Rehabilitation
and the "C" word
Kristyn
Richardson, DVM, CCRT
It has
happened. Your dear companion has been diagnosed with cancer. Now what?
For a lot of patients with cancer - human and furry alike -
surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments may be recommended. The
question is: How can I keep them going during this difficult time?
In
human literature, it has been found that mild to moderate physical
rehabilitation is beneficial during recovery and treatments for neoplasia. By moving, a person can experience
improved motion and strength, increased quality of life, decreased pain
and fatigue, and improved lymphatic flow. Even if movement is just
walking around the kitchen or the yard, it is stimulating the body and
can have prolific dividends.
So
that brings the question of whether this is possible with my furry companion.
At this time, there are studies underway to determine that very
thing. But if you think about it, why wouldn’t it help? Moving is
a way to allow your companion to engage and actively be a family
participant. Rehabilitation can help keep a member of the family going,
whether it is a walk around the block, or around the yard.
Through a controlled and focused rehabilitation program, animals can
stay as functional as possible during treatment and allow them to
thrive on the road to recovery.
Take
Sammy for example. A 10-year-old Lab, he had a past history of
progressive arthritis as he got older, and has had issues with his rear
limbs. He presented to us for pain management and strengthening, which
was successful. During one of his appointments, a swelling was noted on
the rear limb that was painful. Further investigation revealed a tumor
in his hind limb and lungs. At that time, recommendations for handling
his neoplasia were discussed, and the
owners chose not to treat. We continued his therapy, but decreased his
exercise to stretches, walks, and gentle weight bearing and
strengthening exercises. Modalities and manual therapy were used
for pain management and to maintain muscle flexibility. So far, he has
been doing well and though the mass on his limb has gotten bigger,
Sammy is still a happy dog with a good quality of life.
Sammy
is one of many dogs that have benefited from massage, exercise,
and pain management when faced with a progressive and invasive foe. Others
can reap the benefits of remaining mobile as well, with an appropriate
rehabilitation program.
CRCG offers veterinary acupuncture, chiropractic and rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation includes hydrotherapy, massage and exercise plans. We
are happy to work with you to define a plan that works for you and your
furry friend to make this challenging time a little easier.
