FVR Services

Canine rehabilitation therapists are responsible for creating and implementing therapy plans to increase an animal’s mobility and minimize any pain they may be experiencing as a result of an injury or a chronic condition. The therapist works through the treatment plan with the dog, making adjustments as necessary to ensure that progress is being made in each session. 

Physical rehabilitation for veterinary patients expedites return to normal function, pain relief, and encouragement of optimal health for patients suffering from orthopedic, neurological, and chronic diseases. Patients who benefit from rehabilitation programs range from overweight pets and those recovering from injuries and surgeries, to senior pets with chronic, debilitating conditions, and agility, field trial, hunting, and service dogs.

Rehabilitation is an essential aspect of the recovery plan for small animal patients. Protocols are tailored for the individual patient based on its disorder and the goals desired from rehabilitation. All therapy sessions take patience and practice; some exercises or modalities may work better for different patients’ temperaments and specific conditions. Rehabilitation changes as the animal improves and recovers; the therapists are educated about physical rehabilitation, creative and flexible with protocols, and adjust them for each situation.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive procedure for the treatment of acute and chronic pain of the musculoskeletal system. ESWT uses focused sound waves directed at varying depths to provide a focused and pinpointed mechanical energy to stimulate components that support healing.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is helpful in the management of acute and chronic pain in muscles, tendons, and joints. ESWT has been used in the treatment of-

• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
• Degenerative Joint Disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Tendon and Ligament Injuries
• Non or Delayed Healing Bone Fractures
• Back Pain
• Chronic or Non Healing Wounds
• Muscle Strains and Contractions
• Trigger Points

At FVR we use the PiezoWave2 therapy device which DOES NOT require sedation. An individualized treatment can last between 10 and 30 minutes depending on the prescribed areas to be treated. Normally, 1-2 treatments per week are performed, 2-7 days apart. A total of 4-6 treatments may be necessary to achieve lasting improvement. Dr. Mason will discuss all of these details in depth with you before treatment begins. Side effects of ESWT are limited to reddened skin and/or minor soreness in some cases.

Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation (VOM) is performed using an activator tool, similar to those found in chiropractic medicine, which adds motion to the spine. VOM can be used on all shapes

and sizes from small dogs and cats to larger dogs. The activator applies a thrust to the spine in areas of join restriction, which helps to improve range of motion, decrease pain, and improve neurologic function. This technique of adjusting animals is

pain-less, safe, and well tolerated by most all patients.

The water in our under water treadmill is kept at a thearaputic 85 F to 90 F, and the heater level is adjusted based on each patient's needs. The treadmill has many different adjustments which can be made based on the patient's condition, such as the speed, incline, and the jets- which can provide greater resistance. 

Water-assisted exercise is designed specifically for animals whose owners want to develop and maintain: 

• Stronger, flexible & fully developed muscles, tendons, and joints. 
• Increased endurance, strength, balance, and coordination. 
• Improved cardiovascular and respiratory systems. 
• Safe, comfortable exercise during inclement weather. 
• Emotional well being.
• Cross-training and sports & competition enhancement.
• Improved & extended quality of life.
• Less stiffness & soreness
• Weight Control

 Florida Veterinary Rehabilitation uses a Companion Therapy CTX class 4 laser. Proven clinical studies and real-world use over several decades have proven that laser therapy alleviates pain and inflammation, reduces swelling, and stimulates nerve regeneration and cells involved in tissue repair. This doctor-prescribed, technician-driven modality effectively treats a wide variety of conditions including pre-surgical, post-surgical, acute, and chronic disease states. 

• Deep, soothing laser therapy provides a drug-free treatment option
• Effective relief of pain, inflammation, and swelling
• Extremely well tolerated by pets
• No known side effects
• May decrease the need for surgery and medications
• Reduces healing time
• Requires no sedation or clipping
• Quick to administer (approximately 3 to 6 minutes per site)

 Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles into specific points on your pet to treat a diagnosed condition. The acupoints are stimulated to balance the movement of energy (Chi) in the body to restore health. Acupuncture has become a well-known treatment used to regulate or correct the flow of energy and restore health. The fundamentals of acupuncture are based on Chinese philosophy - the Dao or Tao, Yin and Yang, the eight principles, the three measures and five elements. 

Acupuncture is accepted by the American Veterinary Medical Assosication as an effective and safe treatment technique. 

Electro-acupuncture applies mild specific frequency electrical current across acupuncture needles that are inserted into specific acupuncture points. The application of the current increases the effect of the acupuncture needles and stimulates nerve conduction. Electro-acupuncture is often applied in neurologic cases and to treat significant pain. It can also be applied to standard rehabilitation cases with great success. 

B-12 Aqua-puncture is the injection of vitamin B-12 into specific acupuncture points. B-12 has anti-inflammatory properties which can be absorbed into the body and help with healing. Aqua-puncture can stimulate the acupuncture points for a long period of time to provide extended relief to your pup. 

This is a pressure sensor pad designed to objectively help us track your pet’s progress. It will show us how much body-weight they are distributing on each of their limbs.  This is a cutting-edge technology that we are excited to now offer for your pet.

Canine massage uses touch to maintain or improve both physical and emotional well-being. Massage increases circulation to improve healing, decrease pain and reduce swelling, improve joint flexibility, as well as miscellaneous benefits to the immune system. 

Massage increases blood flow, which improves oxygen delivery to tissues, and breaks down scar tissue. It is very beneficial for older pets who have become stiff over many years of pain and arthritis. It can also be effective for athletic dogs to help an injury or promote fitness. 

Some pets may not be able to return to their full function due to nerve damage, spinal injury or another permanent condition. However, they may be able to live a healthy and happy life with the correct assistive equipment. 

Orthotics (splints & braces) are used to support an injured limb while it heals, to correct a deformity, or to encourage correct limb use. 

Prosthetics replace a lost limb or one that was stunted as a birth defect

Carts (dog wheelchairs) are fitted to patients who are paralyzed or unable to walk without support.

Dr. Mason has the expertise and experience to ensure that your pet will benefit from the assistive equipment. The FVR team will measure your pet, help order and also fit the device expertly.