear leg after irreparable trauma as a puppy.
- Initially had physical therapy to increase his muscle mass and regain balance and stability on three legs
- Now has physical therapy in order to maintain muscle mass to prevent injury to his remaining rear limb, as well as to strengthen his forelimbs. He also receives treatment such as thermal therapy and massage therapy to relieve back pain associated with his altered gait.
- Demonstrated exercise: dynamic rear limb stability exercise using a balancing disc. This exercise helps Boone improve his coordination on an uneven surface, while also providing a workout to the muscles of his rear limb.
- Boone loves ending his therapy sessions with cold laser treatment, which is used to decrease inflammation and pain.
Case Study: Troy
- 13-year-old mixed breed
- Surgical repair of his left rear cranial cruciate ligament (often referred to as ‘ACL’ in people) was performed 5 years ago. Troy also has arthritis in his shoulders, elbows and lumbar spine (lower back).
- Post-operatively, Troy’s therapy focused primarily on regaining normal strength and function in his injured left leg in order to reduce the risk of a ligament tear also occurring in his other leg. Cold laser therapy was used frequently to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with the injury, as well as to speed up surgical healing time.
- Troy’s current physical therapy regime consists of low impact exercises aimed at maintaining mobility and muscle memory, while reducing extra unnecessary strain on his arthritic joints. Walking Troy through various terrains, such as on grass, gravel and shallow water, encourages increased flexion and extension of his joints, while also aiding in his motor and sensory nerve function.
- At the end of his therapy sessions, Troy loves his full body massages that help loosen muscle knots and tightness that occur as a result of his arthritis.
Canine rehabilitation, often referred to as physical therapy, can be beneficial for a variety of soft tissue, orthopedic, and neurologic conditions. Physical therapy is useful for temporary recovery from an injury, surgery, or for management of chronic conditions. It can also be used to facilitate weight loss in overweight patients.
A unique treatment plan is developed for each pet based on their condition, age, and other important health factors. There are a variety of exercises and modalities used in physical therapy. As your pet gains strength, their treatment plan is modified to include more challenging exercises.
Continue Reading>
Julie Grimes, DVM
Melissa Miller, DVM
Sarah Foster, DVM
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Boone receiving treatment on his only rear limb after a long day of exercise.
Assisi Loop (now available at AVAC for in-home use)
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Troy in PT doing Cavaletti's/Over Step Exercise
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Meet Our Awesome Veterinarians
(Click an image to learn more about our vets)
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Dr. Melissa Joseph Miller
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*All Specials good thru Sept. 30, 2019
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How to Make Grooming A Positive Experience for Your New Puppy
Grooming can be a scary experience for some new puppies. From the new surroundings, noises, and people to the use of nail clippers and blow dryers, it is easy to see how a new pet can become anxious.
To help your pet overcome their fears and learn to handle this new environment, we recommend you bring your puppy in at a very early age. Even if they don't need a full groom, they can meet our staff, acclimate to the different sounds, and experience the handling of their paws in preparation for their first nail trim.
This early exposure to grooming can also help you manage trimming and baths at home, between their regular grooming appointments.
To schedule your new pet's grooming and bath call
967-7383.
Angie Bullock
Head Groomer
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Check Out The Latest Training Classes
Puppy/Beginner Obedience (6-week course)
- Wednesday, September 25 @ 6:30 pm
- Instructor: Emily Daniel
- Monday, October 14 @ 6:30 pm
- Instructor: Anthony Rodriguez
- Cost: $225
Impulse Control (6-week course)
- Tuesday, September 10 @ 7:30 pm
- Instructor: Rebecca Mason
- Tuesday, October 22 @ 7:30 pm
- Instructor: Rebecca Mason
- Cost: $225
Tricks Time
Yappy Hour: Puppy Socialization (4-weeks)
- Every Tuesday @ 6:30 PM
- Cost: $125
Kids' Clinic: Learn to Speak "Dog"
Game Night
- Tuesday, September 3 @ 7:30 pm
For more information and complete course descriptions, visit our Training
website
page or to signup for an upcoming class click the REGISTER button or image below.
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This month we recognize Boone with our Pet Picture of the Month. Boone represents physically challenged pets who, regardless of their condition, can still lead a happy, full life. Boone's leg was amputated as a puppy due to irreparable trauma. Pets like Boone provide the same love and companionship as other pets with no physical issues.
If you have a pet with a condition that could benefit from physical therapy, call us for an evaluation appointment. A unique treatment plan can be developed based on their condition, age, and other important health factors. We would love to help your furry friend live a pain-free and active life!
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Altadena Valley Animal Clinic | Phone: 205-967-7383 | Fax: 205-967-7395
Email: admin@altadenavalleyanimalclinic.com | www.altadenavalleyanimalclinic.com
(c) 2017 Altadena Valley Animal Clinic
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Designed and Created by Dan Feltham - Providien Marketing Group - Phone: 205.422.0898
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