Back on Their Feet: Animal Rehabilitation In Stevensville, MI

Village Vet is happy to offer animal rehabilitation services courtesy of Dr. Dawn Tulson, who completed her CCAT certification through North Carolina State University. She is excited to bring rehabilitation therapy and all its benefits to the pet families of Southwest Michigan and help your companion get back on their feet once more. Whether your pet has an acute injury, is living with chronic arthritis, or needs help losing weight, Dr. Tulson and our team are here to help!

Our animal rehabilitation services can improve your pet’s health and quality of life. Contact us today to make an appointment.

Types of Animal Rehabilitation Services We Offer

Dr. Tulson can tailor your pet’s rehabilitation program to their unique circumstances and needs. Below are some of the services she can provide.

Animal Rehabilitation Center In Stevensville Mi
Dog Receiving Laser Therapy

Pre- and Post-Surgical Rehab

Pets can benefit from rehab therapy before a surgical procedure, called pre-hab. This can help speed up recovery and lower the risk of injury after surgery. Post-surgery rehab can help pets get back to their normal activity level safely and efficiently, all while having fun!

Weight Loss and Conditioning

Rehabilitation isn't just for post-surgical procedures. It can also play a key role in maintaining a healthy weight for your pet, which can reduce injury to their joints and muscles, especially during the cold months.

Geriatrics

Keeping our beloved older pets mobile and active can help them live a long and happy life. Senior pets that have appropriate and regular exercise can stay mobile longer and reduce the risk of fall injury.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy, or water therapy, involves the use of a water treadmill to improve your pet’s mobility and comfort. Some of the benefits of this treatment include:

  • Allows the water level to be adjusted to suit the patient’s needs
  • Increased proprioception (sense of body position and movement) from having contact with the treadmill belt
  • Helps to re-educate the gait
  • Can alter the speed, which is important in rehabilitation
  • Encourages equal weight-bearing of the limbs
  • Allows for more controlled movement, which is important after surgery
  • Dogs often feel more relaxed when they can touch the floor so they are less likely to panic
Dog In Hydrotherapy Chamber
Dog With Wheelchair

Therapeutic Exercises

Therapeutic exercises involve improving balance, strength, and proprioception by utilizing physio equipment in the clinic. We can also create exercise programs for you and your pet to work on at home between appointments.

Class IV Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that helps pets recover from a wide range of conditions. During treatment, a process called photobiomodulation occurs. This process stimulates the cells' mitochondria (similar to supercharging a battery), promoting blood flow back to the injured area and decreasing inflammation and pain.