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.

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. 

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.

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.

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)

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

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. 

TCVM

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), is a medical system that has been used in China to treat animals for thousands of years. It is an adaptation and extension of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) used to treat humans. 

Chinese Medicine Theory

Chinese Medicine is based on the movement of life energy or “Qi”, driving every action and transformation.  Yin-Yang and Five Elements theories in Chinese medicine are followed to develop a TCVM diagnosis based on the flow of “Qi” throughout the body. The Yin-Yang theory, describes how opposing forces of the universe - light and dark, hot and cold- mutually create and transform each other, and play a key role in the characterization of physiological function and disease. The Five Elements theory describes how the body, just as the Earth, goes through seasons, consisting of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.  

Disharmony and Disease

Disease is understood as an imbalance in the body, and diagnosis proceeds through identifying the underlying “pattern” of disharmony. Pattern diagnosis differs from conventional Western medical diagnosis in that it takes into account not only disease signs but how these signs relate to the individual patient. Thus, TCVM practitioners will consider the temperament, sex, age, activity, and environment of an animal along with the animal’s particular disease signs. This approach stems from the belief that the body is as an interconnected system of forces and functions so that disease and disharmony must be examined with respect to the whole patient. For this reason, Chinese Medicine is often regarded as more holistic than conventional Western Medicine. 

The Four Branches of TCVM

Once a particular type of disharmony or disease pattern is identified, treatment often proceeds through a combination of treatment modalities. Though the terms Chinese Medicine and acupuncture are often used interchangeably in the West, acupuncture is actually only one modality or “branch” of TCM and TCVM. There are actually four branches of TCVM – Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Food Therapy and Tui-na.

Acupuncture is a treatment that involves the stimulation of points, typically achieved through the insertion of specialized needles into the body. Acupuncture points typically lie along the body’s Meridian Channels along which Qi flows. Most veterinary acupuncture points and Meridian lines are transposed to animals from humans, though knowledge of some “classical points” defined on particular species have been retained and are used to this day.

Herbal Medicine utilizes herbal ingredients listed within the Chinese Herbal Materia Medica in particular combinations or formulas to treat particular disease patterns. Herbal formulas are administered orally and are typically given in powder form to horses and other large animals and in tea pill or capsule form to cats and dogs.

Food Therapy is the use of diet to treat and prevent imbalance within the body. It utilizes knowledge of the energetics of food ingredients to tailor diets for individual animals.

Tui-na is a form of Chinese medical massage in which different manipulations are applied to acupoints and Meridians to promote the circulation of Qi and correct imbalances within the organ systems.

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.