Shearer Pet Health Services-
Office of Pet Rehabilitation,
Pain Management,
and Hospice Care

 

Rehabilitation and Pain Management Services
"Improving your pet's quality of life through physical rehabilitation." 

Some of us have had personal experiences with physical therapy that have not been so pleasant. 
In working with pets, special attention is given to insure that no therapy is prescribed that would cause discomfort or stress to your pet.  We strive to make the visit fun through environmental enrichment and positive reinforcement. 

You can make your appointment directly with Dr. Shearer or she can facilitate referral from your vet by contacting them on behalf of your pet. 

She accepts referrals from all veterinarians with patients in need of rehabilitation or hospice care. 


The Story of Zoe

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Zoe is a 12 year-old border collie mix that has had multiple immune mediated disorders.  Her body sees her platelets and joints as being foreign to her and seeks to destroy them.  Prior to rehabilitation therapy, she was at risk of injury because of malformed joints and her activity was decreased.  Her rear leg hock joint had to be fused with a plate because of a torn ligament.  Zoe had been on a medication called prednisone for 4 years to manage her disease which had the side effects of muscle weakness and tendon breakdown.  Through laser therapy and a regenerative stem cell transplant, her quality of life has improved and her medication dose cut to 1/4 and decreased to just twice weekly instead of daily with hoes of withdrawing it completely  over the next month. Zoe now climbs steps, jumps on the bed, and wants to play.

Zoe After a Recheck

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Physical rehabilitation can be added to most treatment plans to help manage pain and speed recoveries. It is indicated for a number of problems including but not limited to arthitis, neurologic dysfunction, intervertebral disc disease, weight management, muscle strains and sprains. 


Sydney-Search and Rescue Dog

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Sidney receiving a therapy laser treatment to relax tightened back muscles secondary to arthritis of the hock.


Rosie
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Rosie working on strengthening to help her nerve degeneration disorder.

Murphy
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Murphy working out on a therapy ball after a hip procedure (FHO) to improve range of motion.


Goals of Rehabilitation
Relief of pain 
Maintain or improve strength
Decrease scar tissue
Decrease muscle tension
Improve circulation
Improve range of motion
Return to function and performance
Speed recovery time
Prevent surgery
Improve quality of life

Our office has the following equipment that can be utilized in designing a plan for your pet's needs. 

  • Therapy laser-works at the cellular level to control pain, inflammation, and speeds healing.
  • Therapeutic ultrasound- relaxes plus warms muscles and stimulates wound healing
  • Neuromuscular stimulation unit-helps to maintain muscle tone and re-educate nerves                        
  • Electrostimulation unit- functions to manage pain
  • Vet-lite support exercise system with land treadmill- provides mobility therapy for pets with weakness, pain or neurological disorders             
  • Hydrocollator-provides warm moist heat therapy for muscle relaxation
  • Therapy steps- builds strength and return to function                                     
  • Gulick measuring tape and goniometers-used to objectively measure response to treatment       
  • Caveletti's- builds strength and gait training
  • Balance board- helps build strength and maintain balance.               
  • Therapy balls- helps build strength and maintain balance.