Canine Rehabilitation & Weight Management   

Canine Rehabilitation

The benefits of human physical therapy have been well documented in the medical community for many years.  As we strive to provide the best possible care for pets, we are incorporating physical rehabilitation into treatment plans for these members of the family as well. 

There are various reasons pets may need a physical rehabilitation program.  Patients recovering from surgery, owners who wish to avoid surgical interventions for their pet, senior pets needing care for arthritic conditions, and patients who are preparing for surgical procedures can all benefit from a physical rehabilitation program.  Canine athletes as well as pets that are overweight can benefit from a conditioning program tailored specifically to their needs.  Noticeable improvements through rehabilitation include but are not limited to increased cardiovascular strength and stamina, increased muscle strength and joint range of motion, and a renewed sense of self confidence in pets that had become unsure of themselves and their movement due to illness or injury.

Weight Management

Obesity is a common problem among cats and dogs. It can lead to serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, skin infections, and can exacerbate arthritis and orthopedic issues. We recognize that getting pets to lose weight is challenging and requires support and creativity.

We offer a comprehensive weight loss program called Fitness Unleashed. This program has been designed by the doctors and staff to assist your pet in reaching the healthiest possible weight. It includes an initial assessment with a doctor to identify contributing medical factors such as low thyroid hormone or joint disease and to create an individualized diet and exercise plan. Follow-up appointments with a technician track your pet’s progress until their goal weight is reached.  You will receive monthly tips on healthy treats and exercise opportunities.  Rewards for reaching weight loss goals include complementary products and services at AMC.

Exercise is an important part of weight loss and a healthy pet lifestyle. Our state-of-the-art water treadmill can help pets exercise safely even when they have physical limitations. The support and buoyancy provided by the water can help patients who are obese or are recuperating from musculoskeletal injuries exercise without undue strain on their joints. Pets’ leg muscles are also strengthened by the added resistance of walking through water. Most importantly, many pets enjoy their time splashing around in the water and the praise and encouragement lavished upon them by the staff.

Meet our Certified Canine Rehabilition Practitioner

Tracy Ann Teats, LVT, CCRP is the rehabilitation specialist at Animal Medical Center of Cascades.  Tracy has been working in the veterinary field since 1997, and is a 2005 graduate of the Veterinary Technician program at Northern Virginia Community College.  She has had a special interest in physical rehabilitation for many years, and achieved her CCRP (Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner) certification at the University of Tennessee this June.  Rehabilitation services at Animal Medical Center of Cascades are available on a referral basis only.  If your pet is currently a patient here who might benefit from physical rehabilitation, please see one of our veterinarians for your referral.  If you are not a client of AMC Cascades, please contact us and we will happily work together with you and your regular veterinarian.