Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How can physical therapy help pets in hospice care?
By Downing, Robin·Published in The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice·2011·The Downing Center for Animal Pain Management, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: The role of physical medicine and rehabilitation for patients in palliative and hospice care.
Plain-English summary
Pets in palliative and hospice care are usually dealing with serious, ongoing health issues that can lead to pain and a decline in their ability to move and enjoy life. Using physical therapy and rehabilitation techniques can help improve their comfort and function, especially when combined with pain medications. This approach can even reduce the amount of pain medicine needed to keep them comfortable. Overall, combining physical therapy with medication can help pets feel better and stay more alert.
Abstract
Veterinary patients in palliative and hospice care have progressive and often degenerative diseases that can cause pain as well as loss of function and decreased quality of life. These patients can often benefit from the application of physical medicine and rehabilitation techniques to maximize comfort and function. Physical medicine and rehabilitation are most effective as adjuncts to pharmacologic pain management. Physical medicine and rehabilitation can decrease the doses of analgesics required to keep these patients comfortable. The blend of physical and pharmacologic medicine allows an optimum balance between maximum comfort and maximum mentation.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21601748/