At VHRC we treat many different types of orthopedic and neurological problems. Listed below are some of the more common conditions that we treat, in addition to more complex and unusual cases.

Arthritis of the Hips

Arthritis (degenerative joint disease) is a result of cartilage degeneration and may occur with old age or an underlying joint condition such as cruciate ligament tears, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, etc. Arthritis is a progressive disease that results in cartilage loss, inflammation, pain, and the loss of strength, muscle mass, and normal mobility. It is best to treat arthritis when it first presents itself in an effort to slow its progression and to prevent muscle atrophy, the loss of flexibility, and loss of normal function. Some of the more common signs of arthritis include "bunny hopping", stiffness when getting up, and lameness. At VHRC we treat arthritic patients with a variety of therapies that include underwater treadmill, joint mobilizations, anti-inflammatories, Adequan injections, supplements, stretching, heat and cold therapy, Pulsed Signal Therapy, acupuncture, and massage.

Intervertebral Disc Disease is caused by degeneration of the discs, or cushions, that are located between each vertebra from the neck through the tail. These discs can protrude or herniate and result in spinal cord compression and inflammation. Clinical signs may include pain, difficulty walking or weakness, or paralysis. Depending on the severity of the disease, surgery may be needed to alleviate the compression on the spinal cord. Rehab can help to alleviate pain and muscle spasms, and help regain mobility and return to normal function. Treatments may include acupuncture, ice/heat, land treadmill, underwater treadmill, supplements, anti-inflammatories, therapeutic ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and massage.

Discospondylitis is an infection of the intervertebral disc, in conjunction with infection of the bone of adjacent vertebrae. The infection is usually secondary to an infection located in another part of the body, such as the urinary bladder. The most common clinical signs are neck or back pain, neurological deficits, and signs of systemic infection (fever, decreased appetite). Standard treatment consists of antibiotics, pain management, and potentially surgery. At VHRC we may treat using acupuncture, whirlpool, massage, cold therapy, Pulsed Signal Therapy, gentle touch, and stretching.

Muscle Injury or Strain may occur during strenuous activity. A strain occurs when muscle fibers are stretched or torn. Mild cases may result in complete healing with little medical intervention. More severe cases, if left untreated, could result in the formation of fibrosis (scar tissue) at the injury site, which could lead to sub-optimal mobility and pain. Common clinical signs include lameness and the reluctance to move 12-24 hours after strenuous exercise. Treatments may include pain management, acupuncture, heat/cold therapy, massage, Pulsed Signal Therapy, and therapeutic ultrasound.

Fibrocartilagenous Emboli (FCE) occurs when herniated disc material makes its way into the blood vessels going to the spinal cord, cutting off circulation to a localized area of the spinal cord. FCE's can result in neurological deficits and paralysis, which usually improve over time. Animals with FCE's may get better on their own, but can take weeks to months for recovery. Rehab helps to decrease their recovery time and improves their chances of returning to normal function. Our treatment plan may include underwater treadmill therapy, acupuncture, antioxidants, assisted ambulation exercises, weight bearing exercises, and more.

Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon, which attaches muscle to bone. Tendonitis is common in athletic dogs performing high impact exercises. Biceps and supraspinatus tendinopathies are some of the more common types seen at VHRC. Tendonitis can result in a recurrent lameness and usually cannot be detected on x-rays, unless calcification within the tendon is present. Palpation of the affected tendon usually results in a pain response. Diagnosis may be based upon physical exam, clinical signs, lack of radiographic abnormalities, and MRI. Treatment may include rest, cold/heat, therapeutic ultrasound, Ionto Patches, Pulsed Signal Therapy, cross fiber massage, and a slow introduction back to exercise.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia is a developmental condition affecting the hip joint (a ball and socket joint) and results in a "loose fit" between the femoral head (the ball) and the acetabulum (the socket). The "loose fit" can result in a hip that becomes luxated (out of joint) and can be very painful. Over time, hip dysplasia leads to arthritis as a result of joint instability. Pain, stiffness, gait changes, and decreased mobility result. Depending on the severity of the disease, its chronicity, and clinical signs, surgery may be indicated. Rehab alone can return quality of life and mobility to many animals with hip dysplasia and alleviate the need for surgery. Treatments may include passive range of motion, massage, ice/heat, underwater treadmill, land treadmill, Pulsed Signal Therapy, Adequan injections, and a home-exercise plan.

Limb Deformities is an area of special interest for Dr. Danoff after having shared her home with two dogs born with limb deformities (an Anatolian Shepherd and a Black Lab Mix). Because there are an unlimited number of possible deformities, many of which are unique to a particular animal, it requires careful evaluation and sometimes research in developing the right plan of action. Our goal is to ensure long-term quality of life and mobility. Depending upon the nature and severity of the deformity, our treatment plan may include soft or rigid braces, prosthetics, carts, and supplements, in conjunction with an exercise plan.

Neuropathy is a broad category for a variety of neurological problems, and include paralysis, peripheral nerve damage (sciatic neuropathy, radial nerve or brachial plexus injuries), hypothyroidism neuropathy, and degenerative myelopathy. Our treatment plan may include assisted ambulation and weight bearing exercises, proprioceptive training, balance work, leg braces, sensory stimulation, strengthening exercises, underwater treadmill, acupuncture, and neuromuscular stimulation.

Post-Surgical patients are commonly treated at VHRC and include cruciate ligament repairs, total hip replacements, fracture repairs, back and neck surgeries, femoral head and neck ostectomies (FHO's), patella luxations, elbow surgery/arthroscopy, and others. The actual treatment plan depends upon the nature of the condition and severity of clinical signs, but may include underwater treadmill therapy, stretching and passive range of motion, cold/heat therapy, Pulsed Signal Therapy, Adequan injections, massage, weight bearing exercises, assisted ambulation, and strengthening exercises.