Our Rehabilitation service is provided by our Qualified Senior Veterinary Nurse, Julie, whose interest in rehabilitation began in 2003, when she attended a comprehensive course with Animal Physiotherapist Dr. Helen Nicholson.

 

Rehabilitation involves Julie performing a thorough check of your pet’s joints and muscle groups. Based on the results of this assessment, Julie will establish an individualised protocol of massaging techniques and agility exercises, as well as using heat and cold-pack therapies that you as the owner can easily follow and implement at home. Additionally, Julie will complete range of motion movements to each joint, and she can also help with strength training exercises for any patient who has muscle loss or weakness. All programs are completely tailored to your pet’s unique needs, and written instructions are given for you to practise at home.

 

Pets that can benefit from this service include arthritic pets & post-operative orthopaedic surgical patients such as dogs that have undergone cruciate ligament repairs. Patients with neurological impairments and any pet that has had any sort of injury or accident in the past or present may also benefit from Julie's work.

 

Once one of our veterinary surgeons from Narellan Animal Hospital establishes that your particular pet would benefit from rehabilitation, you can then make a booking with Julie at a time that suits. Please allow approximately 45 minutes for the first thorough appointment with Julie, as she will need to assess your pet and then carry out any exercises and massaging required, making sure you are confident to practise them at home.

 

For complex cases, Julie liaises with Dr. Helen Nicholson, Animal Physiotherapist at the Animal Referral Hospital in Homebush. If your pet needs a rehabilitation program or has been receiving physiotherapy while a patient at the Animal Referral Hospital, Julie can assist Helen with the implementation of the physiotherapy program closer to home here at Narellan Animal Hospital.