PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR DOGS AND CATS.

PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR DOGS AND CATS.
Pets can develop joint diseases or simple locomotion difficulties for several reasons - advanced age, overweight, trauma, among many others. In these cases, the veterinarian will indicate appropriate therapies for pain control and to help in rehabilitation. Physiotherapy for dogs and cats is one of the main recommendations in many of the situations.
Physiotherapy is a medical specialty that treats and prevents disorders related to body movements - both in humans and in pets. Its goal is to restore functional capacity, control the pain that these changes cause, and thus improve the quality of life of patients.
Physiotherapy may be recommended for pets as one of the treatments for joint diseases - which are very common in dogs and cats. Most of these animals will present such conditions when they are elderly.
In these cases, physiotherapy for dogs and cats is indicated as a way to prevent the evolution of these dysfunctions, which are chronic, progressive, and debilitating.
In addition, the veterinarian may also suggest this therapy in a preventive way or during the recovery process of a surgical intervention. It is up to the professional to define which of the physiotherapeutic modalities are more indicated in each situation.
There are several modalities of physiotherapy for dogs and cats! They can be applied according to the specific case of the animal. The main ones are: Kinesiotherapy - involves a series of therapeutic exercises performed with items such as balls, balance boards and obstacle courses, Hydrotherapy - is performed in the water, which reduces the impact on joints and facilitates the movement of pets, Electrotherapy - consists of applying electrical currents in the location of the dysfunction, helping to strengthen the muscle and treat pain, Massotherapy - uses massage to stimulate blood circulation in the affected region.
To know which therapeutic modality is the most suitable for your pet, it is essential to visit a specialist, since physiotherapy for dogs and cats is only one of the treatments recommended in different cases of joint or neurological injuries, such as degenerative joint disease, intervertebral disc disease, Wobbler's syndrome, among others.
In the case of degenerative joint disease, for example, the joints begin to lose natural components that are important for fulfilling their cushioning function. The loss of such components results in joint damage and inflammation, which starts a process of pain that tends to chronify, being important a constant and thorough monitoring by the veterinarian.
For this reason, in addition to physical therapy, it may also be essential to associate chondroprotective medication, which will replace these essential elements for the maintenance and proper functioning of the joints.