Mobility Aids
The use of adaptive equipment such as splints, carts and slings can help improve a pet’s mobility and quality of life after surgery, trauma, or in cases of neurological disease. Adapting the home environment may help in managing mobility needs as well as minimizing stress/injury to the pet and owner.

Splinting:
Splints are used to provide either stability or mobility to a joint. There are various products and materials used in splinting. Splints provide stability to a joint to allow weight bearing through the limb and facilitate mobility. Pets suffering nerve injuries or neurologic disease often have weakness and sensory loss in their limbs. A splint is often appropriate for these patients. Splints can also provide support to a limb after a fracture, or other orthopedic procedures requiring immobilization. In addition splints can also be used to restore joint mobility and range of motion associated with contractures.

Mobility Carts:
Neurological disease such as degenerative myelopathy, spinal cord injury and disk herniation can result in paralysis or weakness of the limbs and trunk which limits normal walking. Depending on the extent of neurological injury, a mobility cart can be used long term to improve your pet’s independence in walking and improve quality of life. Also carts are often used temporarily while your pet is rehabilitating from a neurological injury. Our rehabilitation specialists can assess the patient and recommend the most appropriate cart to meet his/her specific needs.

Slings:
Various slings and harnesses are available to assist your dog with standing, weight bearing and ambulation. These devices are often used after surgery, with weakness associated neurological conditions or with pain and joint problems associated with arthritis. These devices not only can help your pet’s mobility but ease the workload of the owner.

Environmental Adaptations:
Modified steps, ramps and good flooring are important factors that can help improve your pet’s functional mobility and prevent injury.

Please contact our rehabilitation specialists at 610-696-8712 to discuss how physical rehabilitation may help your feline friend.