When a pet begins to have mobility problems, it can often feel frustrating and frightening. Common mobility limitations include difficulty getting up from the floor, refusing to go up steps, and limited ability to walk with the family. To alleviate concerns, pet owners may consider working with the CSU Orthopedic Medicine and Mobility service to develop a comprehensive mobility plan for their pet. The goal of a comprehensive mobility plan is two-fold: first, to understand the root of the issue, and second, to provide treatment plans.
Developing a comprehensive mobility plan for your pet
Our team begins with a gentle and thorough evaluation. To understand the exact source of the problem, diagnostics may be recommended (for example, radiographs to view bones and musculoskeletal ultrasound to view muscles). Once the root of the problem is discovered, the team develops a treatment plan.
A treatment plan usually has three phases. Phase one is pain management, which may include medications, medical treatments (like shockwave or joint injections), and rehabilitation. Phase two is increasing range of motion and strength, which may be achieved through a home program or with rehabilitation treatments like therapeutic exercise and underwater treadmill. Phase three is mobility maintenance via a home program and follow-up appointments.
Building the correct treatment plan depends on the results of the veterinary evaluation and diagnostics. For example, if our team diagnoses a pet with hip osteoarthritis, a treatment plan might include specific pain medications, rehabilitation techniques (like laser therapy), and underwater treadmill. On the other hand, if the team diagnoses a pet with an iliopsoas muscle strain, the treatment plan might include different pain medications, different rehabilitation modalities, and a restriction on underwater treadmill for a few weeks.
Assessing improvement
When the comprehensive mobility plan is completed, pets return to the Orthopedic Medicine and Mobility service for a follow-up evaluation. If mobility is not significantly improved, the next level of diagnostics or medical interventions may be recommended. If mobility is significantly improved, the team may modify medications and make recommendations for maintenance rehabilitation plans.
If your pet has mobility problems, a comprehensive mobility plan may be a solution. Schedule an appointment with the Orthopedic Medicine and Mobility service for your pet’s thorough evaluation, diagnostics, and treatment plan, and our team will do their best to get your pet back on their paws sooner than later.
If your pet has already been diagnosed by your veterinarian, have your veterinarian complete the veterinary orders for rehabilitation form through the Small Animal Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy service.