While we all strive to provide the very best care for our pets, often the most obvious treatment options are overlooked. Like humans, pets can receive tremendous benefit from a variety of therapies and relaxation techniques. To this end, we have developed a Wellness Center that is second to none.

At The Barkley, our one-of-a-kind Health & Wellness Center is comprised of licensed veterinarians with a wealth of experience in and knowledge of both traditional therapies and alternative modalities. If you are considering a veterinary rehabilitation center, we welcome you to call and get a chance to learn more about our services that the types of treatment options that may be able to help your pet.

What is Animal Rehabilitation?
For many decades now, rehabilitation has been used in human medicine to improve recovery from injury, manage chronic orthopedic disease and treat soft tissue injury. Today, we have come to the realization that the same techniques used in humans can be applied to pets to improve your pet’s quality of life. By applying rehabilitative techniques to pets, we can:

• Shorten recovery from injury or surgery
• Improve endurance, mobility and flexibility
• Reduce the risk of injury for the canine athlete
• Control or eliminate pain from injury, surgery and chronic disease

The type of rehabilitation techniques chosen depends on the type of injury. Most often, combinations of techniques are used to maximize your pet’s potential to return to normal function. Types of techniques used include: Acupuncture, Joint Manipulation, Therapeutic Exercise, Home Exercise Programs, Supplements & Nutritional Education, Orthotics and Prosthetics, Neuromuscular Stimulation and Aquatic Therapy.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the insertion of small, thread-like needles into acupressure points to stimulate nerves, increase blood flow, relieve muscle spasms and to release hormones, including endorphins and cortisol. While many think acupuncture might be painful, the reality is quite the contrary. Often, because of the release of endorphins, pets may actually take a nap during their treatment! Acupuncture can be used to improve or alleviate a variety of health problems, including:

• Skin Problems
• Respiratory problems
• Gastrointestinal Problems (diarrhea/vomiting)
• Muskuloskeletal problems, such as arthritis and disc problems

Massotherapy
Massotherapy involves massage and stretching to expand range of motion, reduce muscle tension and improve circulation of an injured joint or muscle. Commonly used in conjunction with other therapy techniques.

Neuromuscular Stimulation
Neuromuscular Stimulation or “stim” is the use of electrical current to cause a muscle contraction and to build strength. Typically used when muscle atrophy or wasting is of concern – often as the result of long term non-weight bearing.

Hydrotherapy
Revolutionizing animal care, canine hydrotherapy is now recognized as a valuable treatment for dogs recovering from surgery or injury, as well as a safe, enjoyable form of exercise for healthy dogs. It strengthens muscle tone, improves flexibility, increases range of motion and develops cardiovascular strength. It also plays a key role in weight reduction – especially in the arthritic patient where increasing exercise at home can be painful. Swimming, or even just walking in water, gently exercises every muscle of the dog’s body, helping them to rebuild or simply maintain cardiovascular fitness without the danger of injury. At The Barkley, our state-of-the-art hydrotherapy units and indoor pool provides the most advanced water therapy available.

Joint Mobilization
Joint mobilization helps adjust misalignments along the spine, pelvis and other joints in the body. These misalignments can lead to lameness, chronic pain, inflammation and limit range of motion. It decreases swelling and pain in joints, while improving range of motion.

Thermal Therapy
Thermal therapy uses hot and cold techniques to reduce pain, decrease swelling and to relax muscles over injured or healing areas.

Therapeutic Exercise
Therapeutic exercises are targeted to help a specific pet’s problem. This may include: passive range of motion, strengthening and conditioning, weight management programs, weight shifting exercises, or maneuvers to improve neurological feedback where nervous tissue has been damaged.

Supportive Products
The Barkley carries a variety of specialized supportive products and supplements including: specialty beds, harnesses, slings, splints, vests, orthotics and prosthetics.

If you would like to explore if your pet would benefit from rehabilitation, please contact us to discuss your pet’s specifics needs.

Jo Byron, D.V.M.
Jo Byron graduated from Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in Virginia as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. After working in both general medicine and emergency medicine, she decided to focus on veterinary rehabilitation. Dr. Byron received her Acupuncture training and certification from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and completed additional training through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute in Loxahaxee, Florida. Dr. Byron is a member American Veterinary Medical Association, the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association, the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture.

Dr. Byron’s knowledge of veterinary medicine, combined with extensive training in rehabilitative techniques, allows her to thoroughly understand your pet’s needs and to communicate effectively and efficiently with your regular veterinarian. To explore how our Health & Wellness Center may benefit your pet, please contact us to discuss your specific situation.

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