Rehabilitation of the feline patient: acupuncture and hydrotherapy as part of a multidisciplinary team approach

Abstract

Land-based physiotherapy has been the treatment most commonly used where feline patients are referred for rehabilitation, but increasingly positive results are being seen in cats referred for hydrotherapy and in cases treated with acupuncture as part of a multidisciplinary team approach. Hydrotherapy includes the use of water treadmills and pools and can be used in a variety of rehabilitation cases including postoperative fractures, muscle wastage and some neurological conditions. Acupuncture is also well tolerated and is useful in some musculoskeletal and neurological problems.

Hydrotherapy in two black‐tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) with metabolic bone disease—Case reports (2018–2020)

“…Water depth may vary according to the pathological condition in question. Also, in primates in this study, session duration was adjusted according to patient acceptance and adaptation, with rest breaks during sessions to prevent fatigue 4,27 . Water temperature was selected as per Levine et al (2014): 25.55–28.33°C for dogs with orthopedic disorders.…”

“…Also, in primates in this study, session duration was adjusted according to patient acceptance and adaptation, with rest breaks during sessions to prevent fatigue. 4,27 Water temperature was selected as per Levine et al (2014): 25.55-28.33°C for dogs with orthopedic disorders. According to Prankel (2014), water temperature should be kept around 30°C.…”

“…Pain relief, swelling and stiffness reduction, increased muscle tone and range of motion, and improved performance in resistance exercises are some of the benefits of hydrotherapy. [1][2][3][4] Physical properties such as hydrostatic pressure, density, and surface tension make water an interesting therapeutic resource. 5,6 However, precautions are required for successful implementation of hydrotherapy, including prevention of water contamination with urine and feces, identification of signs of fatigue and assessment of patient acceptance.…”

“…Hydrotherapy technique is used as an ancillary therapy in degenerative and neurological diseases, pre and postoperative management of patients submitted to orthopedic surgery, soft tissue injuries, and obesity. Pain relief, swelling and stiffness reduction, increased muscle tone and range of motion, and improved performance in resistance exercises are some of the benefits of hydrotherapy 1–4 . Physical properties such as hydrostatic pressure, density, and surface tension make water an interesting therapeutic resource 5,6 …”