Thoracolumbar IVDD

• Pain management - cryotherapy 
• Assisted standing reps 
• Assisted walking where appropriate, use of sling support 
• Neurological assessment
• Owner education - home adaptations, home exercise programme
• Increase nervous input - tactile stimulation

• Improve proprioception - navigating different textures and surfaces
• Strengthen postural muscles to support the spine
• Increase independence, reduce support during exercise

• Dynamic balance utiliising unstable surfaces if appropriate for the patient 
• Polework to challenge balance and proprioception
• Improve fitness and functional mobility for day to day activities

Maintain neurological function and reduce compensatory movement patterns.

Physiotherapy begins once pain is controlled and strict crate rest recommendations are complete or as advised by the veterinary surgeon.

• Improve neurological function and proprioception as above 
• Increase core strength to support spine 
• Gait retraining
• Progressive strengthening to address atrophy
• Prevention of recurrence

LASER, PEMFT, NMES, TENS, ice packs, remedial, hydro also beneficial 

Elvis (?), Honey, Percy 

Every rehabilitation programme at Recharge Veterinary Physiotherapy is tailored to the individual patient. These rehabilitation phases are intended as a guide only and are adapted according to surgical recommendations, tissue healing, concurrent disease, patient temperament and owner goals. Close communication with the referring veterinary surgeon is maintained throughout rehabilitation to ensure the best possible outcome.