Canine rehabilitation is a growing field in veterinary medicine that applies physiotherapy principles to dogs. The goal is to address the harmful effects of immobilisation — including muscle wasting, and cartilage, ligament, and bone degeneration. Many of these effects from common conditions and surgeries can be eliminated or significantly reduced by allowing guided, appropriate exercise during periods of restricted activity. Using a combination of manual therapy, home exercise programmes, and specialist modalities, we can increase muscle mass and reduce pain associated with orthopaedic procedures and osteoarthritis. These services are not meant to replace your regular veterinary care — we do not diagnose or prescribe medications.

Your dog may benefit from rehabilitation if any of the following apply:

- Recent TPLO, TTA, or other orthopaedic surgery

- Recent surgery causing pain or reduced mobility

- Your dog is not performing to their usual ability

- A sudden behavioural change that may be linked to pain or injury

- Unexplained weakness that has developed over time

- Diagnosis of "weak hips" or hip dysplasia

- Intermittent lameness in the front or rear limb where x-rays have not provided a clear answer

If you're unsure, get in touch — Tania is happy to advise whether rehabilitation is likely to help your dog.

Intermittent lameness that comes and goes — despite blood tests and x-rays — is an area Tania has particular expertise in. Many vets across the GTA refer their patients to Tania specifically for this type of complex lameness assessment. This team approach, between Tania and your primary vet, provides the most well-rounded experience and the best chance of getting to the root cause and achieving positive results.

No — Canine Wellness Centre uses a land-based rehabilitation philosophy. Tania has developed a bespoke approach centred on manual therapy, modalities, and home exercise programmes that involve you directly in your dog's recovery. When humans recover from hip or knee replacements, they don't use underwater treadmills — Tania applies the same reasoning to canine rehabilitation.