We recognize in human PT the importance of early mobilization and rehabilitation following surgery to achieve better outcomes. For example, patients that underwent a total joint replacement start weight-bearing and physical therapy exercises within the same day of their surgery! In the animal world, early canine rehabilitation is becoming more common, but it was encouraging to read a study that showed positive outcomes with early intervention.

In this study, the authors retroactively reviewed the records from 248 patients that underwent a hemilaminectomy surgery for a herniated disc, which is a relatively common procedure and we often see patients who had this procedure done. The authors divided the subjects into two groups, one that received in-house rehabilitation (early intervention) and one that didn’t. They concluded that dogs who had in-house rehabilitation returned to full neurologic function more often (33% vs. 9%), with earlier conscious proprioception (42 vs. 49 days), and earlier ambulation (14 vs. 28 days). The in-house rehabilitation group also experienced a lower complication rate post-surgically (16 vs. 29%).

Although this study does have its limitation, it does support the benefit of early intervention with physical therapy. This early intervention needs to include canine rehabilitation exercises while the patient is still in the hospital recovering from surgery, as well as educating the dog owner on basic exercises to start at home immediately after release from the hospital. It is also important to consult with a canine physical therapist or rehabilitation veterinarian soon after discharge, ideally within a week, so we can immediately implement a plan of care to continue to progress the patient safely and effectively.

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~TheK9PT

Francisco Maia, PT, DPT, CCRT