
Conditions for Referral
Neurological
- peripheral neuropathy
- spinal cord injury
- head trauma
- paralysis/paresis
- hemi/laminectomy
- neck/back pain
- gait abnormalities – changes in weight bearing, balance
- intervertebral disc disease
- equipment consult for mobility devices
Orthopedic
- fractures, delayed healing, non-union
- osteoarthritis
- hip dysplasia
- back pain
- cranial cruciate ligament repair (CCL)
- total hip replacement (THR)
- triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO)
- femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHO)
- tendon injuries
- arthrodesis
- amputations
- splinting/orthotics
- contractures, loss of motion
- joint pain or inflammation
- weight management
Lameness
- changes in weight bearing
- muscle atrophy
- weakness
- joint motion limitations
- neuropathy
- pain
Pain Management
- back pain
- post-surgical management
- joint pain- edema, injury, surgery
- muscular, hypertonicity or injury
- wounds, trauma
- some cases of cancer
Performance Issues – racing, service and working animals
- Poor performance
- Lameness
- Exercise/Conditioning/training program consultation
- Soft tissue injury
- Edema, inflammation
- Recovery from injury or surgery- Rehabilitation
- Equipment consultation i.e. Saddle fit
- Horse-Rider Team assessment
- Consultation with other specialists i.e. Farrier, Dentist, Nutrition
Soft Tissue Injury
- muscle, tendon, ligament, fascia – strain or sprain
- muscle atrophy
- joint and muscle contractures
- wound care
- inflammation, edema
Geriatric Issues
- declining strength
- change in mobility or function
- osteoarthritis
Wounds
- Hit by car
- gunshot wounds
- lick granulomas
- surgical: slow healing incisions/dehiscence
- degloving injury
Critical Care
- multiple orthopedic and neurological involvement
- fractures, paralysis
- respiratory complications i.e. pneumonia, atelectasis
- wounds
- pain management
- prevention of pressure sores
- edema
- prevention of soft tissue and joint contractures
- prevention of muscle atrophy
- recovery from surgery- rehabilitation
Oncology
- changes in strength and function
- Home adaptations – ramps, raised bowls, mobility devices, bedding
- Client education: Home Care – massage , range of motion, positioning, lifting,
- pain management