Pet Rehabilitation and Hydrotherapy
Active Paws, Happy Hearts!
Mobility Matters Pet Rehabilitation
Bronte Village Animal Hospital offers an innovative program called Mobility Matters Pet Rehabilitation. This specialized initiative focuses on enhancing the well-being of furry companions by employing a range of cutting-edge treatments. The program encompasses Acupuncture, harnessing the ancient healing art to alleviate pain and promote overall health. Manual therapy, a hands-on approach to address musculoskeletal issues, is employed alongside functional exercise tailored to each pet’s unique needs. Additionally, the use of cold laser therapy aids in reducing inflammation and accelerating tissue repair. One of the highlights of Mobility Matters is the incorporation of an underwater treadmill, providing a low-impact environment for pets to engage in therapeutic exercise, particularly beneficial for those with orthopedic conditions. Through this comprehensive approach, Bronte Village Animal Hospital ensures that every pet receives personalized and effective rehabilitation to regain and maintain optimal mobility and quality of life.

Dr. McGrath’s Story
Dr. McGrath’s rehabilitation journey began in 2012 when she became passionate about aiding pets post cruciate surgery during a time when rehabilitation was just gaining recognition. Over the years, her commitment to enhancing pet well-being has flourished, leading her to acquire certifications in pet rehabilitation, acupuncture, and musculoskeletal ultrasound. Driven by her dedication to keeping pets pain-free and active, she continually adds to her skill set, ensuring she can effectively assist pets with various conditions through the integration of pet acupuncture and diagnostic ultrasound. Through her work, Dr. McGrath, alongside Evan, has positively impacted the lives of thousands of pets, helping them achieve a better quality of life. Clients consistently express gratitude for the exceptional care and compassion their beloved animals receive under their dedicated supervision. The collaborative efforts of Dr. McGrath and Evan have not only advanced the field of pet rehabilitation but have also fostered a deep sense of trust and appreciation within the community. Their commitment to improving the well-being of pets resonates through the countless success stories and satisfied clients who are thankful for the remarkable care provided to their furry companions.
Acupuncture
Manual Therapy
Underwater Treadmill
Functional Exercise
Cold Laser Therapy
Diagnostic Ultrasound
Common Conditions We Treat
Pet rehabilitation is a versatile and beneficial approach that can be applied to various common diseases and conditions in animals. Some of the common diseases and conditions treated by pet rehabilitation include:
Orthopedic Conditions:
- Osteoarthritis
- Hip dysplasia
- Fractures
- Ligament injuries (e.g., cruciate ligament tears)
Neurological Disorders:
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Nerve injuries or paralysis
Postoperative Recovery:
- Rehabilitation after orthopedic surgeries (e.g., joint replacement)
- Recovery from spinal surgeries
- Soft tissue surgeries
Cardiopulmonary Conditions:
- Canine heart disease
- Respiratory conditions
Amputation Rehabilitation:
- Adjustment and rehabilitation after limb amputation
Musculoskeletal Disorders:
- Muscle strains and sprains
- Tendon injuries
- Myositis
Obesity:
- Weight management through exercise and dietary guidance
Geriatric Care:
- Age-related mobility issues
- Cognitive dysfunction syndrome
Pain Management:
- Chronic pain conditions
- Pain associated with various diseases
Rehabilitation for Performance Animals:
- Working dogs (police, search and rescue)
- Athlete dogs (agility, racing)
Pet rehabilitation programs are often customized to address the specific needs and conditions of individual animals, helping them recover and improve their overall quality of life.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture works by bringing the nervous system back into balance and preventing a shift towards the sympathetic branch, which causes tension. This practice activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which lowers anxiety and promotes a sense of well-being. The immune system is thought to be strengthened by increased blood flow to resistant system control centers in the intestines and other bodily areas. Acupuncture targets the fascia layer under the skin and nerve-dense areas of the body to release endorphins from the nervous system and relieve pain related to specific disorders.
Tiny needles are used in acupuncture, which is very well-tolerated by dogs. Additionally, animals generally associate acupuncture with increased well-being. In addition to the calming scent of lavender massage oil, distractions like food rewards are utilized to lessen any potential discomfort, especially for pets aware of where the needles are inserted. Pets can acclimate by starting with fewer needles, and the range of acupuncture points can be increased as needed. Intervertebral disc disease, laryngeal paralysis, degenerative myelopathy, discomfort, and arthritis are among the ailments that are frequently treated.

Manual Therapy
Finding the places where your pet might be experiencing restricted mobility is essential with manual treatment. We examine your pet’s range of motion in its joints and muscle groups during the examination. To improve their function, we use stretching and joint mobilization procedures. Furthermore, we locate trigger sites and use local compression to improve muscle function and blood flow.
Pets with osteophytes (arthritic bone spurs) in their joints may find it challenging to move through their entire range of motion because of discomfort. Our objective is to increase the range of motion prior to any irreversible loss of joint function and subsequent atrophy of the muscles. We attentively monitor your pet’s response during treatment to ensure a pleasant and happy experience. To encourage relaxation, we use lavender massage oil to start the session.

Functional Exercise
Functional exercises are a broad category of exercises designed to improve a person’s strength, flexibility, balance, and range of motion. These exercises are an essential part of many disorders’ therapy regimens. It often surprises pet owners how quickly their animals can use items like a yoga peanut ball or disc to improve general functionality. Pets respond well to positive reinforcement throughout these exercises, which are supervised and overseen by a rehabilitation therapist.

Cold Laser Therapy
Infrared light therapy is a non-invasive, painless procedure that targets tissues beneath the skin to improve blood flow, reduce pain, and hasten the healing process. When the probe is positioned at the skin’s surface, light can enter and influence the cells through photobiomodulation. Cells’ mitochondria react to light photons by producing ATP, which the cells use to improve healing and blood flow. The type of laser affects how long the probe stays in contact with the light, and the wavelength of light is essential for producing the desired effects.
For the affordable, drug-free treatment of pain and injuries, cold laser therapy is an option. Although the laser beeps, your pet might show interest in it, but they won’t hurt them during the process. Certain pets might even develop an eagerness to look forward to receiving their therapy, linking it to a pleasant experience. Over time, the benefits become more noticeable, necessitating weekly or biweekly sessions.

Underwater Treadmill
Pets can benefit from underwater treadmill therapy, a low-impact, efficient form of exercise that uses the buoyancy and resistance of water to improve blood circulation. This novel method lessens the weight a pet must carry on their joints by allowing the water to support them. Using the resistance of the water, one can build muscle and improve endurance as part of a more all-encompassing workout regimen. Regarding degenerative illnesses, pets receiving underwater treadmill therapy frequently benefit from sustained functional benefits and rapid post-surgery recovery.

Diagnostic Ultrasound
Diagnostic ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique increasingly employed in veterinary medicine to assess the internal organs and structures of pets. Utilizing high-frequency sound waves, ultrasound technology provides detailed real-time images, aiding veterinarians in diagnosing various health conditions such as abdominal masses, organ abnormalities, and pregnancy detection in companion animals. Unlike X-rays, ultrasound does not expose the patient to radiation, making it safer for both pets and veterinary staff. Additionally, its versatility allows for examinations of various anatomical regions with minimal stress to the animal. From routine wellness checks to investigating symptoms, diagnostic ultrasound plays a crucial role in providing accurate and timely diagnoses, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being and care of pets.