If your pet is injured and you aren’t sure if they need a rehab referral vs. a regular vet visit, there is one question to ask yourself. Does your pet need a diagnosis first, or help moving and functioning better after the problem is identified? Some places can do both. Our veterinary team at CARA can help figure out what’s going on with your pet while offering the rehab they need. Learn more about rehab vs. regular vet visits and how to help your pet get back to their usual self.
When Should You Take Your Pet to a Regular Veterinarian?
A veterinarian helps determine if your pet is ill or injured, runs tests, and prescribes medication. You should go ahead and schedule an appointment with your vet if your pet is limping and you aren’t sure what’s going on. If they have any new symptoms or you notice swelling, bleeding, or lethargy, give us a call. Pets that don’t eat, especially pocket pets like guinea pigs, are at risk of rapid deterioration.
We may recommend pet rehab, but we still need to understand what’s happening and causing it. From there, we can help come up with a customized plan for your pet.
How Do I Know If My Pet Needs Rehabilitation?
Once you have a diagnosis, or have an established health history with your pet, rehab may be the better option. If you already know your pet has a history of neurologic issues, is recovering from orthopedic surgery, or has arthritis, you can ask about pet rehab. The goal is usually to improve their strength and mobility so they can get back to their normal life.
Why Is My Pet Still Limping After an Injury?
Even if your pet heals from their injury, they can still limp afterwards. It’s normal to assume that their treatment is finished once a wound heals, but pets can still struggle with:
- Muscle loss
- Reduced range of motion
- Weakness
- Altered gait
- Fear or hesitation around certain movements
At CARA, we also see pets keep trying to protect the healed leg out of habit or fear. The right pet rehabilitation can address the ongoing mobility problems after an injury instead of going back to the original diagnosis.
Is Your Pet Compensating for Pain or Weakness?
Before you panic about your pet, take a look at what the rest of their body is doing. Dogs, cats, rabbits, and just about any pet are good at finding a different way to move when something feels weak or hurts. Compensation can look like:
- Shifting weight away from one limb
- Putting extra load on the front legs
- Sitting crooked
- Swinging a leg outward
- Taking shorter steps
- Avoiding one direction when turning
Compensation might not cause an obvious problem at first, but over time it places stress on their joints and muscles. A pet rehab professional can look at their entire movement pattern, not just the part that’s been injured.
Does My Senior Pet Need Rehabilitation?
Aging pets commonly deal with changes in mobility, but don’t automatically assume that it’s normal. They could be struggling with the environment in your home and need help moving safely and comfortably again.
- Slipping on floors
- Struggling to rise
- Losing endurance on walks
- Hesitating before stairs
- Difficulty squatting or positioning to eliminate
- Becoming less willing to play or move around the home
If they don’t already have a diagnosis, your pet’s veterinarian should evaluate any new changes with your pet’s mobility. Afterwards, they can determine whether rehabilitation can help preserve strength and independence. They might need some help with traction, ramps, and home exercises as part of a comprehensive mobility plan.
Why Does Your Pet Look Fine at the Vet but Struggle at Home?
Some mobility problems only show up during specific activities, like a longer walk or playtime. A short jog across the exam room at the vet may not show anything at all. Take the time to jot down when your pet struggles, or take a video of them navigating:
- Stairs
- Slick floors
- Longer walks
- Jumping
- Repeated sit-to-stand movements
- Turning tightly
A pet rehab specialist may also want to run an evaluation so they can focus on what’s going on and how they maneuver through daily functional tasks.
Do You Need a Veterinary Referral for Pet Rehabilitation?
If your pet has a new or unexplained problem, book an appointment with your veterinarian to get to the root cause. If your pet already has a diagnosis but is still struggling with strength, mobility, balance, or recovery, we can help with pet rehabilitation. Our team at CARA can review your pet’s records, imaging, and treatment history and coordinate with your veterinarian when needed.
Contact us at CARA to find out whether a rehabilitation evaluation is the best option for your pet.
