Animal physical therapy

[yuki]

I am not sure if this questions belongs to the forum or another one. So if I am wrong, please move it to other place. I am a physical therapist and now Americal Physical Therapy Association offeres special course which can be taken by licensed PT to become Animal PT. I am very interested in this but course is quite expensive and time consuming. So I don't want to do it just as hobby. I would like to use if. I am woundering how popular animal physical therapists are. Did any of you ever gone to Animal PT? Would you go and pay extra money for that kind of service? Do you know any Animal PTs? I will appreciate any suggestions.

[flyballmom]

Yes, yes and more yes!!! Funny you should mention it now...a friend of mine is a PT and just brought me the current issue of the APTA magazine. This issue is all about animals, with a great article on TPLO rehab written by the PT who works for Alameda East (you know, Emergency Vets on Animal Planet?) Anyway, yes, I have used a PT for my dog. She greatly benefitted from the exercises we were given to strengthen and recondition her for our active lifestyle. We are currently using those same exercises to condition after TPLO #2 with the same great results. I'll be having her re-evaluated again as soon as I can. I believe that anyone who will spend the money to have an expensive surgery such as TPLO, TPO, FHO, etc. would also pay the money for PT to get an optimal outcome. My PT friend who brought me the magazine has become so fascinated by canine rehab that she's considering doing it herself. The name of the PT who saw Charleigh (my Rott) is Tanya Doman. I'm don't think she'd mind if you contacted her-you can reach her thru her website www.animalrehabilitation.com - just scroll down and click on "Contact Us." Tell her Beth and Charleigh sent you.

[Anne]

We also use an animal physio for Sophie after TPLO surgery. This physio and her fiance own a hydrotherapy pool for dogs so we combine both the physio and the hydro.

[Carina43]

I haven't had to use an animal PT, but if the need arose, I most certainly would.

I'm a big believer in therapeutic massage (I get them) and I've actually toyed with the idea of taking courses in animal massage - I imagine in the right market, there could be a big demand for that.

I think it might depend on what sort of area you live in - the local demographics would determine how much business you'd get. Maybe you can call around local vets and see how many of them would refer clients to such a service?

[Anne]

In Australia, there has been no course for Animal physio up until now, one Uni in Aus is now doing a grad course. However our animal physios are all qualified human physios and it appears that one needs to be a fully qualified human physio to be able to do the animal course at the uni. So it's basically a post grad course. Many years of study required to qualify you for human physio first.

[yuki]

Thanks for your replies. It's very helpful. In our area there are no animal physical therapists at all. So I was just woundering if I will start one, will people be willing to spend money. For example they already spend a lot of money for ortho surgery, do they have more to get additional treatment. I talked to vet, she didn't seem that excited about the idea. But I also want to talk to orthopedic surgeon. Also if I will get a degree, it will be not just for dogs but for all kinds of animals: horses, cats, lizards etc. :) Thanks again!

[Mick Trainer]

I could not see you going wrong with this. I use another physio than Anne does but in our area of Australia now they are becoming more common and far more in demand. I would recommend the physio I use at least 4 times every week and she comes to my training centre often to work on dogs. It is now very difficult to get access too her as she is so busy.

Like I said I cannot see that you could possible miss on this idea unless you were completely incompetent.

Mick.

[Carina43]

Yuki, I can't help but laugh at the idea of doing physical therapy with a lizard! :D

That said - I bet the business would be there, I imagine you would want to get to know a number of vets who would refer you. Is there a vet school near you, where surgeries are performed? That would be an excellent resource.

I'm also guessing there would be more business from vets serving more upscale (ie wealthy) clients....I might be off on that one though. I think it's a great idea!

[Mick Trainer]

Where we are most Vets will not recommend the physios as they take business away from them. I would be more looking to get involved with people who have a special interest in their dogs. Trainers, Breeders, Showers, Sports people, working dog people etc. Dogs who perform a function and who see a lot of other dogs.

Mick.

[CajunsMom]

My sister is a PT and has taken the animal PT course. She has been a huge asset to our club's dogs and to us too when we need it ;) .

[yuki]

Thanks for your replies. I will try it. Even if I will not find a good business, it's still good for me and my dogs. May be I will be able to help anybody on this board;)