Initial Evaluation

The rehabilitation process begins with a Physical Medicine Initial Evaluation. This comprehensive evaluation is done by a veterinarian certified in canine rehabilitation, acupuncture and spinal manipulation. The assessment will include a physical, neurological and orthopedic exam. The rehabilitation team will also review current medications, home environment, medical and surgical history. Objective measurements are obtained of your pet’s musculature, joints, gait and posture. This allows our certified rehabilitation team to better understand your pet’s current health status. The final step is a discussion of your expectations and goals to plan the best individualized rehabilitation/conditioning program for your pet.

1. If your pet is a patient of Care Animal Hospital and one of the veterinarians feels that your pet would benefit from the additional care and services offered by the Physical Medicine Department, they can refer your pet for an evaluation.
2. If your pet is not a patient of Care Animal Hospital, your veterinarian can refer your pet in for an evaluation and rehabilitation services. A referral is not needed. If we see your pet without diagnosis referral we may need to do further diagnostic work up beyond the evaluation to ensure we are treating the correct problem.