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Hip dysplasia is one of the most common orthopedic conditions affecting dogs. Initially, laxity of the femur leads to subluxation, and subluxation can lead to an abnormal development or to progressive degeneration of the femoral head and dorsal acetabular rim. Osteoarthritis and its clinical impact progress over time. Changes to the femoral head and neck and the acetabulum and the impact on joint motion and pain vary widely among dogs. The rehabilitation of dogs with hip dysplasia includes rehabilitation therapy in dogs managed conservatively and the rehabilitation of dogs managed with surgery., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors report no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Hip dysplasia is among the most common orthopedic conditions affecting dogs. Joint laxity is responsible for abnormal development of the femoral head and acetabulum, leading to excessive wear of the articular cartilage. Wear leads to secondary osteoarthritis. Rehabilitation is either conservative or after surgical management. Conservative rehabilitation therapies are directed at decreasing pain, improving hip range of motion (ROM), and building or maintaining muscle mass. Postoperatively, rehabilitation focuses on decreasing postoperative pain and inflammation, improving comfort and limb use, and protecting the surgical site. Once the patient has healed, rehabilitation is directed at improving ROM and promoting muscle mass., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Cats have orthopedic problems, including osteoarthritis, fractures, and luxations that are positively impacted by physical rehabilitation. Most cats have an independent behavior that requires using a tactful approach to rehabilitation. Cats often do well with manual therapy and electrophysical modalities. Feline rehabilitation sessions may be shorter than canine rehabilitation sessions. Cats do best with therapeutic exercises when these exercises are linked to hunting, playing, or feeding., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Therapeutic exercises are the cornerstone of the rehabilitation programs of companion animals. Therapeutic exercises are used to improve active joint range of motion, to improve weight bearing and limb use, to build strength and muscle mass, and to increase conditioning (eg, endurance, speed). Each case is unique as chronicity, type of injury, patient signalment and temperament, owner compliance, and level of required functional recovery vary widely. Therapeutic exercises are also essential for partial return to work or performance and to learn to perform activities of daily living after injury or surgery., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Optimal function after injury, surgery, or in patients with chronic conditions requires adequate motion in joints, muscles, tendon, fascia, and skin. Range of motion and stretching exercises are commonly used in companion animal rehabilitation programs to maintain or improve motion of musculoskeletal tissues. Range of motion exercises and stretching prevent adhesions from forming, help scar tissue remodeling, may improve muscle tone, and prevent future injury from occurring. Stretching is used to avoid loss of motion or to regain lost joint motion. Stretching is done manually, using external coaptation, or using therapeutic exercises. Careful documentation of range of motion is necessary., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A comprehensive physiotherapy plan for neurology patients manages pain, prevents secondary complications, and supports the health and function of musculoskeletal tissues during recovery. Neurologically impaired patients range in ability from complete immobility (tetraplegia/paraplegia), partial mobility (tetraparesis/paraparesis), mild ataxia, to pain only. Important considerations for the design of a physiotherapy program include access to the patient, level of staff support, and safety of staff, patient, and client during treatments. A thorough overview of the treatment plan and expected outcome should be discussed with the client at the onset of therapy and should be reviewed frequently, particularly as the patient's status changes., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Exoprostheses are devices that are secured to incomplete limbs to enable locomotion. By comparison, orthoses are devices externally applied to support or protect an injured body part. Orthoses also can be used to control, guide, protect, limit motion of, or immobilize an extremity, a joint, or a body segment. Exoprostheses and orthoses are a growing aspect of the physical rehabilitation of companion animals. They require precise design and fabrication. Patients and owners must be trained to use the devices. Exoprostheses and orthoses can have a profound beneficial impact on the mobility and the quality of life of companion animals., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Patients who have total joint arthroplasty have varying needs related to rehabilitation. In the short term, rehabilitation should be used in all dogs to identify high-risk patients and to minimize the likelihood of postoperative complications. Many patients undergoing total hip replacement recover uneventfully without needing long-term physiotherapy. All patients undergoing total knee replacement and total elbow replacement need rehabilitation to restore limb use and maximize their functional recovery. This article presents rehabilitation considerations for companion animals undergoing total hip replacement, total knee replacement, and total elbow replacement; postoperative complications and how to mitigate risks; and anticipated patient outcomes., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Deciding on which supportive device, orthotic, or prosthetic is best suited for a given patient is a complex process involving many different factors. The ability to manage biomechanical abnormalities successfully may be enhanced by an understanding of the properties of the various materials that comprise these devices, their effect on functional performance, and other associated patient factors. Veterinary health care providers are faced with the challenge of effectively addressing the physiologic and fiscal needs of the patient in a rapidly changing patient care environment.

Owners and trainers exercise sporting dogs to increase their fitness and optimize their conditioning and performance. Training is designed to in-crease strength, endurance, and agility and is sport-specific. Sporting dogs are susceptible to specific musculoskeletal injuries. The rehabilitation of sporting dogs after these injuries follows specific principles during the acute, subacute, and reconditioning periods.

Setting up rehabilitation services presents several challenges to the veterinary practitioner. Members of the rehabilitation team need to have a solid knowledge base of acute and chronic orthopedic and neurologic disorders and a knowledge of rehabilitation principles and applications. The working environment has to be adapted to patients with limited mobility, specific equipment and supplies are to be used, and a fee structure should be implemented. This article reviews these logistic aspects of companion animal rehabilitation.

Physical therapy is a profession with an established scientific basis in human beings and companion animals. It has a large number of clinical applications in the restoration, maintenance, and promotion of optimal physical function. In providing physical therapy, the goal is to restore, maintain, and promote optimal function, optimal fitness, wellness, and quality of life as they relate to movement disorders and health. A major emphasis is to prevent or minimize the onset, clinical signs, and progression of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities that may result from diseases, disorders, conditions, and injuries.