Selected Techniques for Physiotherapy in Dogs

Abstract

Physiotherapy is a new dynamically developing field of science in which the original idea was to improve the care for convalescent patients. Its positive effects observed in humans suggested the need for the adaptation and implementation of human physiotherapy techniques in animal care. Dogs are the second group of animals that undergo physiotherapy most frequently. These animals are diagnosed with a number of locomotor system problems, which may be congenital and are often related to the breed or acquired. The aim of the study was to collect and systematize knowledge of animal physiotherapy with emphasis on the selection and description of the most important aspects of canine physiotherapy. The review material consisted of 59 publications, with 230 selected for the review. Physiotherapeutic treatments are applied not only for rehabilitation of animals but also in healthy animals to upgrade their sports performance and improve their welfare. A majority of physiotherapeutic approaches have been transferred from human protocols. A key issue in the achievement of therapy success is the proper selection of physiotherapeutic procedures and close cooperation between the veterinarian and the physiotherapist.

Comparative analysis of post-operative rehabilitation approaches for medial patellar luxation in small-breed dogs

“…Despite their differing mechanisms of action, no differences were observed between ES and LASER therapy. Interestingly, neither ES nor LASER therapy resulted in greater recovery after MPL surgery, which was contrary to our expectations, as we believed that the analgesic effects of these approaches would promote a more rapid post-operative recovery [12]. Previous studies revealed that ES pain control mechanisms involve stimulating signals from A-β fibers to activate inhibitory neurons in the substantia gelatinosa of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord [15][16][17].…”

“…This study focuses on both primary rehabilitation management and post-operative rehabilitation approaches [9,14,23,24]. In primary management, the emphasis of rehabilitation is on enhancing the animal's physical functionality and alleviating any associated pain [12]. This role becomes particularly important in situations where surgical interventions may not be the most suitable option, often due to the animal's specific condition or the owner's preferences.…”

“…Canine rehabilitation in veterinary medicine is gaining popularity. Non-invasive treatments include cold compression, passive ROM (PROM) exercises, standing exercises, leash walking, underwater treadmill sessions, electrical stimulation (ES), and light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (LASER) therapy [8,9,11,12]. For various indications, these therapies reduce pain and inflammation, improve ROM, and promote physical recovery while minimizing complications following surgery.…”

Application of Infrared Thermography in the Rehabilitation of Patients in Veterinary Medicine

“…For this reason, IRT has been suggested as a tool that can help to recognize injuries and changes in surface temperature and be implemented in the recovery process, particularly in cases requiring physical therapy [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ]. Therapies such as acupuncture, photo biomodulation, electrostimulation, or thermotherapy can modify the superficial thermal response associated with the inflammatory process and pain [ 22 , 23 , 24 ]. Some studies have shown that, for example, electrostimulation with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) prevents tissular necrosis [ 25 ], while high-intensity laser therapy applied to racehorses with back pain has been shown to decrease the palpation score for pain [ 26 ].…”