What is Rehabilitation for Pets?

Dr. Meghan Barrett Vet Pet Rehabilitation

Find out more about this emerging field of veterinary medicine!

As more people recognize the value of integrated and physical medicine for their own health, they begin to see how it can benefit the health of their beloved cats and dogs, too. Rehabilitation for animals is similar to physical therapy in humans. It can be individually tailored to treat a wide variety of conditions, or to increase fitness. A specialized, comprehensive exam will direct the specific treatment plan to rehabilitate your pet with possible goals of decreasing pain, enhancing function, increasing rates of recovery, and improving quality of life. It can be beneficial for patients of any age and activity level including puppies, geriatrics, post-operative patients, canine athletes, and working dogs, and can address a wide range of neurological and orthopedic diagnoses.

Common Conditions Treated:

  • Arthritis
  • Spinal issues such as intervertebral disc disease and fibrocartilaginous embolism
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Patella luxation
  • Cruciate ligament tear
  • Post-surgical (including TPLO, amputation, and others)
  • Degenerative myelopathy/neuropathy
  • Sports-related injuries
  • Vestibular disorders
  • Geriatric or end-of-life pain management
  • Obesity
  • Muscle/tendon/ligament injuries
  • Conditioning programs for athletes and working dogs

Therapeutic Modalities May Include:

  • Acupuncture
  • Therapeutic exercise
  • Laser therapy
  • Manual therapy
  • Pain management (supplements, medications, and treatments)
  • Obesity management and nutritional counseling
  • Cold Therapy and Heat Therapy
  • Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy

Is Rehabilitation Only For Dogs?

No! Cats can benefit from rehabilitation for issues including arthritis, neurologic diseases, or post-surgical recovery. We approach cats especially gently with respect to their independent nature, and will often use non-invasive techniques like laser and manual therapy, although many cats do very well with acupuncture. Horses, livestock, small mammals and birds can also benefit from rehabilitation for various conditions. Please contact us for more information!

A “beginner level” therapeutic exercise.
Exercises are progressed to be more challenging as the patient builds strength.

How Do I Get Started?

During rehab appointments, we provide a comprehensive range of beneficial treatments, including laser therapy, acupuncture, massage, stretching, and customized exercises to promote your pet’s recovery and well-being.

Duration: Each appointment typically lasts 60-90 minutes.

We offer two convenient options for your pet’s acupuncture needs:

  1. Home Visits or Farm Calls:
    • Initial Visit: $300
    • Follow-Up Visits: $250 each
  2. Honolulu Office Appointments (1023 Pensacola St. Upstairs, Back side of building, Mauka):
    • Initial Visit: $250
    • Follow-Up Visits: $200 each

Choosing appointments at our office comes with a cost discount, making it a more affordable option for your dog’s rehabilitation journey.

A patient receiving an orthopedic exam during their assessment

Dr. Meghan Barrett is a certified canine rehabilitation therapist, and is also certified in veterinary medical acupuncture. For more information, please contact us! We look forward to hearing from you!

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I'M DR. MEGHAN BARRETT

I’m a veterinarian who has helped thousands of clients take better care of their animals.

I help my clients go beyond mainstream medical care for their pets by offering a wide spectrum of unique specialty services including:
  • Acupuncture
  • Nutrition and Food Therapy Consultations 
  • Physical Rehabilitation
  • Integrative Medicine
  • Western and Chinese Herbs
  • Sound and Vibrational Therapy
  • Aromatherapy

MORE ABOUT ME

  • Acupuncture
  • Nutrition and Food Therapy Consultations 
  • Physical Rehabilitation
  • Integrative Medicine
  • Western and Chinese Herbs
  • Sound and Vibrational Therapy
  • Aromatherapy
I help my clients go beyond mainstream medical care for their pets by offering a wide spectrum of unique specialty services including: 

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