Effects of orthopedic postoperative rehabilitation treatments in dogs

Abstract

Rehabilitation treatments after orthopedic surgery promote postoperative healing in humans. In veterinary medicine, there is increased interest in rehabilitation treatments because they are potentially beneficial to animals in the post-operation period. This study examined the effectiveness of rehabilitation treatment in dogs that underwent orthopedic surgeries, including femoral head & neck ostectomy (FHNO) and medial patellar luxation treatment (MPLT). The group that received the rehabilitation treatment after FHNO showed a significantly shorter recovery length of 6.62 weeks compared to those that did not receive the treatment. The other group that received the rehabilitation treatment after MPLT showed a significantly shorter recovery length of 5.01 weeks compared to those that did not receive the treatment. For the qualitative evaluation, the types and frequencies of rehabilitation treatments were monitored. The rehabilitation programs used frequently were heat therapy, laser therapy, passive range of motion, exercise therapy, and aquatic therapy. A standard rehabilitation program after hindlimb surgery was suggested based on the quantitative and qualitative investigation. The results add additional evidence that showed the beneficial effects of rehabilitation treatments in dogs.