As a non-surgical disease of the spinal cord, rehabilitation has a huge role to play in managing dogs diagnosed with FCE. Following diagnosis, one of our chartered physiotherapists will assess your dog and design a treatment plan unique for them. Maintenance of physical function and prevention of secondary compensatory changes is vital to your dog making good progress throughout the rehabilitation process. The level to which a patient is affected by the FCE will vary from dog to dog. Furthermore, the rate at which a patient progresses will dictate the necessary adjustments to the rehabilitation plan. Ongoing re-evaluation is essential to allow an effective and appropriate treatment course.
Physiotherapy aims
In the initial stage following diagnosis, the aims are as follows:
- Maintain soft tissue flexibility
- Prevent muscle spasm
- Provide sensory stimulation
- Provide supported means of mobility
Depending on your dog’s progress, the aims might then progress to:
- Improving core stability
- Improving body awareness and coordination
- Providing home care management advice
6 weeks on from diagnosis your chartered physiotherapist would aim to:
- Strengthen core stability
- Improve gait pattern
- Increase cardiovascular fitness
- Return to normal functional activities
Physiotherapy options
Correct positioning, massage and stretches can be implemented in the early days. Laser, heat therapy and sensory stimulation techniques complement the healing at this stage. Muscle stimulation is invaluable to maintain “at risk” muscle groups whilst your dog might be recumbent. As your dog improves, an appropriate exercise plan can be used to assist in gait re-education, strengthening and promote balance. In the latter stages, once your dog is recovering well, core stability exercises need advancing as does general cardiovascular fitness. Advice regarding assisting with everyday activities will be given for injury prevention.
The following table gives an example of a rehabilitation plan for a dog recovering from an FCE:*
| Timescale | Physiotherapy aims | Physiotherapy treatment options |
| 0-2 weeks | Reduce potential risk of soft tissue trauma |
|
| Reduce muscular guarding |
| |
|
Increase sensory input and motor activity Possibly gait re-education according to deficits |
| |
| 2-4 weeks | Improve core stability |
|
| Increase sensation and awareness of body position | Proprioceptive-based home exercise programme | |
| Maintain soft tissue length and flexibility |
| |
| Management at home |
| |
| 4-6 weeks | Continue as above | Progression of home exercise programme to challenge balance, body awareness and strength |
| Advice on maintaining controlled exercise when dog is feeling better | ||
| 6 – 12 weeks | Increase exercise tolerance | Increase exercise level, considering land and water-based options |
| Continue to increase core stability | Home exercise programme considering land and water-based exercises | |
| 12 weeks + | Return to full function or establish deficits and advise regarding long-term management. | Progress to off-lead exercise and previous exercise level if appropriate |
*Please note that rehabilitation plans should only be followed under the guidance of a qualified rehabilitation professional, who will be able to provide a tailored plan based on the individual patient’s rehabilitation needs.
Hydrotherapy options
Our underwater treadmill is a useful tool for assisting with gait re-education. The warm water provides support to the patient and allows effective gait training. For generalised strength and cardiovascular fitness, the pool itself might also be employed.
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