FAQ’s

How long is each treatment?
The average facility treatment time is 35 minutes, though this does depend on the case and treatment plan that is developed. The first treatment will be approximately an hour and will include the initial consultation with one of our rehabilitation specialist. Many times our specially tailored Home Therapy Programs™ will be enough to help your dog recover, in which case you are sent home with very specific instructions and then a scheduled follow-up appointment.

What do I need to bring with my dog?
Most of your dog's medical history will be provided in the referral form signed by your veterinarian. Please bring x-rays or other medical records if they are available. If your dog will be swimming, you may want to bring a towel for your car. All dogs will be thoroughly bathed and dried before leaving the facility.

Why is a veterinary referral necessary?
The referral form allows us to notify your veterinarian that your dog will be recieving therapy, as well as inform us of your dog's medical history.

Will I be able to stay with my dog and watch the treatment?
Yes, we encourage owners to stay with their dogs.

How often will my dog need treatments?
The number of treatments needed will vary for every dog. In most cases, it is recommended to begin with two to three sessions per week for two to four weeks, then begin to space the sessions out.

Will I play a part in my dog's recovery?
Yes, it is important that the owner plays an active role in therapy. At TopDog we design individual Home Therapy Programs™ for you and your dog and teach you how to perform them so that you can do it yourself at home.

What benefits can I expect to see with physical rehabilitation and hydrotherapy?
Benefits include decreased pain, increased rate of healing, decreased chance of further injury, and re-established strength, endurance, and range of motion. There will also be improved coordination, limited rest, and restored function.

What conditions benefit from rehabilitation?
Common conditions which benefit from rehabilitation are arthritis, hip and elbow dysplasia, intervertebral disk disease, wound healing, luxated patella, disk degeneration, fibrocartilagenous emboli, degenerative myelopathy, wobblers syndrome, discospondylosis, joint injuries, tendonitis and bursitis, and soft tissue injuries. Post surgical procedures such as arthrodesis, cruciate ligament tear, fracture repair, amputation, hip surgery, OCD, post-laminectomies will aslo benefit, as well as surgical complications including non weight bearing, loss of range of motion, and decreased neurological function.

Will my dog's age affect the outcome of rehabilitation?
At TopDog we believe that age is not a disease. Though older dogs heal and recover at a slightly slower rate than younger dogs, they all equally benefit from the therapies.

What dogs are not candidates for rehabilitation?
Your veterinarian may not recommend rehabilitation for conditions such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, enlarged heart, or congestive heart failure.

Can the treatment plan be adjusted for my dog if it has health related issues which make hydrotherapy or other modalities impossible?
Yes, each treatment plan is created specifically for your dog. There are several options in rehabilitation that will help your dog recover or improve their quality of life without using hydrotherapy or strenuous activities.

For more information on specific therapy options and pricing, contact the TopDog nearest you.