Rehabilitation of a Doberman Pinscher with cervical spondylomyelopathy

Abstract

A 12 year old female spayed Doberman Pinscher presented for rehabilitation evaluation in January 2012 with a presumptive diagnosis of cervical spondylomyelopathy. At the time of presentation, the patient was being treated with prednisone and acupuncture. On further evaluation, the patient displayed classical signs of cervical spondylomyelopathy. Based on the physical exam findings and discussion with the owner, a rehabilitation program was designed to provide additional analgesia, improve her strength and balance, and ultimately improve her mobility. The patient was started on a home rehabilitation program that included heat therapy, massage, as well as several stretching, proprioceptive, and strengthening exercises. In-hospital therapy included therapeutic laser, massage, balance and proprioception exercises, and underwater treadmill therapy. The patient achieved maximal mobility on reduced doses of prednisone with in-hospital rehabilitation two to three times per week. This case will be used to discuss the principles behind the techniques and modalities commonly used in canine rehabilitation.