Helping Pets Move Better, Feel Better: Canine Rehab
We see firsthand how rehabilitation can transform a pet’s life. Today, we sat down with Emily, whose 5-year-old Labrador Retriever, Moose, came to us for post-operative rehabilitation after undergoing TPLO surgery to repair a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL).
Q: What led you to seek rehab for Moose after his TPLO?
Emily: “Our vet highly recommended rehab to help Moose recover faster and stronger. I was nervous at first—he’s such a high-energy dog—but after surgery, he was so stiff and clearly uncomfortable. I wanted to do everything I could to get him moving again safely.”
Q: What was your rehab experience like at Two Rivers Vet Hospital?
Emily: “Honestly, it was amazing. From the very first hour-long session, the rehab team made us feel so supported. They used cold laser therapy to help with pain and inflammation, and Moose absolutely loved the underwater treadmill! He could get moving without stressing his healing leg.”
Q: What kind of progress did you see?
Emily: “Within a few weeks, we saw a huge improvement. Moose was putting weight on his leg again and getting his bounce back. His strength and balance improved, and the team even taught us home exercises. After eight weeks, he was practically back to himself—and we felt empowered to keep supporting him.”
Q: Would you recommend canine rehab to others?
Emily: “Absolutely. Whether your dog is recovering from surgery, dealing with arthritis, or just getting older—rehab makes such a difference. I tell every pet parent I know, especially in Fargo where the winters limit activity. This program helped Moose heal, and it gave us peace of mind.”
At Two Rivers Vet Hospital, we welcome canine rehab patients from other clinics too. Whether your dog is recovering from orthopedic surgery like TPLO, dealing with IVDD, obesity, or a neurological condition, we’re here to help.
Appointments typically start with a one-hour weekly session for about 4–6 weeks, and we re-evaluate and adjust from there. Cold laser therapy, our underwater treadmill, and assistive devices like harnesses and wheelchairs are all part of the healing toolkit.
Want to learn more? Click here to schedule your dog's rehab consultation.
